Every two months, a truck loaded with 61,000 new issues of The Appalachian Voice arrives at our office in Boone, N.C., and we gather ‘round — not just to haul the hefty bundles inside, but to see how our carefully chosen cover image looks in full color.

Click here to flip through the print version.

The striking image of Larry Gibson on this issue’s cover is one way that we can honor the Keeper of the Mountains — a true hero whose bold tenacity in the fight to end mountaintop removal coal mining inspired citizens around the nation to take action, including many of our staff and volunteers. Appalachian Voices’ Campaign Director Lenny Kohm pays tribute to Larry Gibson on page 3. And don’t miss the note from photographer Paul Corbit Brown on the inside cover.

Motivated by the popular saying, “you protect what you love, and love what you know,” we devoted ten pages of this issue to education. These special Growing Up Green stories shine a light on the ways youth are connecting to and learning about the Appalachia that we know and love.

Familiarize yourself with the state of environmental education in “Teaching the Natural World,” and discover how outdoor play can chart the course for a healthy life in “Prescription to Play.” Examine how Appalachian and Southeastern students are learning about one of the most critical issues of our day in “Climate in the Classroom” — with powerful polluters vying to influence curriculum, are kids learning about climate change?

Then, take a peek at some of the innovative ways our region’s educators are teaching about the natural world in “Grade Green.” Sometimes, however, it’s the students who are educating their peers and communities. Check out “Eco-Champions” for a look at exciting youth-led environmental endeavors around the region. Although learning about the outdoors is essential, broadband internet access is also critical for today’s schoolkids. Read “Equal Access” to find out how local leaders are working to bring broadband to the backroads.

In The Appalachian Voice’s regular features, explore the complicated relationship between humans and the timber rattlesnake, and delve into the troubled past with a review of Ronald D. Eller’s book Uneven Ground: Appalachia Since 1945. Journey to the rugged hills and heaths of Dolly Sods Wilderness, and see how two school districts found bottom-line benefits through energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy development.

This issue’s Coal Report features a deep-diving forecast into the future of Central Appalachian coal, plus a round-up of everything from Patriot Coal’s bankruptcy to the latest political wrangling over clean air rules. Are your favorite locations benefitting from new federal conservation funds? Find out in Across Appalachia, and catch up on news from around the region. And check out the Inside AV pages to see what Appalachian Voices has been up to!

We welcome your thoughts, so don’t be shy about commenting on the online stories, or send a Letter to the Editor to voice@appvoices.org (We cannot guarantee publication in our print edition, and reserve the right to edit letters for space).

If you would like a year’s subscription to The Appalachian Voice delivered to your door, become a member of Appalachian Voices. Donate now and you’ll also receive one gift subscription to share with a friend!

And if you want to ensure that The Appalachian Voice is available at your local coffee shop, library, or grocery store, email voice@appvoices.org about becoming a volunteer distributor.