Gretchen King
@gbtking.bsky.social
Executive editor @highcountrynews.org News junkie; outdoor enthusiast; mom of college sophomore; optimist. West Slope of Colorado proud.
I'm a geologist's daughter myself, and this essay really hit me 🥹 If you are a parent or have parents, don't miss reading @ninamcconigley.bsky.social latest for @highcountrynews.org Such a pleasure to edit and read 💖 www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
How geology not only shapes the world, it shapes us - High Country News
Deep time and how geology shapes us all.
www.hcn.org
January 15, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I'm a geologist's daughter myself, and this essay really hit me 🥹 If you are a parent or have parents, don't miss reading @ninamcconigley.bsky.social latest for @highcountrynews.org Such a pleasure to edit and read 💖 www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
"Time immemorial sweeps the debate itself aside & makes space for our ancestors to speak their silent gravitas from beyond the grave, prophesying a future so beautiful it defies the colonized imagination." Just wow from @btoastie.bsky.social for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
What does ‘time immemorial’ really mean? - High Country News
If you’ve seen the phrase time immemorial used repeatedly in Indigenous affairs reporting, there are some compelling reasons why.
www.hcn.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:26 PM
"Time immemorial sweeps the debate itself aside & makes space for our ancestors to speak their silent gravitas from beyond the grave, prophesying a future so beautiful it defies the colonized imagination." Just wow from @btoastie.bsky.social for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/58-1/...
Snowpack across Colorado is nearing record lows :( www.hcn.org/articles/ski...
Skimpy snow makes life worse for skiers — and everyone else - High Country News
The sport may seem selfish, but it reminds us why good snowpack matters.
www.hcn.org
December 19, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Snowpack across Colorado is nearing record lows :( www.hcn.org/articles/ski...
Wolves don't know boundaries, and after Colorado reintroduced them into the state, they're moving beyond state lines. @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social checks into what that means for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/col...
Colorado wolves are on the move - High Country News
Almost two years after reintroduction began, wolves are nearing the state’s southern and western borders.
www.hcn.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Wolves don't know boundaries, and after Colorado reintroduced them into the state, they're moving beyond state lines. @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social checks into what that means for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/col...
Who's missing fresh powder this year? ⛷️ In the end, we all will. @hhansman.bsky.social ponders the stakes for @highcountrynews.org
www.hcn.org/articles/ski...
www.hcn.org/articles/ski...
Skimpy snow makes life worse for skiers — and everyone else - High Country News
The sport may seem selfish, but it reminds us why good snowpack matters.
www.hcn.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Who's missing fresh powder this year? ⛷️ In the end, we all will. @hhansman.bsky.social ponders the stakes for @highcountrynews.org
www.hcn.org/articles/ski...
www.hcn.org/articles/ski...
For about $1.50/month (or less if you go digital), you can give your pal the gift of @highcountrynews.org in their mailbox - a magazine full of stories about the complicated and beautiful West. I might be biased, but I'm not wrong! They will thank you for the whole year: www.hcn.org/subscribe/gi...
December 3, 2025 at 11:34 PM
For about $1.50/month (or less if you go digital), you can give your pal the gift of @highcountrynews.org in their mailbox - a magazine full of stories about the complicated and beautiful West. I might be biased, but I'm not wrong! They will thank you for the whole year: www.hcn.org/subscribe/gi...
Having had some unfortunate dog-related porcupine run-ins, I was surprised by this @goesbykim.bsky.social reporting for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/the...
The West’s vanishing porcupines - High Country News
Scientists are racing to figure out why porcupines are disappearing from their former stomping grounds.
www.hcn.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Having had some unfortunate dog-related porcupine run-ins, I was surprised by this @goesbykim.bsky.social reporting for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/the...
“We’ve all had periods of hurt. And this music was the medicine we didn’t know we needed until we’re in it.” Give this @btoastie.bsky.social story for @highcountrynews.org a read to feel hopeful for a change 🎸🤘 www.hcn.org/issues/57-11... Heads up @longreads.com
Heavy metal is healing teens on the Blackfeet Nation - High Country News
In response to youth suicides, teachers show students the power of headbanging at Fire in the Mountains festival.
www.hcn.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:08 PM
“We’ve all had periods of hurt. And this music was the medicine we didn’t know we needed until we’re in it.” Give this @btoastie.bsky.social story for @highcountrynews.org a read to feel hopeful for a change 🎸🤘 www.hcn.org/issues/57-11... Heads up @longreads.com
"If Trump really cared about energy dominance, independence or abundance, he would use all of the tools at his disposal to 'win' this war." -- @landdesk.bsky.social w/more great thought-provoking words for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/the...
The nation’s energy dominance falters - High Country News
Trump is killing clean energy, and it’s not even helping fossil fuels.
www.hcn.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
"If Trump really cared about energy dominance, independence or abundance, he would use all of the tools at his disposal to 'win' this war." -- @landdesk.bsky.social w/more great thought-provoking words for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/the...
Perfect Halloween reading from @therevelator.org
"Historically, the primary cause of habitat loss for the moth was thought to be cattle grazing. Indeed, the fence that surrounds Harshaw Cemetery may be the best reason why the moth still survives there." therevelator.org/cemeteries-p...
"Historically, the primary cause of habitat loss for the moth was thought to be cattle grazing. Indeed, the fence that surrounds Harshaw Cemetery may be the best reason why the moth still survives there." therevelator.org/cemeteries-p...
Cemeteries: How the Dead Protect the Wild • The Revelator
From wildly popular to nearly forgotten, some of our cemeteries play an unexpected role in fostering biodiversity — and may provide climate solutions, too.
therevelator.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Perfect Halloween reading from @therevelator.org
"Historically, the primary cause of habitat loss for the moth was thought to be cattle grazing. Indeed, the fence that surrounds Harshaw Cemetery may be the best reason why the moth still survives there." therevelator.org/cemeteries-p...
"Historically, the primary cause of habitat loss for the moth was thought to be cattle grazing. Indeed, the fence that surrounds Harshaw Cemetery may be the best reason why the moth still survives there." therevelator.org/cemeteries-p...
Today I explained what a rolodex is to a college class 😭😂
October 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Today I explained what a rolodex is to a college class 😭😂
"National monuments go beyond protecting land; they are acts of memory, our acknowledgment that certain histories, species and landscapes hold stories too vital to be entered into a balance sheet." Josh Jackson for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/the...
The case for national monuments - High Country News
National monuments across the West face unprecedented threats, making public voices and vigilance more crucial than ever.
www.hcn.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:55 PM
"National monuments go beyond protecting land; they are acts of memory, our acknowledgment that certain histories, species and landscapes hold stories too vital to be entered into a balance sheet." Josh Jackson for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/the...
You might have gripes with the @forestservice.bsky.social but it looks like the Trump administration has more with plans for radical overhauls. You have until 9/30 to comment. @landdesk.bsky.social analyzes what's going on for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/tru...
The dismantling of the Forest Service - High Country News
The Trump administration’s plans would remake the agency and public lands. The deadline to comment is Sept. 30.
www.hcn.org
September 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM
You might have gripes with the @forestservice.bsky.social but it looks like the Trump administration has more with plans for radical overhauls. You have until 9/30 to comment. @landdesk.bsky.social analyzes what's going on for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/tru...
You know you want to know about 🔥firenandos🔥 @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social looks into what created one in Utah for @highcountrynews.org complete with WILD VIDEO www.hcn.org/articles/how...
How a Utah wildfire created its own tornado - High Country News
Firefighters were caught in a pyro-vortex last month on the Deer Creek Fire.
www.hcn.org
September 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
You know you want to know about 🔥firenandos🔥 @thatsmohrlikeit.bsky.social looks into what created one in Utah for @highcountrynews.org complete with WILD VIDEO www.hcn.org/articles/how...
Buckle up for an in-depth overview about who controls our food (& you wondered why it was so expensive) w/amazing of #infographic by @jbrookelarsen.bsky.social & Nick Underwood for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/57-9/...
Who controls food in the West? - High Country News
Consolidation, shifting politics, water rights and the myth of the cowboy all play into the region’s ability to feed itself.
www.hcn.org
September 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Buckle up for an in-depth overview about who controls our food (& you wondered why it was so expensive) w/amazing of #infographic by @jbrookelarsen.bsky.social & Nick Underwood for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/57-9/...
#journalists: what in-article newsletter signup widget don't you hate? You know, it encourages folks to sign up, but doesn't interrupt the story too much? Screenshots appreciated 🙏
August 29, 2025 at 8:30 PM
#journalists: what in-article newsletter signup widget don't you hate? You know, it encourages folks to sign up, but doesn't interrupt the story too much? Screenshots appreciated 🙏
Can I sing the praises of @annierosenthal.bsky.social more? Yes, yes I can. This story will make your heart grow 3X 💓 💓 💓 complete w/ wonderful youth and audio (for @highcountrynews.org). www.hcn.org/articles/in-...
In rural New Mexico, kids paint a sonic portrait of their ghost town - High Country News
Madrid was once a booming coal town. At radio camp, its youngest inhabitants had big questions about its past — and present.
www.hcn.org
August 26, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Can I sing the praises of @annierosenthal.bsky.social more? Yes, yes I can. This story will make your heart grow 3X 💓 💓 💓 complete w/ wonderful youth and audio (for @highcountrynews.org). www.hcn.org/articles/in-...
How can Altadenans & those displaced from LA's wildfires protect their communities from opportunists? @annierosenthal.bsky.social provides a community land trust 101 for @highcountrynews.org
www.hcn.org/articles/the...
www.hcn.org/articles/the...
The race to protect homes from speculators post-wildfire - High Country News
Around the West, community land trusts are helping people recover from disaster — and prepare for the next one.
www.hcn.org
August 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM
How can Altadenans & those displaced from LA's wildfires protect their communities from opportunists? @annierosenthal.bsky.social provides a community land trust 101 for @highcountrynews.org
www.hcn.org/articles/the...
www.hcn.org/articles/the...
You know what sucks? Data centers. I mean, they do... @landdesk.bsky.social analyzes why for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/57-8/...
The West's data centers suck (water and power) - High Country News
From simple searches to chatGPT, the big digital buildup threatens the grid and water supplies.
www.hcn.org
August 5, 2025 at 5:43 PM
You know what sucks? Data centers. I mean, they do... @landdesk.bsky.social analyzes why for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/57-8/...
Sometimes you should just stand like an Oregon white oak or embrace the coyote's vocal self. Anna V. Smith looks into how Western wildlife might help humans cope in these times for @highcountrynews.org GORGEOUS illios too
www.hcn.org/articles/in-...
www.hcn.org/articles/in-...
In stressful times, what do the plants and animals have to say? - High Country News
The time-honored tradition of humans looking to the natural world can help us survive difficult times.
www.hcn.org
July 11, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Sometimes you should just stand like an Oregon white oak or embrace the coyote's vocal self. Anna V. Smith looks into how Western wildlife might help humans cope in these times for @highcountrynews.org GORGEOUS illios too
www.hcn.org/articles/in-...
www.hcn.org/articles/in-...
Reposted by Gretchen King
Federal layoffs are likely to move ahead quickly, with major impacts on conservation and science.
buff.ly/XieVRNB
buff.ly/XieVRNB
Mass layoffs can move forward, with devastating impacts for conservation and science - High Country News
‘Shortsighted’ cuts could eliminate bird banding program, federal bee research and much more.
www.hcn.org
July 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Federal layoffs are likely to move ahead quickly, with major impacts on conservation and science.
buff.ly/XieVRNB
buff.ly/XieVRNB
Public lands sales in vogue again www.hcn.org/articles/sen...
Senate Republicans want to sell 3 million acres of public land - High Country News
The majority of public land is too fire prone and far away from communities to even make sense for housing, research shows.
www.hcn.org
June 12, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Public lands sales in vogue again www.hcn.org/articles/sen...
Hover over your state to see what Trump's request to cut >$1B from public broadcaster funding might mean. @annierosenthal.bsky.social & @chadebradley.bsky.social report for @highcountrynews.org #infographic www.hcn.org/articles/wha...
What defunding public media would mean for the West - High Country News
Data show that rural, tribal and Western stations would be the most impacted by Trump’s attempt to cut CPB funding.
www.hcn.org
June 6, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Hover over your state to see what Trump's request to cut >$1B from public broadcaster funding might mean. @annierosenthal.bsky.social & @chadebradley.bsky.social report for @highcountrynews.org #infographic www.hcn.org/articles/wha...
“Whenever you look anything up now you’re basically torching the planet.” Emine Saner has been covering AI for @theguardian.com very well, and this piece nails it. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
‘Nobody wants a robot to read them a story!’ The creatives and academics rejecting AI – at work and at home
Is artificial intelligence coming for everyone’s jobs? Not if this lot have anything to do with it
www.theguardian.com
June 4, 2025 at 6:25 PM
“Whenever you look anything up now you’re basically torching the planet.” Emine Saner has been covering AI for @theguardian.com very well, and this piece nails it. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Scientists at USGS don't know if they'll have jobs on Monday. The Bee Lab, Bird Banding Lab, national maps showing where contaminants are and many other important research is at risk. Sarah Trent reports for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/usg...
USGS’ biological research arm could vanish next week - High Country News
Trump is on a multipronged mission to eliminate a science agency that conservationists, toxicologists, universities and more call irreplaceable.
www.hcn.org
May 22, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Scientists at USGS don't know if they'll have jobs on Monday. The Bee Lab, Bird Banding Lab, national maps showing where contaminants are and many other important research is at risk. Sarah Trent reports for @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/articles/usg...