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Across Appalachia, thousands of acres of formerly mined land sits barren or has been converted to gravelly grassland. These sites were once home to thriving forest ecosystems and some of our region’s most astounding biodiversity. Through a specific reforestation process known as the Forestry Reclamation Approach, these sites can be improved by removing invasive and non-native plants, loosening compacted soil, and finally planting a mix of native trees. After reforestation, these sites have higher biodiversity, help naturally clean and filter rainwater entering into nearby streams, and provide long-term economic benefits to the communities they surround. In this River Talk, Cumberland River Compact Executive Director Mekayle Houghton and Senior Program Manager of Watershed Planning, Jed Grubbs, join Dr. Chris Barton with Green Forests Work to discuss this approach in the region. Chris Barton is the Founder and President of Green Forests Work, a non-profit restoration group, and also a professor of forestry hydrology and watershed management at the University of Kentucky. Through these dual roles, Chris leads research efforts and on-the-ground action to restore mine lands throughout Appalachia. Support the Cumberland River Compact's River Talks program: https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/get-involved/donate/ Send us your thoughts on this episode! Email us at rivertalks@cumberlandrivercompact.org or leave us a voicemail at 615-933-8837 Learn more about what was shared in this episode.  Chris Barton’s Research Forest Reclamation Act Green Jobs Blue Heron Historic Mining Community Kentucky Coal Museum  American Chestnut Foundation  Cumberland River Compact’s Recreation Map Big South Fork  How to Grow Truffles  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thecompact/message