Feature Writing
Farewell Interns
Originally published for A Rocha USA, June 2024
“The changing of seasons can symbolize new beginnings. That is certainly the case for our latest Conservation Internship cohort, for whom the start of summer brings a close to their nine-month residency. Learn more about their next steps below!”
Climate in Crisis: Finding Hope & Taking Action
Originally published for A Rocha USA, May 2024
“If you are anything like me, you start your day by checking your email. You receive the latest headlines in those emails – some good, some bad. But the bad news sticks with you. Like this one from Environment by Impact, stating that February 2024 “was the hottest February in recorded history, making it the 9th month in a row we’ve seen record-breaking temperatures”. A feeling of doom takes over, and looking at the clock, you realize you’ve only been awake for five minutes. ”
Song of Springtime:
Golden-cheeked Warbler
Originally published for A Rocha USA, May 2024
“Known for its distinctive black-and-gold plumage and beautiful calls, the arrival of the Golden-cheeked Warbler signifies springtime in Central Texas. In late March, male Golden-cheeked Warblers are first to arrive at their nesting grounds in the Texas Hill Country, establishing territories while perched underneath the canopy cover provided by old-growth juniper-oak woodlands. ”
Creature Feature: Get to Know the Atlantic Mole Crab
Originally published for A Rocha USA, March 2024
“Atlantic Mole Crabs are harmless creatures that live in colonies where the waves wash over the beaches, known as the swash zone. They are uniquely adapted to live in this relentless environment of constant movement and changing tides. ”
Cultivating Wonder: Introducing Wild Wonder
Originally published for A Rocha USA, February 2024
“Wild Wonder helps children learn and wonder about God and nature, get outside, and spark their imaginations as they explore God’s good creation. Created by A Rocha USA, Wild Wonder is a Vacation Bible School (VBS) style curriculum designed for children aged 4-10.
For more information on Wild Wonder, we invite you to check out A Rocha USA’s interactive StoryMap. A StoryMap is a visual-driven and web-based application that tells a story by combining text, maps, music, photos, and other content. The A Rocha USA team has previously utilized this application to demonstrate our Conservation Programs work in Florida and Central Texas and we are happy to now introduce Wild Wonder!”
International Coastal Cleanup Day: Creating Waters of Hope
Originally published for A Rocha USA, August 2023
Join A Rocha USA in the world’s largest volunteer effort to remove trash from waterways. Founded by the Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup Day mobilizes over 200,000 people every year to restore beaches and waterways. Join The Marine Conservation Program as we reduce plastic pollution and help create Waters of Hope this September 16th.
Despite the coastal name, even if you do not live near a beach, you can still get involved! Much of the debris in the ocean began its journey inland, transported by rain from land and rivers to the oceans. This makes picking up trash wherever you are so important, whether that be at your local waterways or highway.
Celebrating the Impacts of One Year of Picnics en el Arroyo
Originally published for A Rocha USA, July 2023
In May of 2023, our Central Texas team hit a significant milestone – one whole year of Picnics en el Arroyo, an A Rocha USA program that hosts outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities for Spanish-speaking families in Austin, Texas. Learn more about the impact of Picnics en el Arroyo through A Rocha USA’s interactive StoryMap.
While most participating families rated spending time in nature as very important, they also expressed having barriers, such as limited money and lack of information in their native language, that prevent them from spending more time outdoors.
The community-wide impact of these events is demonstrated through the positive feedback received in surveys from participating families. One participant stated, “Picnics en el Arroyo has given me the opportunity to discover incredible places!"
Love Your Place: A Dynamic Online Community
Originally published for A Rocha USA, July 2023
“People find their way to A Rocha and are excited to discover a story of Christians caring for creation,” starts Jenna Henderson, A Rocha USA’s Director of National Programs. “They want to get connected, but our country is huge. If you don’t live near a conservation project, it’s been a challenge to get involved.”
This challenge also presents an opportunity. Creation care needs to be done, and can be done, everywhere. There are ways, both small and large, that people can practice conservation wherever they happen to live.
Love Your Place is a dynamic online community where members interact by sharing their own experiences and questions. It's also a place to connect to A Rocha's biodiversity conservation work.
Creature Feature: Get to Know the American Horseshoe Crab
Originally published for A Rocha USA, June 2022
“Horseshoe crabs have been around for more than 400 million years, making them a living fossil. But despite their name, horseshoe crabs are more closely related to ticks, scorpions, and spiders than crabs.
There are four species of horseshoe crabs – Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Tachypleus gigas, Tachypleus tridentatus, Limulus polyphemus. However, the latter species, known commonly as the American Horseshoe Crab, is the only horseshoe crab found outside of Asia.
The American Horseshoe Crab, also known as the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab, lives throughout the Atlantic Coast of the United States, spanning from Maine to Florida. It can also be found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. The specific marine habitat requirements for the Horseshoe Crab changes throughout their lifecycle; from coastal embayments for eggs and larvae with some adults traveling to the edge of the continental shelf and others living everywhere in between.”
Wild Wonder: Connecting kids with nature and Creator
Originally published for A Rocha USA, April 2023
“As part of A Rocha USA’s commitment to environmental education, Wild Wonder Camp curriculum was designed to help children learn and wonder about God and nature, get kids outside, and spark their imaginations as they learn and explore.
Research on children overwhelmingly suggests that they are spending less time outdoors, have high amounts of screen time, and are simply not benefiting from meaningful engagement with nature.
Wild Wonder helps churches engage elementary school-aged children in the places they live and understand their role as active participants in creation. This idea was first born at Santa Margarita Community Church in California and developed in partnership with several churches including Church of the Redeemer in Nashville. The camp is now operating in over 60 churches each year and growing nationally.”
Meet The Interns: Marine Conservation Program
Originally published for A Rocha USA, March 2023
“The Marine Conservation Internship Program based in Titusville, Florida, hosts interns in support of A Rocha USA’s marine conservation work through a nine-month residency, with opportunities to visit other A Rocha projects in the USA and Canada. Meet our current Marine Conservation Interns below!”
God Uses Small Things
Originally published for A Rocha USA, February 2023
“Throughout the Bible, God uses small things to accomplish big plans. We see this in the famous tale of David and Goliath. David selected five small pebbles, such a small and insignificant object alone. But David’s faith in God allowed him to accomplish what seemed impossible. Through God, David was able to defeat the giant and save Israel from the Philistines.
Around the world, A Rocha communities wield small things to make a big impact, whether providing resources for rural communities or studying endangered species. A Rocha’s new short film, “Am I Too Small To Make A Difference?” highlights the work of our worldwide community and demonstrates that taking even small actions can make a significant impact.”
Retirement Community Finds Deeper Social Connection Through My Neighbor’s Voice
Originally published for My Neighbors Voice, November 2022
“We had pretty much run the gauntlet of subjects we could discuss and the timing was perfect for us to find a new method of people socializing and having conversations and this is when we heard about My Neighbor’s Voice from another resident.”
Pomona Hope Q&A with Dr. Mark McReynolds
Originally published for A Rocha USA, November 2022
“Pomona Hope is a Christian ministry that is focused on after school enrichment for students grades 2-8 and serves mostly Hispanic families from low-income areas in Pomona, California.
Kids do homework, have gym time, a snack or meal, and an instructional workshop. Workshop topics vary, but there is always one Bible study workshop during the week. Mentors and volunteers are often high school graduates, college students, and adults from the area.”
A Place at the Table
Originally published for A Rocha USA, October 2022
“Available in the United States now, “A Place at the Table: Faith, Hope and Hospitality” is a profound reflection on hospitality and the transformative power of community. This book, written by A Rocha’s late co-founder Miranda Harris and her daughter, A Rocha International Director of Communications Jo Swinney, explores these themes in the context of many stories of A Rocha tables around the world.”
International Coastal Cleanup Day – Creating Waters of Hope
Originally published for A Rocha USA, August 2022
“Join A Rocha USA in the world’s largest volunteer effort to remove trash from waterways. Founded by the Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup Day mobilizes over 200,000 people every year to restore beaches and waterways. Join The Marine Conservation Program as we reduce plastic pollution and create waters of hope this September 17th.”
Celebrating Mack Prichard, A Tennessee Conservation Leader
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, July 2020
“If you had to find an individual who’s been at the forefront of the conservation movement in Tennessee, it would be Mack Prichard,” begins Rick Phelps, co-founder of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and a former board member at Appalachian Voices. He first met Prichard back in the 1960s on a hike sponsored by the Sierra Club.”
Making Music, One Instrument at a Time
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, December 2019
“In Appalachia, stringed instruments are closely tied to the traditional bluegrass music the region is known for. The word “luthier” refers to someone who builds or repairs stringed instruments, and comes from the French word “luth.” Luthiery has deep roots in the southern mountains. According to the Appalachian School of Luthiery, the first dulcimers made by James Edward “Uncle Ed” Thomas appeared in Hindman, Ky., in 1871. Since then, the craft has been a staple in the region.”
Hip Hop in Appalachia
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, December 2019
“Hip hop may not be the first genre that comes to mind when people think of Appalachian music, but the region’s scene has been growing for decades, largely due to the groundwork laid by pioneering artists. These artists not only built a rap scene in the area, but addressed local topics that give the listener a personal connection to the music.”
The Intelligence of Slime Mold
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, October 2019
“Scientists have found that a brainless, single-celled organism is capable of solving mazes and even learning.
This remarkable organism is broadly known as slime mold, though there are many kinds.
Researchers from the Smokies All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory recorded at least 230 species of myxomycetes — a type of slime mold with one cell surrounded by membranes and a nucleus — within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With about 1,000 known myxomycetes species worldwide, the Smokies hold nearly a quarter of the known global population, according to Steve Stephenson, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Arkansas.”
Member Spotlight: Vesta Jean Lenhart
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2019
“There’s no doubt in Vesta Jean Lenhart’s mind that she inherited her desire to preserve mountains from the destruction she saw as a child.
“Early on as a small child, I witnessed the devastating effects of coal on the people and the land,” says Vesta Jean.”
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Meet the Marvelous World of Odonata
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2019
“Flashy and colorful, dragonflies and damselflies are named not for their beauty but for their ferocity. Both types of winged bugs are members of an order of carnivorous insects called Odonata, derived from the Greek term for tooth, which the insects have on their mandibles. In North America, there are nearly 500 species of Odonata and 241 of those species reside in the Southeast.”
Cynthia and Emily Grimes
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2019
Written for The Whitewater Spirit: Women Making a Difference
“In 1982, Cynthia Grimes and her husband were seeking more whitewater kayaking experiences and joined the Bluegrass Wildwater Association, Inc., a Kentucky organization that supports river recreation and wilderness waterways. She continued to paddle when she was pregnant with her daughter, Emily Grimes, who says she “grew up in parking lots at the Ocoee and Gauley.”
Emily Shanblatt
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2019
Written for The Whitewater Spirit: Women Making a Difference
“Emily Shanblatt began whitewater kayaking as a Warren Wilson College student in 2007 on a trip down the Class II Tuckasegee River.
“The feeling of maneuvering amongst the chaos of the waves and the current, learning how to read the water, and the exhilaration of just a few unexpected splashes in the face had me hooked,” says Shanblatt.”
Bethany Overfield
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2019
Written for The Whitewater Spirit: Women Making a Difference
“More than a decade ago, Bethany Overfield saw a flyer for a kayaking clinic on the Nolichucky River. She had just lost her mother, had a long-term relationship end and was feeling lost. In her first year of kayaking, she racked up 150 days on the water.
“The thing that hooked me was the release I felt when I was on the water,” says Overfield. “I didn’t have time to think about anything that was going on in my life; I could only think about eddy hopping and making my way down the river, and that came as an immense relief to me.”
Member Spotlight: Brian McAllister
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, February 2019
“Being out in the mountains not only provides you with physical activity, it also is good for your mental health. It’s a great way to reduce stress, you just feel better after spending a day in nature,” says Johnson City, Tenn., resident Brian McAllister.
“That’s one of the reasons the fight against mountaintop removal [coal mining] is so important,” he continues. “We need to ensure we don’t destroy these irreplaceable habitats for non-sustainable energy production and profit for few at the expense of many.”
Retired Southwest Virginia Couple Goes Solar
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, October 2018
“On a sunny November afternoon, Kathy Selvage stood in her yard in Wise, Va. Selvage pointed to a house just up the hill from her own, where her mother lived until her passing in 2015, and described her vision of putting solar panels on the roof. Her mother relocated to that house after Kathy’s childhood home, which was a quarter mile away, was sold to a coal company and ultimately demolished.”
Elk Knob Art Trail Celebrates Nature and Creativity
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, October 2018
“In June, 15 Appalachian State University students in Scott Ludwig’s Relief Printmaking course hand-printed, engraved and painted wood blocks to display along the Beech Tree Trail, an easy 1-mile loop within Elk Knob State Park in Todd, N.C. The new artwork is designed for all ages and includes colorful flowers and animals. Local potter Jimmy Savely of Ashe County also provided several pieces featuring native plants.”
A Journey Through the Daniel Boone National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
“With its signature red cliffs, deep hemlock groves, sky-spanning stone arches and towering hardwood trees, the Daniel Boone National Forest receives its fair share of visitors annually. The more than 708,000-acre forest is composed of four districts in Eastern Kentucky and is a popular destination for outdoor adventure and experiencing nature.”
Mount Pleasant
George Washington National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“In the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area of George Washington National Forest near Buena Vista, Va., the summit of Mount Pleasant offers a breathtaking sunrise and sunset destination for hikers and beginning backpackers.
This 4.7-mile loop marked by blue blazes follows the Henry Lanum Memorial Trail, traversing Pompey Mountain before reaching the summit of Mount Pleasant.”
Harper Creek Falls
Pisgah National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“In the Harper Creek Wilderness Study Area of Pisgah National Forest near Collettsville, N.C., the 50-foot Harper Creek Falls cascades over slanted rocks.
One way to see the falls is through a fairly easy 1.75-mile hike on the Harper Creek Trail. When the trail splits, take the Raider Camp trail on the left, and go left again to see Harper Creek Falls from above. There is an unofficial scramble trail to the base of the falls and a popular swimming hole.”
Auxier Area Trails
Daniel Boone National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“Daniel Boone National Forest’s Red River Gorge Geological Area is a popular recreation destination for hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, hunting and fishing. This area is spectacular in its natural sandstone cliffs and rock formations.
The Auxier Ridge Trail near Slade, Ky., leads hikers 2.1 miles along a narrow ridge that ends with sweeping views of the gorge, including Haystack Rock, Auxier Branch and the Double Arch. From here, hikers can follow the Courthouse Rock Trail through forests and across streams. This leads back to the Auxier Ridge Trail and the parking area for a total of three miles.”
Yellow Branch Falls & Other Waterfalls
Sumter National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“The Andrew Pickens Ranger District of Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, S.C., contains multiple gorgeous waterfalls.
Yellow Branch Falls Trail, a moderately difficult three-mile round-trip path, leads to its namesake waterfall, a 50-foot scenic cascade.
The Andrew Pickens district is also home to Brasstown Falls, Big Bend Falls, King Creek Falls, Lee Falls, Long Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Opossum Creek Falls, Pigpen Falls, Riley Moore Falls, Spoonauger Falls, Miuka Falls, Station Cove Falls and Station Creek Falls.”
Monroe Outlook
Wayne National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“Just outside Glouster, Ohio, in Wayne National Forest lies an area known for panoramic views and wildlife watching.
The Monroe Outlook is close to the parking lot and offers 360-degree views for bird-watching or seeing wildflowers and fall foliage, depending on the season. Nearby is the Monroe Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile trail developed for walkers to view wildlife in early successional habitats, which contains grasses, shrubs and tree saplings. Animals such as ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, black bears, rabbits and white-tailed deer may be found in this area.”
Poplar Lick Trail
Savage River State Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“At over 54,000 acres, Grantsville’s Savage River State Forest is the largest state forest in Maryland and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with designated areas for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and off-road vehicles.
The Poplar Lick Trail is a moderate 6-mile path on the remains of a 1934 Civilian Conservation Corps roadway that offers hiking, biking and primitive camping.”
Raven Cliff Falls
Chattahoochee National Forest
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, August 2018
Written for Hidden Treasures #6
“Chattahoochee National Forest in Helen, Ga. shelters a lush forest, moss-lined trout stream and a beautiful waterfall for those willing to find it.
The Raven Cliff Falls Trail is a moderate, out-and-back hike that is great for families and dogs. The trail, which is 2.5 miles each way, begins at the parking area and follows Dodd Creek upstream through the Raven Cliff Wilderness. Two miles in, the sound of rushing water is evident as the falls become visible through angled, 40-foot-tall granite cliffs.”
Mike McKinney
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2018
“Growing up in Orlando, Fla., during the construction of Disney World had a major impact on Mike McKinney.
Seeing his hometown transform from a lush natural area to an urban development strengthened his appreciation for the environment. He went on to pursue degrees in biology, geology and environmental science, and earned a Ph.D. in geology and ecology from Yale University.”
Book review: Our Native Bees
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2018
Written for Meet Appalachia’s Pollinators
“One day, gardener, geologist and now author Paige Embry learned of a surprising fact: honeybees can’t pollinate tomatoes. Embry read that honeybees — which are imported from Europe — cannot perform buzz pollination. This is a process where a bee holds onto a flower and vibrates certain muscles that shake pollen out of the plant. This discovery launched Embry’s multiyear obsession about the more than 4,000 species of other pollinators, specifically bees that are native to North America. The result informed “Our Native Bees,” a nature book published in February 2018.”
Meet Appalachia’s Pollinators
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2018
“Long before Europeans brought honeybees to North America, native bees pollinated much of the continent’s plants. According to the U.S. Forest Service, native bees are more efficient pollinators of native crops. This is due to their unique ability to perform buzz pollination, a process where a bee uses a rapid vibration movement to loosen pollen. This allows them to pollinate pumpkins, cherries, blueberries or cranberries, among others.”
Appalachian Beekeepers Protect Honeybee Health
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, June 2018
Written for Meet Appalachia’s Pollinators
“Richard Reid began beekeeping in Blacksburg, Va., in 1973 when his landlord asked him to tend to a few hives on the property. To learn the practice, Reid took classes from an entomologist at Virginia Tech. Now, he owns and operates Happy Hollow Honey, which consists of 100 to 250 colonies.”
Journey to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, April 2018
“One of my first memories at Jones Gap State Park was testing the pH of the Middle Saluda River on an elementary school field trip. This nature-based education made an impression, furthering an appreciation of the outdoors my parents had instilled in me. Our class trip was part of the Discover Carolina program, which provides education on forest and river ecology for South Carolina public schools.”
Lungless Salamanders, Shrinking Habitat
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, April 2018
“Climate change can cause salamanders’ range to shrink, according to Loyola University Chicago biology professor Joseph Milanovich.
Milanovich studied the largest group of salamanders, a lungless genus known as Plethodon, and focused on the Appalachian Highlands. The 2010 study projected significant declines in suitable habitat within the region as early as 2020, with the more southerly distributed Plethodons experiencing at least a 20 percent range reduction if climate change was not mitigated.”
Bruce Gould and Kate McClory
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, February 2018
“Bruce Gould and Kate McClory are self-proclaimed “tree-huggers.” Although both are from the Boston area originally, the couple has lived in Richmond, Va., since 1980. Kate got her first taste of nature at Girl Scout camp. Now, she says, their connection to nature comes from walking the trails near the James River, which they can see from their house. “Even though we live in the city, we get to really experience nature every day,” says Kate.”
Contaminated: Drinking Water Problems in Appalachia
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, February 2018
A collection of stories written for Thirsting for Change
“Leigh-Anne Krometis, associate professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering, began studying the use of Appalachian roadside springs for drinking water in 2016 to determine whether they could be a public health risk.
Krometis studied how often and why people collect drinking water from 19 springs across five states: West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Her research suggests that an average of five people collect water from each spring daily. Krometis left short surveys with pre-addressed envelopes for visitors at six locations.”
Community Organizing Amid Destructive Mining
Originally published for The Appalachian Voice, December 2017
“In 2000, Pat Jervis, a high school teacher in Wise County, Va., received notice of the Kelly Branch Surface Mine permit in front of his mother’s home. He appealed to government agencies to challenge Meg Lynn Coal’s permit to mine and began meeting with other community members who were concerned about the impacts of surface mining.
Although the mine’s permits were granted in 2000 and Kelly Branch moved forward, the citizens were still engaged in monitoring environmental threats. In 2007, this group became the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, a nonprofit organization whose goals are to stop surface coal mining from destroying their neighborhoods, to improve the quality of life in the area and to help rebuild sustainable communities.”