wonderful world wednesdays: Maria Gunnoe

good morning all,

today i'd like to take a moment to honor Maria Gunnoe. she is a real live coal miner's daughter born and raised in the Appalachian region of west virginia. her community has been disproportionately impacted by mountain top removal mining. not only has this practice degraded the physical landscape, but impacts the environmental health of the community as dangerous debris from the mining pollutes the watershed.

she was part of taking one of the mining corporations to court and the forced construction of a valley for the purposes of mining. over 60 residents initially were part of the case, but after many threats from the mining companies Gunnoe was the sole resident to testify. the courts ruled against the mining company.

Gunnoe continues her community activism in the face of threats on her life. she received one of the prestigious goldman environmental prizes for 2009. she is a true advocate for the beautiful and mystical Appalachian landscape and for her people.

doesn't she have the warmest smile?

photocredit: {goldmanprizesite}