Coloring the West Virginia Highlands: Exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Region is a beautifully crafted 20-page coloring book by Appalachian artist Natalie Kovacs (@Shapelessflame). This interactive educational tool has been intentionally created to showcase the unique flora and fauna of the West Virginia Highlands, spark curiosity, and foster a deeper connection with the region’s natural wonders.

Each page is an ode to the diverse cast of characters that call the Highlands home, from playful beavers engineering wetlands to the wood turtle, northern red flying squirrel, the elusive hellbender, and candy darter, this coloring book celebrates the fascinating species that make this region unlike any other. Wild mushrooms and ramps on the forest floor add a quiet touch of beauty and provide sustenance, reminding us of the intricate, interwoven web of life that sustain these vibrant ecosystems.

We hope this book will be a launch pad for children and adults alike to explore the Highlands of West Virginia and seek to understand the importance of the creatures around us—big and small, boisterous and delicate. As humans, we are as much a part of this natural circle of life as the creatures and plants we admire. By embracing our roles in these ecosystems, we can help nurture the delicate balance that sustains us all.

This project was brought to life with the generous support of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area. Proceeds from this book support many worthy causes and projects of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy.

*Please note: Colored pencils are not included with purchase.