In June, 2026, reporters from four stations across the seven Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom partner stations coordinated to launch a month-long series that draws attention to the Signal Species of the region, and what they’re telling us.
A “signal” or “indicator” species is an organism that can tell us about changes occurring in an ecosystem.
We’re talking bears encroaching on urban areas, armadillos on the move, invasive vines like kudzu growing at accelerated rates and bats changing their migratory patterns.
These are all examples of signal species sending us signals — but are we paying attention? And if we are, is there a way to contribute to scientific findings?
Read the entire series here and take a look at the videos that accompanied it.
Then stay tuned for an upcoming hour-long radio documentary on Signal Species that is set to launch in October.