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SouthWings

@southwings.bsky.social
97 followers 227 following 128 posts

SouthWings partners with conservation groups, community groups, media, and decision-makers to provide a unique perspective to better understand and solve pressing environmental issues in the Southeast. www.southwings.org

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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 16h
Join us in welcoming one of our new volunteer pilots, Matt Burr! Matt is based in Ohio, and he is excited to help our partners in the Ohio River Valley and Appalachia. "My love for conservation began at an early age, before I learned to fly." Read more in his bio: buff.ly/MExTntY
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
SouthWings in the News: Developer petitioning to remove protections of a property in coastal South Carolina Read the story: buff.ly/3znlfyA Photos from our flights continue to illustrate conservation challenges long after the flight occurs. 🌳
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Will the 3rd time be the charm for the would-be Pine Island developers?
While a pair of federal lawsuits work their way through the system, the would-be Pine Island developers are taking another shot at removing the 502-acre property from the St. Helena Cultural…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Last week, Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop got into the air to investigate sediment pollution in Brices Creek. Using info learned from the flight, she engaged NC DEQ. After an inspector visited the site, they discovered they were clearing land not covered by their development plan.
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Flyover reveals Brices Creek sediment pollution sources
Recent reports of sediment pollution on a pristine Neuse River tributary sent Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop on a Monday morning mission: aerial surveillance of Brices Creek.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Check it out: SouthWings talks with Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League about how aviation supports the environmental movement in the Southeast🛩️ buff.ly/BduFh9m
open.spotify.com
42. Eyes in the Sky: Conservation From Above
In Our Backyard Podcast · Episode
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Earlier this week, we joined @selc.bsky.social, @protectparks.bsky.social, South Texas Environmental Justice Network and StopSpaceX in submitting comments in opposition to the FAA's proposal to waive requiments to consider 13 federal statutes in licensing and permitting commercial space operations.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Have you seen the SouthWings store? There's a variety of styles that let you rep SouthWings! Check it out: southwings.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Orders are processed & shipped on the first of the month 📆
southwings.itemorder.com
South Wings Apparel
Online ordering for South Wings Apparel ends on Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (11:59 PM CST)
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Environmental wins often take years to achieve. SouthWings is here for the long haul. We thrive through powerful collaboration like the one described by @SkyTruth.org : buff.ly/QOLs2wT We are grateful for SkyTruth's partnership and for the incredible tools they bring to the environmental movement!
skytruth.org
The Colossal Oil Spill Big Energy Tried to Hide for 14 Years
In October 2018, The Washington Post ran a story describing a long-running crude oil leak from hurricane-damaged wells in the Gulf of Mexico operated by Taylor Energy. The reporting was built upon…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Join us in welcoming our newest Volunteer Pilot, Garrett DeMeyer! "I'm inspired by the natural world when viewed from above and am excited to share that experience." Read more in his bio: www.southwings.org/volunteer-pi...
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Thanks to pressure from advocates acoss NC and the Southeast, secrecy and Non Disclosure Agreements are no longer cutting it for winning the public approval of proposed data center projects. Read more in lisasorg.bsky.social 's recent article (photos from a recent SouthWings flight): buff.ly/e3pVL9w
insideclimatenews.org
The Data Center Industry’s PR Blitz Is Backfiring - Inside Climate News
Front group lauds purported benefits of data centers without disclosing its backer.
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Reposted by SouthWings
Lisa Sorg @lisasorg.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The irony: Interviewed Data Center Coalition for a story re: its front groups & lack of transparency. They set up a video call. And kept their cameras off. insideclimatenews.org/news/1408202...
insideclimatenews.org
The Data Center Industry’s PR Blitz Is Backfiring - Inside Climate News
Front group lauds purported benefits of data centers without disclosing its backer.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
This summer, two volunteer pilots supported West Virginia Rivers Coalition in getting a comprehensive view of the petrochemical industry buildout along the Ohio River Valley. 📷️ Follansbee, WV on the Ohio River. Photo by Blake Flessas
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Join us in welcoming a new Volunteer Pilot to our ranks! Matt Holbert is a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor based in West Virginia and has already been able to support two SouthWings partners with flights in his home state. Read more in his bio: buff.ly/h6s5lGH
southwings.org
Pilot: Matt Holbert
Learn about SouthWings volunteer pilot Matt Holbert from West Virginia.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Last week, Hurricane Creekkeeper John Wathen flew with Volunteer Pilot Woody Beck. The flight's main purpose was to provide information and perspective on a mega data center proposed for Brookwood, AL. They were also able to check up on previous sources of pollution. buff.ly/SyCaPjm
yourcreekkeeper.blogspot.com
Hurricane Creek Surveillance Flight
Hurricane Creek Flyover  Summer 26 All flight photos courtesy of SouthWings I have to give a huge shout out to SouthWings for another succe...
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
SouthWings has been supporting photographer @jhenryfair.com in his work to document the unique and ecologically important areas in coastal South Carolina currently threatened by a planned gas power plant, existing coal ash disposal site, proposed gas pipeline, and potential data center development.
lowcountrywriter.com
A River Runs Through It - Lowcountry Writer
I recently had the pleasure of piloting preeminent photographer and environmentalist, J. Henry Fair, on a little jaunt above the Lowcountry. Henry and I have flown together many times, and he is an…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Thirty years ago, SouthWings began with a simple but powerful idea: giving people a new perspective—literally—could change how they understand and protect the places we all depend on. buff.ly/mq6ob7Z
southwings.org
Donate to SouthWings
Elevate conservation initiatives throughout the Southeast.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Action Alert: Join The Canal Will Kill NOLA at their Comment Submission Party this Saturday, 10am-2pm (address: buff.ly/qVRRcPB) Head over to instagram @thecanalwillkillnola to watch their recent mini-series about the project. Volunteer Pilot Gabe supported the filming earlier this year.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Hot off the press! Check out all the great work that SouthWings Volunteer Pilots have supported so far this year in our 2026 Mid Year Report: bit.ly/26midyear
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
More good news to celebrate! The NC General Assemby passed a budget(!) and more importantly, it includes a $10.2 million recurring investment in safe wildlife crossings every two years. Excellent work from our partners in the Safe Passage Coalition!
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North Carolina General Assembly Makes Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings
NPCA joins fellow members of the Safe Passage coalition in applauding millions of dollars in new recurring funding for wildlife crossings that will help keep people and park wildlife safe.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Out now - the latest season of Threshold podcast! This season explores the environmental injustices experienced by the communities along the Mississippi River Corridor known as Cancer Alley. Listen now, and tune in for the rest of the insightful season: www.thresholdpodcast.org/the-corridor...
thresholdpodcast.org
The Corridor Episode 1: River Road
One of the largest concentrations of petrochemical plants in the country lies along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Petrochemicals are made from fossil fuels. We use them…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Win for our partners in Louisiana! Air Products cancels a massive "blue hydrogen" project that would have impacted five parishes and threatened Lake Maurepas. Read more about this victory from Earthjustice: buff.ly/oshvkur
earthjustice.org
Air Products Abandons Proposed Louisiana "Blue" Hydrogen and Ammonia Plant with Carbon Capture Scheme
Community groups celebrate the company’s decision to pull out — citing the huge risks associated with the project’s polluting facility and carbon dioxide pipeline
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Did you know that the Chesapeake Bay Program maintains a large photo archive for use in raising awareness, educating the public, and inspiring care for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed? Here's a recent column in the Bay Journal featuring a SouthWings photo by Will Parson: buff.ly/wGAZiN9
bayjournal.com
From Chesapeake Bay to Blue Ridge, you don’t have to choose
They say that when you have a second child, the size of your heart doubles. Triples if there’s a third. Well, a little over a year ago I moved from
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Riley Lewis as our new Eastern Program Manager! 🎉 Riley is no stranger to SouthWings, and in her recent position as the White Oak Waterkeeper she utilized SouthWings flights quite frequently for water quality investigations. Check out her bio: buff.ly/eal8sQn
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
On this World Oceans Day, we are reminded that how we use our land and inland waterways impacts the health of our oceans. SouthWings flights help illuminate threats to our ecosystems and inspire solutions. 📷️ North Carolina coast from a recent SouthWings flight with Volunteer Pilot Rolf Wallin.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
We had a great time connecting with partners at the Choose Clean Water Coalition this week! Conference participants got the aerial perspective of different landuses that impact the Susquehanna River - the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Yesterday, Volunteer Pilot Ken took his first SouthWings flight to support Emory University researcher in documenting the severe drought conditions on Lake Hartwell in the Savannah River system. Hartwell is currently in Drought Level 2 at about 7 ft below the full pool level of the reservoir.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
🌍✈️ Mission-driven flight support is available at no cost for environmental justice & conservation work! 📍 Request a flight: buff.ly/BgXLLKH 📷️ Riverbend coal ash cleanup by Peter Stauble
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
When you give to SouthWings today on GiveNOLA Day, you are helping us empower frontline leaders like CEO and Director of Rise St. James, Sharon Lavigne. buff.ly/Md4ufop Thanks to a very generous emeritus volunteer pilot, Ken Knevel, all donations will be matched up to $5,000 today! #GiveNOLADay
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Of all the days, why give today? The Greater New Orleans Foundation is amplifying your support with additional donations: 🖐️ The top five organizations in each size category with the most unique donors will receive an additional donation... buff.ly/Md4ufop
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Today is #GiveNOLADay! buff.ly/Md4ufop We've got an incredible opportunity to amplify your donation to SouthWings today! Generous board member, Ken Knevel has offered to match $5,000 in donations today - can you help us max out that match? #iykyk #GiveNOLA #NOLA #lagniappe
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Give NOLA Day is Tues, May 5! Early giving is happening now, and we have an incredible matching opportunity: Every dollar you give now through May 5th will be matched up to $5,000! buff.ly/Md4ufop Help us continue to support frontline communities in the fight against pollution! #givenoladay #NOLA
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Happy Earth Day! We are grateful to everyone in the environmental moving doing their part to stand up for our planet! Let us know how we can help: buff.ly/agkKt2U
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! We LOVE our volunteers - none of this work would be possible with out the experienced and skilled pilots that dedicate their time & resources to the environmental movement. Please join us in thanking them 👏 Get to know our incredible volunteers:
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Volunteer Pilots
Learn more about SouthWings' corps of volunteer pilots.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Spring is in the air! Gear up from our SouthWings shop: buff.ly/S0AP2w2 Orders ship out at the end of the month, so get your orders in 📦️
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South Wings Apparel
Online ordering for South Wings Apparel ends on Thu, Apr 30, 2026 (11:59 PM CDT)
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
A big win for WNC forests, thanks to @selc.bsky.social & partners! buff.ly/gfh4hc3 Last year, SELC staff used a SouthWings flight to document logging practices in Pisgah National Forest.
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A big win for North Carolina's National Forests
In a major legal victory for our forests in Appalachia, a federal court ruled that a plan to dramatically increase logging on public lands was based on flawed analysis. This is a huge win for the…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Check out SouthWings' feature story in the April issue of Aero Crew News📰 buff.ly/W6bCrwu "Feature – Did you know that GA figures prominently in conservation efforts? Read about SouthWings that arranges flights for just this type of initiative—another way pilots give back." #generalaviation
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Aero Crew News, April 2026 - Aero Crew News
This month in Aero Crew News Feature – Did you know that GA figures prominently in conservation efforts? Read about SouthWings that arranges flights for just this type of initiative—another way…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Recently, our volunteer pilots supported Winyah Rivers Alliance with 2 separate flights over the Waccamaw River in coastal SC. They saw the interconnectedness of the watershed, including a major landfill expansion project & wastewater treatment ponds. 📷️ provided by Winyah Rivers Alliance
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Let's Celebrate! 🥳 Recently, Volunteer Pilot Rolf Wallin took his 100th SouthWings flight! The flight helped Sound Rivers staff confirm the location of an avian flu outbreak, information that is not released by the Department of Agriculture in NC. 📷️ Katey Zimmerman, Sound Rivers
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
🌎 Elevate your environmental initiative - literally! SouthWings connects environmental professionals, nonprofit teams, and researchers with our volunteer pilots to support environmental justice and conservation work. Request a flight here: buff.ly/BgXLLKH 📢 Help protect this planet — spread the word
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Request a Flight
SouthWings arranges charitable conservation flights conducted by volunteer pilots operating under Federal Regulations Part 91 which apply to private, general aviation activities. Charitable…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Check out Season 4 of @selc.bsky.social Broken Ground Podcast highlighting women who are on the frontlines of the fight for environmental justice: buff.ly/3iMXBsP #WomensHistoryMonth #EnvironmentalJustice #TheSouth
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Broken Ground Season 4
About Season 4 In this season of Broken Ground we talk with women in the South who are on the frontlines of the fight for environmental justice. Hear from these four trailblazing women about what…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Harriet Tubman embodies this year’s Women’s History Month theme: Leading the Change. For a deep dive into one of most elaborate operations, check out Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War by Edda Fields-Black. Interview w/ author: buff.ly/5jDoQ8e
youtube.com
"Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War"
Edda L. Fields-Black joins me to talk about "Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War" on this edition of "Some Books Considered." The raid is lesser…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
This month, we are celebrating women in aviation history. Did you know that Jerrie Mock was the first woman to fly around the world? She did it in under 30 days round trip from Columbus, OH in 1964! Her Cessna 180 - The Spirit of Columbus on display in the National Air & Space Museum
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Cessna 180 | National Air and Space Museum
Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history. Free timed-entry passes are required for the Museum in DC.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
We are proud to support the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund! Check out the good they generated in 2025 ☀️ buff.ly/Jz7VszC
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
“From environmental advocacy to financial reform, from community organizing to policy innovation, women are at the forefront of driving holistic change.” - National Women’s History Alliance #WomensHistoryMonth
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Worth a listen! Jo and Joy Banner, founders of the @descendantsproject.bsky.social discuss protecting the history of their home in Cancer Alley in Louisiana on @selc.bsky.social 's Broken Ground Podcast. buff.ly/pBDeLu1 #BlackHistoryMonth #EnvironmentalJustice #CancerAlley
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Broken Ground Podcast
Broken Ground is a podcast by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Join us this season in southwest Memphis to hear how
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
From tracking changing coastlines to surveying vital habitats, aerial support can make all the difference in environmental work. SouthWings provides free flights thanks to our generous volunteer pilots. 👉 Submit your request today: buff.ly/BgXLLKH Your mission deserves altitude! #aerialperspective
buff.ly
Request a Flight
SouthWings arranges charitable conservation flights conducted by volunteer pilots operating under Federal Regulations Part 91 which apply to private, general aviation activities. Charitable…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Appalachia is a key region that SouthWings supports with flights, with a rich and diverse history. Check out the Black Appalachian Coalition's Substack recent series highlighting Culture Keepers: buff.ly/t4L2VgS #BlackHistoryMonth #Appalachia
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Archive - Black Appalachian Coalition's Substack
Full archive of all the posts from Black Appalachian Coalition's Substack.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Photos don't lie. Photos from several SouthWings flights helped @selc.bsky.social uncover the truth about how xAI is powering their data center operations. Now, joining with @earthjustice.org and the NAACP, SELC is preparing to sue: buff.ly/itPIyVQ 📷️ by Steve Jones for SELC on a SouthWings flight
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xAI built an illegal power plant to power its data center
Just south of the Tennessee-Mississippi state line sits dozens of unpermitted gas turbines that power xAI’s Colossus 2 data center while releasing smog-forming pollution, soot, and hazardous…
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
SouthWings flights have been an important tool in exposing mountaintop removal coal mining. Thank you to @appvoices.org and other advocacy groups for continuing to hold these companies accountable. buff.ly/ImTwE8s 📷️ by Andrew Young and Kent Kessinger on past SouthWings flights
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South Fork Coal Company was a no-show at violation hearing
South Fork Coal Company missed a hearing about its numerous permit violations.
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
SouthWings is delighted to welcome Hap Endler as our new Board Chair! Hap’s deep connection to SouthWings and to our mission makes him a natural leader for our organization. 📷️ Hap Endler and Vernon Haltom, Executive Director @coalrivermountain.bsky.social before a flight to monitor MTR in 2024
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SouthWings @southwings.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
ICYMI: 2025 Program Report: Our partners are doing a ton of great work to move the needle on environmnental justice and conservation initiatives from Appalachia to the Gulf Coast, and we are so grateful to our volunteer pilots for providing an aerial perspective to these projects! buff.ly/kY8nEUw
Photo of the cover of 202 Program Report featuring a photo of the Mississippi River delta by Alex Kolker.
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