Rooted in Place.
Guided by science.
Here since 1977.
Science that serves people, place, and future
Appalachia–Science in the Public Interest (ASPI) advocates for sustainable development, responsible resource management, and informed personal choices for people in Kentucky and Central Appalachia. We apply science and technology to benefit communities and ecosystems, translating complex systems into practical, usable knowledge.
We operate from our Small Town Demonstration Center in Mount Vernon, KY, and our Rockcastle River Wilderness Site in Livingston, KY, which encompasses nearly 200 acres of mixed mesophytic forest land, the oldest and most diverse hardwood forest in North America, including the Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center and the Michael Francis Zalla Trails.
ASPI is a nonprofit resource center in Central Appalachia working at the intersection of science, education, and sustainable living, connecting knowledge to community since Earth Day, 1977.
Four systems, one region
Like the ecosystems that surround us, our work in each area is strengthened by the others. Many programs are deeply interdependent.
Ecosystems
Forest ecology, biodiversity, and environmental education grounded in the Appalachian mixed Mesophytic landscape.
Energy Systems
Renewable-energy demonstrations, solar installations, and low-cost, appropriate technology for sustainable living.
Food Systems
Sustainable agriculture, local food networks, ginseng and wild edibles, and community food resilience.
Cultural Systems
Folkways preservation, oral history, Appalachian storytelling, and documentation of regional knowledge and tradition.
49
Years serving Appalachian communities
70+
Technical papers, now free to download
1,850+
Program participants reached annually
200+
Acres of mixed mesophytic forest at our wilderness site
“If people understand and appreciate the complexity of our natural environment, they can make choices that make them better stewards — and live more sustainably.”
– Al Fritsch
This belief, held by our original Board of Directors in 1977, still guides every program we run. We focus on appropriate technology, solutions that are realistic, affordable, and regionally relevant, delivered through hands-on learning, demonstration projects, and educational partnerships.
We work from two sites: our Small Town Demonstration Center in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, shows how sustainable technologies function in an everyday community setting. Our Rockcastle River Wilderness Site offers immersive forest education, workshops on ginseng and wild edibles, service-learning programs, and outdoor experiences for all ages.
Forty-nine years in Appalachia
ASPI was founded on Earth Day, April 22, 1977, when Father Al Fritsch — who had worked with Ralph Nader in Washington, D.C. — filed Articles of Incorporation in Kentucky to bring sustainable living science directly to the people of Appalachia. What began with federal research grants and cordwood buildings has grown into a living demonstration of what science in the service of community can look like.
The work begins
The Appalachian Technical Network and Rockcastle River Demonstration Site were established. Fifteen technical manuals were published and 30 workshops conducted. Cordwood buildings, solar panels, and water cisterns were demonstrated as innovative, low-cost technologies. In 1982, ASPI Helped the United American Solar group construct a solar powered village to promote solar energy at the World Fair in Knoxville, TN.
The Nature Center grows
The Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center was built. The Technical Paper Series launched. Native American burial grounds discovered on ASPI land deepened focus on cultural history. Over 30 books published. Research became the basis for Appalachian Mixed Mesophytic Forest educational programs, including workshops on ginseng and conference on the Forest Commons.
Navigating transitions
Kentucky Solar Partnership, Appalachian Ginseng Foundation, and Appalachian Ecology Program launched. After leadership transitions and financial difficulty, the Board formulated a multi-year strategic plan. In 2012, with $10,000 remaining and a $55,000 operating deficit, the plan was implemented.
Rooted and reaching forward
Substantial infrastructure repairs, solar expansions, and EV charging installations completed. Service-learning, oral history networking, and creative aging programs expanded. All 71 Technical Papers made freely available. Regional collaborations with universities, arts councils, and community organizations continue to grow.
Where to go from here
Dive deeper into ASPI’s work, people, and philosophy
Support This Work
ASPI’s work is made possible through community support, partnerships, and shared commitment to a more sustainable future.