Episode Information

This American Land - Gray Wolves, The Riverlorian, Dave Showalter Conservation Photographer, Blue Ridge Parkway

GRAY WOLVES Wherever wolves share the landscape with livestock, there are going to be conflicts. We'll show you how a wide range of creative and collaborative people are working together to protect them both. "This American Land" host, wildlife biologist Ed Arnett shows us how an experiment with gray wolves is working. In December, 2023, 10 gray wolves were captured in northeast Oregon and relocated in Colorado, west of the Continental Divide. It's a story of some of the challenges in wildlife conservation, human coexistence with large carnivores, and the impact on the livelihoods of ranchers in the region. THE RIVERLORIAN Steven Marking is a "Riverlorian" ... a river historian, photographer, and filmmaker. He's an outspoken advocate for the Mississippi River. He travels the river, telling stories, and making music. His show, "A Visit from Will Dilg & Scenes from Our Mighty Mississippi" is a stage production that he created, wrote, and performs, to celebrate the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. His work with the Izaak Walton League has helped protect hundreds of miles of the river. DAVE SHOWALTER - CONSERVATION PHOTOGRAPHER And another river expert a bit to the West ....Dave Showalter is a photographer with a special eye on how important rivers are to all living things. He explores the development of a new contract for the Colorado River, one that combines new technology, and restores many of our western rivers for wildlife and recreation. He also tackles the difficult challenge of recalibrating water consumption. Showalter's stunning photographs are part of his book, "Living River: Creating a Resilient Watershed." BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY The Blue Ridge Parkway runs more than 400 miles in North Carolina and Virginia. Local governments, NGOs and public-private partnerships are helping link the rural communities it traverses, making sure their waters stay clean and their inspiring views are unimpeded. Threats to the region include housing development, and erosion from building sites. Outdoor lovers are working with the U.S. Forest Service and private landowners to protect these lands for wildlife and outdoor recreation.

Series Website: http://www.thisamericanland.org

Recent and Upcoming Airings