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Schedule for Natural Heritage of Indiana
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Marion T. Jackson's The Natural Heritage of Indiana was the first survey of our state's natural beauty, heritage and environmental issues. It's essays - written by Indiana's brightest teachers, scholars and environmental practitioners - were beautifully illustrated by some of our best nature photographers. Jackson described this work as “a celebration of
The Natural Heritage of Indiana Project -- consisting of a four-part documentary series, educational materials, a public conference, book republication, podcasts, lesson plans and more -- reflects Jackson's mission of helping protect what remains of our natural heritage. The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, along with NHI's other partners, is excited to be part of this project and looking forward to all the good work that will certainly come from it.
A Spectacular, One-of-a-Kind Documentary Series
Documentary filmmaker Samuel Orr has spent more than two years, and has traveled thousands of miles to bring Jackson's landmark book to television in a four-part documentary series. Orr's work is nothing but spectacular; produced in high definition, the subjects targeted are revealed through stunning photography and cinematography. This is definitely a don't-miss series.
Airing dates and stations carrying the program can be found on the right-side column. *Summaries regarding the episodes taken from the NHI newsletter; subscribe here.
Episode One: The Indiana That Was
(a rebroadcast with new material)
From ancient seas and coral reefs, to Ice-Age glaciation, the first program will explore the massive changes in Indiana's landscape, as well as the plants and animals that developed over these periods. Just 250 years ago, the area was vastly different than the land we know today. Witness what the state once looked like, with vast forests and prairies, and a huge diversity of what now seem like exotic species.
Episode Two: Life in the Water
Indiana is bordered by two great water systems: Lake Michigan to the north and the Ohio River to the south. Throughout the state, entire ecosystems are built around rivers, streams and wetlands. In some areas, water exists for only parts of the year, but during those times, there is an amazing explosion of activity. This documentary takes viewers into these habitats, where they will witness the diversity of life that exists. Sometimes, the life cycles take place on a nearly microscopic level. Elsewhere, the program reveals prehistoric looking fish and amphibians that still inhabit the landscape, as well as spectacular waterfowl.
Episode Three: Life on Land
In a landscape once covered by glaciers and dominated by forests and prairies, much of Indiana is now the domain of humans, who use the land for agriculture and industry. But look into the woods and the wild places (and sometimes in small tracts of land near these developed areas), and you'll still find a surprising diversity of plant and animal life. Producer/photographer Samuel Orr travels into the state's forests and caves, and reveals a land teeming with sometimes strange and beautiful plants and trees, and the birds and beasts that share these habitats. Among the highlights of this episode: the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, and its amazing migration from Indiana to Mexico.
Episode Four: A Changing Landscape
This program will focus on the alteration of the natural landscape of Indiana by humans, the consequences to native systems and organisms, and the coming of conservation and ecological study and stewardship. Much has been altered, but there are stories of hope, as well. This program will show how certain species that had been driven from the state have made successful returns, and how individuals and communities are taking important steps in restoring habitat and combating the insidious problem of invasive species.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © E.C. Blando (Sugar creek forest); Photo © TNC (Lyceana phyleas).
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