Chicago's True Nature

The Cook County Forest Preserves’ open spaces, streams, prairies, birds, animals and more will be available for television audiences to enjoy when the documentary celebrating its centennial premieres May 15 on WYCC/20 at 7 p.m. Encore broadcasts on WYCC on May 16, May 21 and May 22. Credits: Juneteenth’s McCray and Heidi Zersen wrote and produced and Zersen directed. Supervising producer, Shelley Spencer. DP was doc specialist Jamin Townsley of Detroit; videographer, Felix Mendez, additional videography Mitch Nasser, John Dewey, Darryl Miller, Erasmo Rivera and Greg Burnett. Editor, Eryn Walanka contributing editor Marilyn Joy; motion graphics, Dave Pellenz. Audio technicians, Alan Chow and Brian Peyrot; associate producers Mina Adibpour , Carla Nichamin, Eva Green and Megan Etlinger. Kymberli Colbourne narrated.

Forest Preserves of Cook County + WYCC PBS Chicago +Juneteenth Productions/2016/21 or 60 min/Conservation

FILM DESCRIPTION: Like many natural wonders, the Forest Preserves are “hidden in plain sight.” While the Preserves are well-known for family parties and cook-outs, many are unaware of its vast biodiversity – the flora and fauna of the urban preserves and the diversity of native plants that struggle to flourish against invasive species. Chicago’s True Nature takes viewers beyond the picnic groves and introduces them to the nearby wonders of nature.

Despite living in one of the most densely populated urban areas of the country, Cook County residents are surrounded by nearly 70,000 acres of open space managed by the Forest Preserves. This documentary highlights the conservation and research initiatives, educational programs, volunteer efforts and the wide variety of recreational activities that can be enjoyed right here in Cook County.

SOLD OUT!

Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. [W Suburbs]
Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest
Join us for a rich discussion bridging themes of our local Chicago-area forests with those of our global, "intact," Great Forests around the world. Sue Dombro, Director of the Forest Preserves of Cook County's Trailside Museum (and the red-tailed hawk that resides at Trailside!) will share the vision behind the creation of almost 70,000 acres of Chicagoland forest, woodlands, prairie, dunes, and wetlands -- and bring information about the Forest Preserves' rich nature programs. Dr. Ashwin Ravikumar, Field Museum Environmental Social Scientist at the Keller Science Action Center’s Andes-Amazon program, will share about the Field Museum's work in Latin America in the Amazon, working with species biodiversity and empowering local people to improve their well-being through conservation. Discussion will be led by Susan Lucci, Professional Trainer & Coach.

Sunday, March 12, 1-3:15 p.m. [South]
St. James Church,  2907 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
(will screen with Nature Play)
.Please stay for post-film discussions with Douglas Stotz, Senior Conservation Ecologist at the Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center, who will address themes of both our local "great forests" in our Forest Preserves as well as the themes of our global great forests.

*Not recommended for young children.

 

 

Photo by Kris DaPra