This week Ben delves into the unique species and characteristics of Appalachia's ecosystem, from rare salamanders to slime molds and more. Then Cam digs into the mysterious Georgia Guidestones — a monument inscribed with "guidelines" intended to guide post apocalyptic humanity to a "new age of reason" and commissioned by an anonymous group of self-described "loyal Americans" in 1981 — and the controversies and conspiracy theories they have sparked.

Mentioned in this episode

[PDF] Guide to the Georgia Guidestones, Elberton Granite Finishing Company (1981)

[VIDEO] The Georgia Guidestones: America's Most Mysterious Monument

[VIDEO] The Hidden Jewels of Appalachia (Salamanders)

American Stonehenge: Monumental Instructions for the Post-Apocalypse

Hunting Mushrooms, and What Makes Some Glow in the Dark

Photo info: "Beacon" © 2013 Jeremy Taylor, used under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license 2.0. Thanks, Jeremy!