Gimme Wildlife :: Reacquaint yourself with nature
Friday, November 10, 2006
Doors open at 6 p.m., first film starts at 6:30 p.m.
RSVP is required (see below)
Isn't it strange how we, Homo sapiens, have become so far removed from nature and wildlife that it's become a novel thing? As we've gone from hunter-gatherers to keyboard-peckers, it's easy to forget that our species lives in and depends upon nature. Enjoy an evening watching films that remind us that our ears are tuned to detect the rustle of a bird overhead, our noses to smell fragrant wildflowers blooming, and our eyes to spot an alligator sunning in the marsh. Becoming reacquainting with nature will help us make better choices for wildlife and our wild places.
HUSH:
Hush is about listening to our environments. The film features nature sounds recordist Paul Matzner, founder of the Nature Sounds Society in Oakland. Hush explores our auditory worlds by contrasting images and sounds in nature with everyday noises and urban surroundings. (5 minutes)
LIFE LIST:
Life List is a warm-hearted documentary that examines the philosophies, motivations, and field behaviors of two different birders, one a young college student in Minnesota and the other a retired social worker in Arizona. The film compares and contrasts their birding experiences, focusing on the social and competitive aspects of the sport of birding, and the value of keeping records of all the birds they have seen. (16 minutes)
RIDE OF THE MERGANSERS:
The Hooded Merganser is a rare and reclusive duck found only in North America. Every spring, the wary hen lays and incubates her eggs in a nest high in the trees. Just 24 hours after hatching, the tiny ducklings must make the perilous leap to the ground below to begin life in the wild. This age-old rite is rarely observed by humans. Ride of the Mergansers brings this hidden drama to the screen. It is a blend of natural history, humor, and suspense. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation of the phrase 'leap of faith.' (11 minutes)
NO ROOM TO MOVE*:
Florida's population is growing by more than three residents every five minutes. Consequently, 80,000-acres of rural lands are lost annually. No Room to Move explores the effect of urban sprawl on sensitive wildlife in Florida - developers entomb tortoises as they construct homes and speeding cars kill bears as they cross busy roads. Find out how Florida could accommodate the needs of both its growing human population as well as its natural communities through a movement called New Urbanism. (27 minutes)
*Tom Tripp, filmmaker, will be available to answer questions
Discussion, info & options, and a wine and cheese reception to follow.
During the event, learn more about wildlife and conservation issues, plus places to EXPLORE. More details on participants soon.
In conjunction, Paynes Prairie is offering on Saturday, November 11th:
- Wildlife Walk on the La Chua Trail - Ranger John Lakich
- Campfire Program - Ranger Howard Adams
"What makes a place special is the way it buries itself inside the heart, not whether it's flat or rugged...wet or arid...warm or cold, wild or tame. Every place, like every person, is elevated by the love and respect shown toward it, and by the way in which its bounty is received."
- Richard Nelson, The Island Within
Location: Paynes Prairie Visitor Center
off Hwy 441 - 10 miles south of Gainesville - before Micanopy
Click here for a map
$5 for Friends members
$10 for general public (or you can join that evening).
It is still cheaper than going to the movies, plus there is food, wine, beer, and lots of fun Homo sapiens.
RSVP is required: Please send an email.
Be sure to specify your name and how many will be attending.
Read about Gimme Green, the first Film & Forum event
