Appalachia is known for many things, including its beautiful landscapes. Flora and fauna flourish in these mountains, creating an incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. If you’ve ever gone on a hike within these mountains, or even taken a simple stroll down the street, you may come across a variety of animals. We…
Category: Appalachia
Alpha-Gal Syndrome in the Appalachian Region
Appalachia is known for many things, and one of those is their beautiful mountain ranges. People near and far will hike these mountains, finding enjoyment in the wilderness. However, there is a rising threat within Appalachia; the Lone Star Tick. What is the Lone Star Tick? The Lone Star Tick…
The Legend of the Wampus Cat in Appalachia
The Legend of the Wampus Cat in Appalachia The Appalachian Mountains are home to a variety of cultural identities, resulting in a wonderful mix of traditions. Many people within and outside of Appalachia are familiar with the folklore of the mountains; but where do these mysteries originate? Migration to the…
The Last Mountain
By CJ Jent Appalachian Activism In 2011, Bill Haney released the documentary “The Last Mountain.” This documentary, however, does not take the usual route of interviews and retelling events in the past. The film follows activists in West Virginia as they fight the start of mountain top removal mining…
Appalachia
The Opioid Crisis in Appalachia: Who Should Be Held Responsible?
Introduction When most people think about Appalachia, they think of mountains, small towns, and coal mining. But for many people who live there, the opioid crisis has become one of the biggest problems the region has ever faced. Thousands of families have been affected by addiction, overdoses, and the loss…
Appalachian Memes and Comics
by CJ Jent https://iiseagrant.org/species-spotlight-hellbender/ image credit
“Restoration” is a Myth in Appalachia: Coal Company Cryptids
Reintroducing Elk in Kentucky When you think of Kentucky, do you think of one of the largest herds of elk in east of the Mississippi river? In the late 90s, Kentucky began the largest elk restoration any state had. The dedicated area spans over forty million acres in 16 counties….
Pushed Out: Minorities in Appalachia
Who is leaving such a beautiful place? Many regions of Appalachia are experiencing slowing population growth. Generally, the population is aging as younger people move to urban areas outside of Appalachia. While some minorities will stay or move back, the idea that your existence is a burden to your community…