On the very first Earth Day, forty-five years ago, the work of protecting plants, animals, and landscapes from harm was the work of restraint—a challenge we humans issued to ourselves to refrain from contaminating air and water, and to stop the production of harmful chemicals like DDT. But the modern conservationist is faced with a very different task: today, protecting threatened species often means abandoning restraint for outright intervention. In the new issue of Orion, Emma Marris makes the case for why the best way to honor nature might be to help it along.

The issue also features a report from Burlington, Vermont, a city that’s building its own renewable energy revolution; an essay on the startlingly deep emotional lives of elephants; and a conversation between two philosophers about how the story of the universe has the power to change history.

Other highlights from the issue: Robert MacFarlane on the connection between language and landscape, an essay on how nature can ease an anxious mind, a visit with a rare (and enormous) flowering plant, new poems and visual art, and much more.

Also: don’t miss what’s new on the Orion website:

An audio conversation with Emma Marris about what it really means to protect threatened species

A narrated slide show (and a conversation) about Burlington’s bold energy innovations

Enjoy! And let us know what you think of the new issue by sharing a comment or sending a letter to letters@orionmagazine.org.