The Nature Conservancy in New York is a proud supporter of the new PBS documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” from acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature’s most spectacular locales – from Acadia to Yosemite – the film is nonetheless a story of people: rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; native and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved.

The 12-hour, six-part series airs this fall on PBS stations across the country. Also premiering during the series on New York City’s Channel 13 and Long Island’s Channel 21 is a new PSA from the Conservancy in New York, featuring state director Bill Ulfelder and photography by long-time Conservancy supporter, Carl Heilman II.  (Watch the PSA by clicking here.)

For more than 50 years, The Nature Conservancy has also been following this ideal defined by President Teddy Roosevelt. Working both at home and abroad, the Conservancy has now protected more than 119 million acres globally for the benefit of people and nature, including more than 700,000 acres right here in New York.

In addition, The Nature Conservancy in New York has helped create or expand some of the most iconic public lands in the Empire State. From the Adirondack Park to the Catskill Mountains, the Conservancy’s work has helped ensure our most beautiful and wild places will survive for future generations of New Yorkers.

Please join us: the success of the Conservancy in New York depends on the support of people like you.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Carl Heilman II (Overlooking the Hudson); Photo © Carl Heilman II (Spring Pond Bog).