LIVEThis American Land - Smith Island, The Benefits of Beavers, Mississippi
SMITH ISLAND "This American Land" spent time with residents of Maryland's Smith Island back in our first season. It was before the climate crisis was everyday news, yet the people here were already dealing with sea-level rise and the genuine possibility that the next generation may have to abandon the oyster fishing and tourist draw for this beautiful four-square mile archipelago. We'll explore what's changed since then, and the long-term plans of some families who have lived here for generations. THE BENEFITS OF BEAVERS Humans have long marveled at the engineering skills of beavers. Now scientists are learning more about how beaver dams help restore rivers during droughts and after wildfires. Artificial intelligence techniques are being used to both locate dams, and to build dams that replicate nature's keenest construction workers. MISSISSIPPI WETLANDS There's a lot of work underway to protect and restore the largest wetland ecosystem in the United States. The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley stretches across seven states. Now there are millions of dollars available to restore its forest and stream habitats. The efforts are reducing flooding, sequestering carbon, and creating more hunting and fishing habitat with help from private landowners. Hundreds of bird species and the iconic Louisiana black bear also benefit from these conservation practices.
Series Website: http://www.thisamericanland.org
Recent and Upcoming Airings
11.212/1 12:00 pm