Interesting Facts from Appalachian Voices

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The lifeblood of the Appalachian region lies in its clean mountain streams, which in turn provides the drinking water for millions of people who live downstream. Water is magic.

Unfortunately, for residents of places like Prenter Hollow, W.Va., their water — which should be some of the purest in the United States — pollution from pumping coal slurry into abandoned underground mines is causing sickness and even death. From mountaintop removal coal mining to the unregulated disposal of coal ash, the lifecycle of burning coal for electricity is polluting our water.

We have to stand up together in the fight for a clean water future because all live downstream. Our members give us the resources we need to address these and other serious environmental threats to our region. Join us in the fight today!

Hellbent on Saving Appalachia

Did you know the Eastern hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, can breathe through its skin?

This formidable looking creature with almost prehistoric appeal is the largest aquatic salamander in the United States, affectionately known as the snot otter, devil dog or Appalachian alligator. Averaging 12 to 15 inches long, Hellbenders are primarily found in the eastern Appalachian mountains. The hellbender can live for more than 30 years in ideal conditions, but breathe entirely through their skin, making them extremely sensitive to pollution and siltation, and therefore very important indicators of water quality.

Read more about the hellbender, and join us in the fight to protect their waters!