Topic: Sustainability

The campus and local community celebrated Appalachian State University’s 120-year legacy of educational leadership with the second annual Founders Day celebration Sept. 5. The day included dedication of the Lillie Shull Dougherty statue, the ringing of the Founders Bell, a panel discussion with past leaders, and research by faculty, staff and students.

This could be the year when the Western North Carolina mountains get their “traditional” fabulous fall foliage, according to local leaf color prognosticators. Dr. Howard Neufeld, professor of plant eco-physiology at Appalachian State University said many people rate a “good” fall season based on the vibrancy of the reds – the black gums, red oaks, sourwoods, red maples.

More than 100 ponds and landfills containing coal ash lie in areas FEMA has designated as high-risk flood zones, according to a POLITICO analysis. Adding climate change to the mix presents “a major issue,” said Ellen Cowan, a scientist at Appalachian State University who has studied coal ash spills across the country.

“A chance meeting at a conference in October 2016 with author and climate activist Jeff Biggers, who for years has been sounding the call for more climate storytellers, inspired me to establish and co-lead the Climate Stories Collaborative.” — Laura England.