In the coalfields of Martin County in Eastern Kentucky, where mining once shaped both the land and the economy, a new initiative is getting off the ground. As the coal industry declined, it left vast tracts of land deforested, compacted and covered in invasive species. Renew Appalachia, a project spanning 7,000 acres of former mine sites in both Martin and Pike counties, is working to reverse some of that damage. By blending reclamation and community engagement, the project is exploring practical models for how abandoned mine land can support new economic opportunities.
At the core of Renew Appalachia are Lauren Traitz, Director of Community, and Richard Shmikler, Director of Operations, who live in an off-grid cabin they built on the land in Martin County. Together with landowner and Renew Appalachia founder Clifford Smith, a long-time advocate of restoring abandoned mine lands who purchased the property in 2018, and a team of non-profits and universities, they have already launched a number of demonstrations on the property – with many more in the works.
“With any project we pursue, we always ask ourselves: ‘Will it help to improve the land? Will it create opportunities for this community?’ We aim to have everything we do serve both these mountains and the folks that live amongst them,” Lauren said.
One of their major accomplishments so far is planting 550,000 trees across 600 of the acres, making them well on their way to reaching their goal of one million trees on 1,000 acres. They raise some of these trees in an on-site nursery supported by Terraformation, and have planted in partnership with Green ForestWorks – a local non-profit that over the past 20+ years developed the Forest Reclamation Approach for mine lands across Appalachia. Because coal companies are required to return mine land close to its original contour, this leads to heavily compacted soil that few things can take root in. Before planting natives, the Forest Reclamation Approach first loosens the soil, then the trees are dropped in. This approach mitigates flooding and erosion long-term as the soil is then able to absorb more water, and the deep root systems of native species prevent land from slipping during heavy rains.
On other parts of the land, they mow or do controlled burns in partnership with the Division of Forestry. Lauren and Richard rotate a herd of sheep, in partnership with the Southeastern Kentucky Sheep Producers Association and Kentucky State University, to graze on invasive species like sericea lespedeza and autumn olive. These particular invasives were once planted for erosion control by the coal companies, though it is now known that they outcompete native species, impacting wildlife and soil health.
Community involvement is central to Renew Appalachia’s mission. They regularly hold workshops, like mushroom log inoculation and forest farming, and this summer, they will host their first restoration camp for high school students. A new high tunnel and container garden will also be installed in the coming months, allowing them to expand their workshop offerings.
“We call it ‘renew’ because there are so many amazing traditions and skills that folks here have practiced for generations,” Richard described. “Our project aims to invite more young people to continue these traditions, and I’m just overwhelmed by the amazing Appalachian elders and mentors who have joined us in these efforts.”
Last fall, they hosted their first annual Barefoot Festival featuring a variety of Appalachian artists and performers. The stage was built in part by carpentry students from Martin County High School, using wood salvaged from the former Jude’s Grocery Store in the neighboring community of Pigeon Roost. While we were there visiting, a herd of wild horses was grazing behind the stage, a common backdrop for this land.
Mountain Association’s energy experts are currently working with Renew Appalachia to explore their solar power and battery options.
We are looking forward to seeing how this multi-faceted project continues to serve Eastern Kentucky’s communities and land for years to come!
