In Floyd County, KY, residents have faced severe flooding and economic decline. They realized that being resilient after disasters is no longer good enough. Now they are aiming to be prosilient which to them means, “learning from every setback, building back stronger, and turning adversity into opportunity.” Through this effort they are developing long-term solutions that include:…
This blog was written by Susana Lein of Salamander Springs Farm Salamander Springs Farm sits on a ridge of the Appalachian foothills south of Berea, Kentucky. Totally off-grid, it relies on a very small solar electric system, gravity-fed spring water with a few small rainwater catchments, a DIY compost toilet and self-built infrastructure. The farm…
Authored by Anna Wheeler, Grants and Data Manager, Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition This article was written by a resident of Lansing, North Carolina. Learn about the community’s ongoing effort to recover from Hurricane Helene at lansingbtr.org, and please consider donating to support local recovery efforts here. Lansing is a rural town in the Blue Ridge…
This blog was written by Blaise Reader III, Arts & Culture Associate, ReImagine Appalachia Appalachia is a region of resilience. The people of these hills and hollers remain steadfast through tight local bonds and values. In response to an increase in natural disasters in states like Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina, many Appalachian artists…
We are excited to announce the formation of our Workforce Working Group (WWG). The WWG takes into account the workforce aspects that present across CAN’s work and puts a specific lens and focus on the development of the people and places that impact the region’s capacity for workforce expansion. As this group evolves announcements will be made for…
“The genesis of our story is like many people’s, which was the start of the pandemic.” Rebecca and Scott Ramsey were located in Colorado where they were experiencing food shortages in the midst of the pandemic. When they started to see the grocery store shelves become empty with two children at home, it made them…
Sandra Ballew Barnes, CAN participant and Fresh Rx Coordinator, shares about one of Community Farm Alliance’s (CFA) successful produce prescription programs – Fresh Rx for Moms. This program provides local grown produce to expectant mothers who are on medicaid. It was piloted in Western Kentucky and through a USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP),…
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN) Fall Leadership Retreat took place on Thursday November 7th until Friday November 8th 2024 as an in-person gathering at the Ohio University Innovation Center in Athens Ohio. Facilitated by Emily Carlson of Open Circle Studio with an equity session led by Tanya Torp, the retreat allowed the CAN Leadership Team…
We are pleased to share the Market Analysis from Downstream Strategies. This analysis includes detailed recommendations for each of our Working Groups. CAN Market Analysis There was also an in-depth report done specifically for our Clean Energy Working Group. Check it out! CEWG Market Analysis
Beginning Farmer Working Group (BFWG) participant, Weston Lombard, presented on Solid Ground Farm and its apprenticeship program during BFWG’s June virtual meeting. Solid Ground Farm is a small-scale diversified, sustainable farm and community center in Millfield, Ohio. They host youth outdoor adventure and education programs, sustainable living workshops, school field trips, farm tours, and sustainable…