Appalachia Meets World Episode 107 - Dark Skies (Tourism) in Appalachia with Dr. Jeff Bary

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the "Hillbilly Astrophysicist" - Dr. Jeff Bary - a professor at Colgate University and proud Appalachian born and raised in Welch, WV.  As an astronomer, Dr. Bary is working to reclaim our connection to the night sky and preserving its darkness for future generations.  As an Appalachian, he is working to develop a community interested in the night sky with a specific focus on Appalachia.  More specifically, how the night sky plays a fundamental role and impacts one's "sense of place."  Take a listen as he describes what a dark sky is and the importance of reducing light pollution and preserving the darkness of the sky for everyone.  While economic development is often thought of as growth, dark skies are a unique tourism attraction that focuses on the lack of growth rather than the need for development.  You might even hear Neil's feelings on Chestnuts when he was little and how Surfing, Asian Cuisine and Coal Mining are all related (it might surprise you).  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Sticky Rice Cafe!

Dr. Jeff Bary - www.colgate.edu/about/directory/jbary 

Dark Sky Preservation (Dr. Bary's new work) Website - www.jbary.colgate.domains/darkskies/

The Hillbilly Astrophysicist - https://jbary.wordpress.com/ 

Spotify "Core Appalachia" Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GOquV1Q2U7gcc4QzsZxVv 

App News:

Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia-investor-convening/ 

Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition: National to Neighborhoods Catalyzing Opportunities in Coal Impacted Communities - https://reclaimingappalachia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AML_RAC_report_2023.pdf 

Invest Appalachia: Climate Resilience in Central Appalachia: Impacts and Opportunities - www.investappalachia.org/news/climate-analysis-report-launch 

USDA Regional Food Business Centers Program (Rural Action) - www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp 

"American Chestnut Could Return to Appalachia" - https://wvpublic.org/more-than-100-years-later-american-chestnut-could-return-to-appalachia/ 

Four Star Gazing Hot Spots in the Appalachian Mountains - www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/4-of-the-best-night-sky-parks-in-appalachia/ 

#AppBiz: 

Sticky Rice Cafe (Knoxville, TN) - www.stickyriceknox.com/ 

Bon Appetit Story: Sticky Rice Cafe in East TN - www.bonappetit.com/story/appalachian-tennessee-culinary-road-trip