On this episode of Appalachian Livin’, we talk to Maria Gunnoe via video call.

Maria is a well known as a local advocate from Boone County, West Virginia. Her family has lived in they West Virginia Mountains for generations. So, of course, she comes from a long line of coal miners. During this episode we talk about our collective experiences as local, environmental advocates in an extraction state. We talk about our love for the mountains and the choices of living here, that we all have to make. We recorded this before the holidays, so keep that in mind. Thanks os much for listening!!

Maria Gunnoe’s Honors and Appearances

• In 2005, Gunnoe received the Environmental Courage Award from the West Virginia Environmental Council.[4]
• In 2006, Gunnoe received the Callaway Award for her organizing efforts in her southern West Virginia community.[11]
• In 2007, she also received the David Vs. Goliath Award from the Rainforest Action Network.[4]
• In 2009 Gunnoe received the Goldman Environmental Prize, which is the second time an environmentalist has been awarded a Goldman Prize for fighting coal mining operations in West Virginia. In 2003, Julia Bonds won a Goldman for opposing the controversial practice of mountaintop removal in Appalachia.[1][12]
• In October 2012, Gunnoe received the University of Michigan's Wallenberg Medal, and was the first person to receive the award for environmentalist work.[3][8]