On the morning of December 4th, we embarked on our flight to Washington D.C. to attend the 25th annual Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI). The following morning, we would present our finalized research project to a very different audience than the one in Connellsville. The audience consisted of over a hundred students and staff from…

On November 14th, we returned to Connellsville to present our research to the Fayette County Cultural Trust and community stakeholders. Our presentation, titled Building a Stronger Future: Economic Growth in Fayette County, highlighted our collective vision for Connellsville: “Embrace economic development while staying rooted in tradition.” Overall, the experience went well. It was a unique…

As a part of the urban studies group, we decided we would spend most of the first visit in Connellsville. Over the course of the weekend, we identified many community assets—first which was the Touchstone Center for Crafts, our lodging for the duration of the trip. Touchstone Center for Crafts is a seasonal craft school…

My name is Peter Wesley. I am working as a representative for the urban studies department in this semester’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative program. I am a junior and currently pursuing a BS in Urban Planning and Geographic Analysis and Certificate in Sustainability. I have a particular interest in the concept of urban rewilding and…