Appalachian State University's Department of Sustainable Development

06/04/2026

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Lots going on this weekend :)

06/03/2026

🐻 Bear sightings across the High Country are on the rise as we head into summer — and this big fellow was caught on a cam recently.

Bears are actively foraging right now, packing on calories heading into the warmer months. If you live in or visit the High Country, now is a good time to brush up on the basics from BearWise (bearwise.org):

🚫 Never feed bears — intentionally or unintentionally
🗑️ Secure your trash — use bear-resistant containers or store garbage inside until pickup day
🌱 Remove bird feeders from April through November
🍖 Clean your grill after every use and store it inside if possible
🚗 Never leave food, coolers, or scented items in your vehicle
🏡 Close and lock ground-floor windows and doors if bears are active in your area

Bears that get food from people can become bold and create conflicts that don't end well — for the bear or for people. Keep them wild.

Have you spotted a bear in your neighborhood lately? Drop your location in the comments.

📷 Rick Miller

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

Dr. Laird Christensen, Chair of the Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development, spent part of the spring in Scotland connecting with global sustainability leaders at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Highlands and Islands. He shared his work on adaptive sustainability curriculum and brought home new ideas to strengthen App State’s Pathways to Resilience QEP.

From ecovillages to ancient pine forests, the trip also sparked inspiration for future student learning right here in the High Country.
https://faa.appstate.edu/news/dr-laird-christensen-reimagining-adaptive-sustainability-curriculum

06/02/2026

SD student ._k is here at the market to get the children dancing and their imagination running!

06/02/2026

This afternoon at the Seth and Sam have a booth focused on the Appalachian Public Health Innovation Corps, an organization working to bolster the health of Western NC.

06/02/2026

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This spring, SD Chair Dr. Laird Christensen traveled to Scotland to connect with global sustainability leaders — and brought home fresh inspiration for App State.

At the University of Edinburgh and the University of Highlands and Islands, he met with faculty, shared his work on adaptive sustainability curriculum, and explored how universities can keep pace with a rapidly changing climate.

He also visited Findhorn Ecovillage and the ancient Anagach Woods, places that continue to shape his teaching and spark ideas for future student learning at Howard K**b here in Boone.

“Our students are hungry for the skills to help build a more just, sustainable world,” he says. “Problem‑solving gives us hope.”

06/02/2026

Thanks !!!
♻ Boonerang partners with App State’s Zero Waste Crew to sort through trash, compost, and recycling to divert waste from the landfill.
🍺 With support from Boone Sustainability, Boonerang provides multi-use infinitely-recyclable aluminum cups for all festival alcohol pours.
💦 In an effort to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, the festival offers water bottle refill stations and works with local sustainability-minded businesses like Simple Water.
🌿 The festival encourages its vendors to use reusable and recyclable packaging materials and bags, and bans the use of Styrofoam.
☀ Boonerang is expanding its use of alternative energy sources and uses solar batteries to power certain speakers and equipment, point of sale stations, and more.
💚 Nonprofits like Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Mountain True, Appalachian Voices, and Blue Ridge Conservancy all contribute to the festival and raise awareness and support for their earth-friendly endeavors.

Co