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Guest Columnists

CURRENT Guest Columnists

The Mountain Q&A – Dr. Melissa Baker: Director of Virginia State Parks

She leads Virginia State Parks, the first state in the nation to open a system of parks. “From the mountains to the piedmont, you can get just about anything you want in Virginia.”

The Mountain Q&A – Lindsey Gallaher: President of The Museum of Appalachia

This granddaughter of Museum of Appalachia founder John Rice Irwin now leads the 54-year-old East Tennessee museum, keeping the stories alive and showing visitors how people of Southern Appalachia lived in the 1800s.

The Mountain Q&A – John Blenko: President of Blenko Glass in Milton, West Virginia

John Blenko is the fourth generation to lead this 131-year-old company in making hand-blown glass popular throughout the world.

The Mountain Q&A – Tom Bailey: Executive Director of the Southern Highland Craft Guild

Tom Bailey is leading the second-oldest craft organization in America toward its 100th birthday with big dreams for its future in multiple locations.

The Mountain Q&A – Kasey Krouse: Tree Advocate Wears Many Hats

Knoxville’s urban forester since 2012 promotes the benefits of trees while growing the region’s tree canopy. He was educated at Purdue and, with his wife, Beth, is the father of two young daughters.

Current Issue

Virginia State Parks Director, Dr. Melissa Baker

The Mountain Q&A – Dr. Melissa Baker: Director of Virginia State Parks

She leads Virginia State Parks, the first state in the nation to open a system of parks. “From the mountains to the piedmont, you can get just about anything you want in Virginia.”
Lindsey Gallaher

The Mountain Q&A – Lindsey Gallaher: President of The Museum of Appalachia

This granddaughter of Museum of Appalachia founder John Rice Irwin now leads the 54-year-old East Tennessee museum, keeping the stories alive and showing visitors how people of Southern Appalachia lived in the 1800s.
99cf05e8-cec5-11ef-b165-12163087a831-Blenko-Glass-President-John-Blenko

The Mountain Q&A – John Blenko: President of Blenko Glass in Milton, West Virginia

John Blenko is the fourth generation to lead this 131-year-old company in making hand-blown glass popular throughout the world.
44ca52dc-9879-11ef-9a5f-12163087a831-t

The Mountain Q&A – Tom Bailey: Executive Director of the Southern Highland Craft Guild

Tom Bailey is leading the second-oldest craft organization in America toward its 100th birthday with big dreams for its future in multiple locations.
1e7cab66-7137-11ef-aad4-12163087a831-Kasey-with-Leaf

The Mountain Q&A – Kasey Krouse: Tree Advocate Wears Many Hats

Knoxville’s urban forester since 2012 promotes the benefits of trees while growing the region’s tree canopy. He was educated at Purdue and, with his wife, Beth, is the father of two young daughters.
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Departments

At Coopers Rock State Forest, new Stargazer cabins invite guests to look up through skylights and telescopes.
Country Roads

Even Closer to Almost Heaven

New Stargazer cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest offer a skyward escape in the mountains of West Virginia.

June 29, 2026
©Duncan Seaman
Country Roads

A Mountain Tradition Turns 90 

Visitors flock to Galax, Virginia, each summer for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, a days-long celebration of Appalachian music.

June 29, 2026
Synchronous Fireflies
Creature Feature

The Light Fantastic

Fireflies are struggling with the effects of artificial light.

June 29, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS