BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — On June 3, the Martin County Extension Office will host a public discussion dedicated to exploring the ecological restoration efforts at The Wilds of Emily Creek. Scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the event will feature representatives from The Wilds of Emily Creek, Renew Appalachia, Appalachian Legacy Initiative, and ClimeCo.

Discussions will focus on a variety of environmental restoration projects, including strip mine reforestation, wildlife habitat rehabilitation, regenerative agriculture, ecosystem finance, and the management and rescue of feral horses. 

Clifford Smith, who coordinates these partnerships, emphasized that the forum will cover ongoing projects and showcase current activities, followed by a Q&A session.

Smith expressed optimism about the dialogue.

“We have a number of different things going on that have created community interest,” he said. “I’m hoping we can start conversations with locals who have business ideas that could fit into the mix of activities … basically businesses that support or improve the environment.”

The Wilds of Emily Creek spans 7,000 acres near Lovely and has been a site of environmental reclamation for the past five years. Some of the efforts there include planting native trees and cover crops, establishing tree nurseries, removing substantial amounts of illegally dumped waste, and providing a sanctuary for free-roaming horses.