Archive for the ‘why Appalachia’ Category

« Older Entries

Appalachian Fall Foliage

Friday, October 21st, 2011

According to Rodney Bartgis of West Virginia’s Nature Conservancy, “The Central and Southern Appalachians support the most diverse temperate deciduous forests on earth”.

For those of you like me who had to look it up, deciduous means the leaves fall off the trees when winter comes.

As all of you who live here or have visited between about mid-September and the 3rd week of October know the days are starting to get shorter and cold fronts start moving through dropping the temps.

According to Science Made Simple this tells the leaves to bail but before they do the cholorophyll in the leaf disappears allowing us to see the small amount of yellow, red, or orange that was green with chlorophyll all summer.

For me, it’s a time of the year where it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road or the trail or keep your body in the office.  Here’s a couple of recommendations for getting out of the office and enjoying fall from a few of this years fall forays:

  • Take a road bike (or drive) to the parkway portion of the Highland Scenic Highway in Pocohontas County, WV, one of West Virginia’s signature byways, which rolls on for 22.5 miles where elevations reach 4,545 feet, commercial traffic is prohibited, the max. speed is 45 mpg, and 4 spectacular overlooks await you.

 

 

 

 

Take a drive on one of West Virginia’s many Scenic Byways

 

 

 

What about you?  Got any recommendations of places to enjoy fall foliage in Appalachia?

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

Fall Flavors in Appalachia

Sunday, October 9th, 2011

So you know some reasons why Fall is so awesome in Appalachia right – foliage, perfect weather, awesome whitewater, but one part of the equation that I think gets little recognition is the delicious fall dishes and libations that present themselves during the fall harvest.  Here’s a few of my favorites.

  • Lets start with the obvious – Octoberfest!  This fall I’m satisfying my thirst with a keg of Octoberfest from our local brewery – Bridge Brew Works.  I’m guessing many of you have a local brewery brewing up this seasonal brew.
  • Pumpkin soup – get a pumpkin at the farmers market.  My wife makes a mean pumpkin soup each year in mid October.  Goes great with a pork loin.  Seek out a local hog farmer for some fresh, flavorful pork.  Just do a google search for pumpkin soup and you’ll find lots of good recipes.
  • Pumpkin pie, of course.  I stopped by Wildflour Bakery this week on a morning stroll through Fayetteville for a big chunk of pumpkin pie crumb  cake.  Now I can end my fall day with pumkin pie and start it.
  • Chili – I use the recipe in the Whitegrass cookbook and add some ground beef from a local farm and sweet potatoes which gives it a fall flavor.  Like chili?  Then you’ll want to stick around after Bridge Day for downtown Fayetteville’s Chili Cookoff where you’ll find a wide variety of recipes.
  • Speaking of Octoberfest, for a sampling of a variety of seasonal libations find an Octoberfest celebration like the one in Bramwell, WV where you can drink good beer and tour Bramwell’s Millionaire Row Historic District.

How about you.  What’s your favorite Appalachian fall flavor?

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | 2 Comments »

Commemorate the Civil War in Appalachia

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

This year is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.  Yeah, I know, that’s a big word that really rolls off the tongue.  I had to look it up too.  It’s the 150th anniversary of the War that changed our nation and led to the creation of our beloved state of West Virginia.

If you didn’t know it, West Virginia was born of the Civil War on June 20th, 1863 as Union sympathizers were granted statehood by President Abraham Lincoln.  We celebrated West Virginia’s 148th birthday earlier this week.

During a recent visit to Shepherdstown, WV we crossed the Potomac River into Maryland to visit Antietam National Battlefield.  It’s the site of the bloodiest one day battle in American history.  It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you stand in the middle of those fields where 23,000 Americans lost their lives.  The Union victory led President Abraham Lincoln’s preliminary issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

I was honored to be asked to be a part of a team that reviewed stories for an ARC Map Guide of Appalachia titled “Civil War: The Home Front” which was developed not only to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War but also to boost tourism in Appalachia by revealing lesser know stories and sites on the home front that were affected by war.  The stories are awe-inspiring, many of them bringing an overwhelming sense of emotion from the horrors and realities of the Civil War and its affect on the people of Appalachia.

Civil War-related special events are planned across West Virginia this year in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the war.

  • June 25: A reenactment and commemoration of the battle at Corrick’s Ford is planned in the Tucker County community of Parsons.
  • July 6: The First Campaign Tour begins at Beverly in Randolph County with stops at Philippi, Laurel Hill, Rich Mountain and Cheat View Fort.
  • July 9-11: A reenactment and commemoration of the Battle of Rich Mountain is scheduled near Beverly.
  • July 15: Living history and Battle of Barboursville reenactment activities are scheduled in the Cabell County community.
  • Aug. 5: A Battle of Laurel Hill reenactment is planned at Belington in Barbour County.
  • Sept. 10: Carnifex Ferry State Park, near Summersville, will be hosting a reenactment event.
  • Oct. 15-16: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will host the program “In the Shadows of John Brown – The 1861 Battle of Bolivar Heights.”
  • Oct. 24: West Virginia Independence Hall will host a 2 p.m. program, “To Be or Not to Be a State – The Public Vote on West Virginia Statehood.” Participants will be able to cast their vote on the issue.
  • Nov. 4: Guyandotte Days includes a Civil War skirmish in the streets of the Huntington neighborhood.
  • Nov. 26: A program, “To Guide Our New State: The West Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1861” begins at noon at West Virginia Independence Hall.
  • Key events of the Civil War and West Virginia’s statehood will be presented by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History during Sesquicentennial Mondays at the Culture Center in Charleston. The programs will take place on the first Monday of every month in the West Virginia State Museum at the State Capitol Complex. The museum is closed on Mondays the rest of the month. The programs are free, open to the public and suitable for all ages.

We’re planning a trip to Gettysburg National Military Park later this year often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, it was the war’s bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties and the setting for President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”.

When you’re out experiencing Appalachia look for eateries like Puccini Restaurant outside of Cumberland, MD which served as a hospital during the Civil War.  If you ask to check out the attic you’ll find carvings on the walls from soldiers recovering from battle wounds.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation CW 150 blog has a lot of great info as well.

See you on the trail!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

Appalachian Summer Festivals

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Summer festivals that highlight the natural, cultural, and historic resources of Appalachia are a great way to get out and experience Appalachia this summer.  Here’s a few that are on our wish list.

  • Love Mountain Bluegrass Festival – Royal Oaks, VA, Bluegrass, Old Time Strings, Gospel Grass
  • 4th of July Bluegrass Festival at Snowshoe Mtn. – the Wild Rumpus, Black Mountain Bluegrass Band, Halftime String Band and the Del McCoury Band
  • Floyd Fandango – July 2 & 3 Floyd, VA – Celebrating Independence Day the Independent way- with music, mountains, and craft beer
  • Bramwell Oktoberfest – Bramwell, WV October 8th – “Do not cease to drink beer, to eat, to intoxicate thyself, to make love, and to celebrate the good days.”
  • Mountain Dance and Folk Festival – August 4-6 in Asheville, NC – showcase performances by hundreds of the Southern Appalachians’ best traditional mountain musicians and dancers.

See you there?  Any others on your wish list?

Tags: , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

Earth Day 2011 in Fayetteville, WV

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

TGA is a Board Member of the Fayette County, WV Green Advisory Team.  This past Saturday was the 6th annual Earth Day festival organized by the Green Advisory Team and local volunteers.

Citizens, families, and tourists turned out on a beautiful day to promote sustainability and celebrate Earth Day.

As well as soaking up the full array of entertainment and games, festival-goers learned about recycling, composting, alternative energy, water conservation, sustainability and reducing their ecological footprint.

The celebration’s official theme, “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle,” also draws attention to the Green Advisory Team’s recycling initiative.

“We’re really hoping to educate the public on the idea of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,’ and get that message out to them  — that they can recycle in Fayette County,” said Aimee Rist, celebration coordinator.

Rist explained that Earth Day is a natural fit for communities already so closely connected to the land, like many in Fayette County.

“Rural communities are the original ‘green’ communities,” said Rist. “We are in a rural area, and this is where we can do a lot because we already take care of the land.”

The Earth Day Celebration made it clear that honoring the earth can often be pure fun. The celebration featured family-friendly activities, such as a kids’ zone with an inflatable play center and climbing wall, carnival games, face-painting, wildflower planting, chalk area, sing-along, and interactive water demonstration.

Live music came from three great local bands – The Boatmen, The Wild Rumpus, and The Half Bad Bluegrass Band.  A bake sale and a slew of local vendors lined the streets and filled the courthouse lawn.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

What’s Your Strategy?

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

TGA’s mission is to support, promote, and demonstrate sustainable tourism in Appalachia.

A strategy is defined as “the art of devising or employing plans or stratagems toward a goal”.

When I started TGA 5 years ago I was hired to help develop the most effective strategy for sustainable tourism in West Virginia.

When I committed myself to this end and started grad school back in 2002 The United Nations General Assembly had declared 2002 as The International Year of Ecotourism to offer an opportunity to review ecotourism experiences worldwide, in order to consolidate tools and institutional frameworks that ensure its sustainable development in the future, maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits from ecotourism, and avoid its past shortcomings and negative impacts.

Well, I can’t say that actually happened as they planned and since then a number of strategies and buzzwords have appeared from green travel to sustainable tourism to responsible travel to geotourism.  Not to mention the proliferation of certification programs that have been created of varying scope, complexity, and cost.

It’s really quite confusing oftentimes for me as a “professional” in the field, not to mention the responsible traveler who simply wants to do the right thing when they’re traveling and readily find the information they’re looking for from a credible source.

We here in West Virginia have tried to sift through all of this and done quite a bit of head scratching.  We’re putting together a multi-faceted approach that I’m pretty excited about.  Here’s a summary of our plan of attack.

Destination Stewardship

The West Virginia Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council is collaborating with the National Geographic Society to use their Geotourism platform to educate destination leadership on the Geotourism Principles.

NGS says “If communities in attrac­tive locations do not control their own tourism development, chances are that somebody else will.  Making a town or region an attractive, sus­tainable destination is a complex business involving local government, civic organizations, private businesses, as well as external organizations.

In geotourism, “more” is not always better; high quality is bet­ter. Beneficial tourists create more revenue and appreciate the distinc­tiveness of place, supporting local character and pride. Geotourism is about making each place better in its own way.

Adopting a geotourism strategy does not instantly turn a place into a geotourism destination. Doing so requires four parallel types of activity: defining, sustaining, developing, and marketing geo­tourism assets.”

We are encouraging destination leadership to create a tourism management strategy under the following categories to serve as a regional roadmap for stewardship.

  • Aesthetics
  • Environment
  • Interpretation/Tourist Education
  • Tourism Management
  • Community Interaction

The WVSTAC will help destinations along the way with guidance, assessments, and focus group planning sessions.  WVSTAC includes representatives from niche tourism initiatives such as cultural heritage tourism, culinary tourism, arts, green, etc.  We hope the Geotourism initiative can serve as an umbrella for these niches to give them additional support, recognition, and promotion.

Authentic Travel Experiences

We plan to begin developing an online Geotourism Website in 2011 to allow local residents to highlight the sites, attractions, businesses, or activities that are somehow distinctive to West Virginia.

A local dish, a vista or building with a historic story to tell, a traditional event, a place where you can see a rare bird, a local type of craft or clothing—these are all geotourism assets.  West Virginia has stories to tell, many of them unrealized and under-appreciated.  Geotourism thrives on such distinc­tiveness:  What makes West Virginia unique?

When tourists visit West Virginia, they need to have an interesting, enjoyable time exploring and learning about this amazing place. Their interest creates an opportunity for community entrepreneurs and organizations to share existing or potential assets that reflect and further develop the character of the place.

NGS and the WVSTAC will work with regional destination leadership to help them understand how to engage stakeholders in the Website nomination process and how to gain maximum benefit from the Website.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure

With many states developing their own version of a green travel certification program, most of them checklist based (check off current green actions or activities, earn the minimum number of points, and you’re in) it would seem redundant to create yet another one, yet we felt there was a need to create a program driven by a recognized benchmarking system.

TGA partnered with E3Check, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and the West Virginia Division of Tourism to develop a benchmarking system for West Virginia travel and tourism organizations.  itravelgreen® is currently in pilot phase in West Virginia.

itravelgreen® uses the enviroIndex™ Sustainability Rating System to assess, on a numerical scale, the relative impacts of key economic, environmental, and social performance indicators.

The enviroIndex™ Sustainability Rating System uses two types of performance indicators:

1)    Measures – An organization’s sustainability levels by using direct Measures of its current impact on energy, water, and waste; and,

2)    Inventories – How well an organization is operated and maintained to ensure long-term sustainability through using Inventories of actions and facilities related to communication, energy saving, water saving, waste reduction, local involvement, purchasing, transportation, natural environment, and built environment.

Look for a revamped website and additional marketing features coming out soon as pilot participants complete the itravelgreen® enviroIndex™ Sustainability Registration Form and Rating Tool.

Go, Do, Share

As John Muir put it -

“Go! Drop it and Go! Go to the beauty of life that is free and open to everyone.  Go and just be there in it, as a part of it… Breathe Life deeply. Live!”

We try to Drop it and Go as often as possible, hope you enjoy reading about our Appalachian adventures via Twitter, Facebook or on the TGA blog, and invite you to share some of yours.

What do you think of this strategy?  Make sense?  Any suggestions?

See you on the trail.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, Inspiration, why Appalachia | No Comments »

Why Fall Is Awesome In Appalachia

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Fall foliage in WV courtesy of Matterhorn Marketing and Poorman Photo

I recently received a link to a blog from an international travel organization about autumn travel destinations to explore in the “low season”.  With South Korea, Belarus, Berezinsky, Bolivia, and Tanzania among the destinations listed I couldn’t help but wonder why not Appalachia?

Now don’t get me wrong, these destinations sound like amazing places to explore but I can honestly say there is no place in the world I’d rather be in the fall than Appalachia.  There is so much to do and see within 100 miles of my home in Fayetteville, West Virginia that I often have to convince myself of the need to go any further.

Considering that Appalachia is withing 500 miles of 2/3 of the US population it’s likely that you too can experience fall in Appalachia within a days drive.

Here’s a few reasons why:

  • Foliage – when the single largest contiguous stand of mixed deciduous forest stops producing chlorophyll the resulting color palette it displays is absolutely amazing to experience.  One of my favorite places to view fall foliage is the Highlands Scenic Highway in West Virginia.  You’ll find byways like this where you can take a slow drive, walk, or bike ride from Maine to Georgia.  There’s hotspots in Asheville, NC and Vermont.
  • Football – tailgating, beer, food, friends.  You just can’t beat the atmosphere rooting on your local team.
  • Festivals – you’ll find them all over Appalachia celebrating autumn food, beer, and traditions like Oktoberfest in Bramwell, WV.
  • Food – I love fall food.  Stock up on pumpkins, squash, and other autumn delicacies at your local farmers market.  Pumpkin soup is my favorite.  What’s your favorite taste of fall?
  • Weather – I don’t know how many autumn days I find myself saying “this is the perfect temperature”.  70′s and 80′s in September and 50′s and 60′s by late October make perfect temps for paddling, hiking, biking, or just sitting on a rock in the sun.
  • Whitewater – fall paddling is amazing in Appalachia.  World class whitewater combined with fall foliage and perfect temps.  Numerous rivers offer fall releases like the Gauley, Russell Fork, and Youghiogheny.  You can also paddle calmer water on lakes and streams throughout Appalachia.

It’s early November and most of the leaves are down in West Virginia.  Winter is rapidly approaching but looks like a few more weeks of mild temps.  You might still find some leaves on the trees in southern Appalachia.

So, if you found yourself in South Korea, Belarus, Berezinsky, Bolivia, or Tanzania this fall I hope you had a great trip.  Maybe we’ll see you in Appalachia next fall?  It’s not too early to start planning a trip for next year and remember to travel responsibly.

pumpkin soup

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

Why I Love The Gauley River!

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Paddle a little squirly kayak that makes your hips and toes feel like they’re in a vice, try to do some tricks, hit a big wave, flip over, try to roll up in very tumultuous water. Sounds like fun, right? Crazy? Maybe. To me it’s a thrill and a challenge I am very fortunate to have been able to experience for the past 15 years.

For six weekends each fall the US Army Corps of Engineers releases 2800 cfs of water from Summersville Dam that flows through the Gauley River National Recreation Area forming over 100 class III-V rapids of world class whitewater.

The 2010 season came to a conclusion this past weekend. In the midst of a busy work schedule and a young family I was fortunate to get 8 great days of paddling in this year on the Upper G. I can vividly remember my first run in a kayak and how nervous I was. I must say each run is just as thrilling as the first. I guess that’s why I keep going back.

Here’s some footage of Sweets Falls (the last big rapid).  That’s me in the green helmet.

Paddling is what brought me to West Virginia.  I hope to be able to do it for a long, long time.  While paddling is what got me here, it didn’t take me long to realize that yes, West Virginia has some of the most amazing rivers and whitewater in the world, but it also has history and culture and other outdoor experiences.  This plays out around the Gauley River.  I realize and appreciate this more and more each year.  Here’s a few examples.

  • History – it abounds (all the way back to 13,000 BC).  Logging, railroads, coal, the Civil War battle of Carnifex Ferry, the creation of Summersville (Gad) Dam – to whitewater rafting and kayaking.  Absolutely unique and amazing!
  • Appalachian culture – you can experience it on the road from the take-out to the put-in.  You’ll pass trailers, beautiful mountain vistas, pastoral scenes, goats, chickens, churches, a mine site, little old ladies, loud trucks, farm tractors, junk cars, raft busses.  And at the end of the day you won’t have to go far to find someone playing a banjo or fiddle.
  • The beauty of nature in Appalachia – park your car at Carnifex Ferry State Park and after learning the history of the Civil War battle you can hike a steep and rocky trail to the rivers edge at Pillow Rock rapid and enjoy the sites and sounds of the river and some fall foliage along the trail.  Numerous other trails and overlooks provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and just enjoying the quiet beauty of nature in Appalachia.

So I hope you see that there’s something for everyone during Gauley Season. Whether you’re an adventurist who enjoys Class V paddling or a history buff or just like a good hike I invite you to make a reservation for Gauley Season 2011. I can’t wait. See  you there.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

There’s Treasure Buried In Them Mountains

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

by Kristina Sandi

Around 5,000 years ago, a root was discovered in the mountains of northern China that was believed to strengthen the soul, invigorate the body, and prolong life. Chinese emperors cherished it so much that they were willing to pay for the root with its weight in gold. Such high demand for the root encouraged a flourishing industry of trade and export in the region, that would eventually cause the virtual extinction of the plant in Asia.

Asia or Applachia? This Koren ginseng farm looks strikingly similar to those found around here.(photo:flickr/lilywuyu)

This root, which we know as ginseng, grows wild throughout the Southern Appalachian region. The ancient healer, which craves shade, is especially plentiful in the heavily forested hills of West Virginia, and continues to carry a high value. We are now in the heart of ginseng harvesting season, which by legal definition runs from September 1 to November 30, and many West Virginians are heading to the hills to uncover the treasure that is buried beneath them.

Appalachians have been hunting and selling ginseng for over 200 years as a way to earn extra cash when times are hard. The practice, which is commonly referred to as “sengin’,” has traditionally surged when coal miners were on strike and when unemployment rates were high. I have read many accounts of families hunting and selling ginseng to buy their children school clothing in the fall.

A pound of dried ginseng can sell for up to $500, and dollar for pound it is probably one of the most valuable natural resources in Appalachia. Though ginseng can be cultivated/farmed, the wild form is what buyers are really after. “Stress rings” give the root its market value, and are nearly impossible to cultivate. The rings, which are visible to the trained eye, are formed as the root pushes through soil just compact enough to provide the right resistance. The ancient, nutrient-rich soil of West Virginia provides the perfect environment for this process.

Due to the high demand for ginseng in recent years, and its long maturation period, it is becoming increasingly hard to find. Even though it grows well in West Virginia, it takes a skilled and experienced hunter to find it, and prime hunting areas are often well guarded secrets. The root resembles many other forest plants and must be dug with great caution so that it is not damaged.

Ginseng is hard to find and can be easily confused with many other forest plants. (photo: flickr/Mandie)

Experienced hunters are able to find and dig ginseng with the knowledge and skill that comes from centuries of interaction with the elusive plant. Strategies on hunting the root are passed down from generation to generation, and Appalachians take pride in their abilities and their finds.  If you want to get your hands on some ginseng this season, I suggest that you don’t go searching for it yourself unless you really know what you’re doing. After hearing rumors that wild ginseng grew in the forests behind my parents Western Maryland home, I tried hunting for some myself. After hours of mistaking countless plants for ginseng, I came home empty handed. Not only is it hard to find, it must be delicately handled and diggers must follow strict laws.

Fortunately for amateurs like me there’s regional ginseng farms that are open to the public where you can talk to the experts and view and sample the real stuff.  Here are just a few that I found:

-Harding’s Ginseng Farm in Friendsville, MD not only sells ginseng root, they also offer ginseng growing kits, all kinds of herbal products, and even ginseng wine!

-Shady Oaks Ginseng Farm in Poca, WV grows ginseng roots in “wild simulated” style, meaning it will have the look and quality of the wild variety.

-Catoctin Mountain Botanicals in Frederick, MD specializes in ginseng rootlets, seeds, and nursery stock.

-Eagle Feather Farm in Marshall, NC is home to the North Carolina Ginseng and Goldenseal Company and offers books, videos, classes, apprenticeships, and tours that teach natural ways of growing beneficial herbs like ginseng! You can even stay overnight in their rustic cabin rental.

Harvesting ginseng has become a recognized and standardized industry here in West Virginia, and there is no doubting its economic significance. Most importantly, however, it is a vibrant cultural tradition that reminds us of the strong ties that exist between rural Appalachians and their mountains and hollers.  It grows wild under the shade of large trees and can be cultivated in the same manner with minimal impact to our majestic forests.  That’s pretty cool!

Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | 1 Comment »

Kristina Sandi Joins TGA!

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

I wish more students were like Kristina Sandi, a recent WVU graduate, read on and you’ll see why.  Kinda reminds me of myself 10 years ago.

I was in my sophomore year studying anthropology at West Virginia University when a message popped up in my email advertising a new “Ecotourism certificate” program for interested students through The International Ecotourism Society. Though I had never heard of the term “ecotourism” before, I knew I liked traveling and I was very environmentally minded so I decided to click on it. Little did I know that split second decision to click on a random link would change my life forever- and ultimately lead me to find the one thing I feel I may have been born to do.

This certification program-a combination of classes, a study abroad trip, and an internship experience- is what lead me to Travel Green Appalachia and Doug Arbogast’s campaign to promote sustainable tourism development in the region. Though the romanticism of the tourism industry draws many students abroad, I knew I wanted to work in Appalachia. I wanted to use my knowledge of sustainable tourism to develop the region I grew up in and benefit the communities I have become emotionally attached to. I have done some extensive traveling for my age. I have lived in Costa Rica, wandered throughout Central and South America, and have studied tourism in the South Pacific. Despite the allure of far away places, I am deeply interested in supporting and developing green travel in the home where my heart is-Appalachia.

The Appalachian mountains are among the oldest mountains on earth and are home to more species of plants and animals than anywhere on earth outside of the tropical rainforests. The people who live here share a rich and beautiful culture almost as old as the mountains themselves. The Appalachians hold many secrets that have yet to be discovered, but the constant battle with extractive industries is irrevocably destroying our natural environment.

Communities around the region remain loyal subjects to the economic returns of “King Coal” because no other industry has yet to provide the same levels of employment. I want to help develop sustainable tourism in Appalachia so that our economy can grow from an industry that will allow our natural resources to be around for future generations. If tourism is planned correctly, it can have a positive influence on the economy as well as the environmental and socio-cultural resources of Appalachia.

Tourism, as the second biggest money generator in West Virginia, has the potential to surpass the coal industry as the mainstay of our economy. I believe the same thing could happen for many other states in the region. Green travel, in particular, can foster deep emotional connections between the travel destination and the traveler. If we can just share the beauty of this region with visitors from the around the world and send them home with a notion of the true spirit of Appalachia, people will understand why this place is worth protecting. Appalachia needs our help and through sustainable tourism development we can raise the awareness needed to bring green industries to our region.

So, you can see why I called Doug to see if I could help.  I think his response was “hell yeah, when can you start”.  I need to complete 400 hours of internship to fulfill the requirements to receive my Ecotourism certificate from The International Ecotourism Society.  I love to write so you’ll be seeing some blog posts from me including travelogues (I love to travel around Appalachia too, so here’s a chance to do both, pretty cool).

The only issue in my contract we’re still working out is the babysitting clause but I think we’ll come to some agreeable terms.

Thanks for listening!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Blog, why Appalachia | No Comments »

« Older Entries