Backyard Wilderness (Ages 6 to 13+)

Susan Todd & Andrew Young/2018/45 min/Wildlife

FILM DESCRIPTION: In “Backyard Wilderness,” we follow Katie, a young girl, and her modern family living next to the woods who are blind to the real-life spectacle around them, absorbed by an array of electronic devices in their busy lives. Katie gradually discovers the intricate secrets that nature has hidden so close to her front door and we experience the joy she finds in her interactions with this new world. The film showcases a stunning array of unique wildlife images and behavior captured by cameras mounted inside dens and nests to reveal inhabitants in rare and breathtaking intimacy.  

Appropriate for ages 6 —13 +, however there is a brief scene of a deer being chased by a coyote and being caught.

Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. [South]
The Ancona School, 4770 Dorchester Ave., Chicago

After the film, participate in facilitated audience dialogue to explore the film's topics, connections, and opportunities for action. Facilitator: Toni Anderson, Sacred Keepers Sustainability Lab. Also engage with action and project ideas through: Daniella Pereira of Openlands and Mario Langoni of the Field Museum.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats.

Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. [W Suburbs]
Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest

After the film, be in dialogue and learn about action opportunities - through Wild Ones West Cook, Forest Preserve District Cook County, and Little Bits Workshop. Author Jennifer Maiotti will be selling signed copies of her book, "African Unicorn” (another name for the endangered Okapi). Popcorn provided by Merrill Lynch/The Reilly Group. Facilitator: Wendy Negron, Child Educator.

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue. Refreshments available.