Last Thursday night at the Attwood Theater in Anchorage, I had the rare privilege to participate (as Howard Ferren would describe) in a conversation about conservation between a legendary film maker/historian and more than 1,000 members of Alaska's extended conservation community. The privilege was three part: part magic hearing how a 10 year film project idea became a reality - I am always fascinated how producers, authors and others scope and then deliver on an idea that is as complex as national parks. Part fascination, hearing how America's parks evolved in both the 19th and 20th centuries - the interplay between social values of different eras and the challenges of setting aside land and water for non consumptive use was especially insightful. Part celebration - seeing great cinematography and hearing (from Burns and many in the audience) about how parks have shaped their lives reminds us that we have inherited a truly magnificent gift.
The excerpts that Burns previewed for us whetted my appetite for more - his story telling skills are legend and this series does not disappoint. This series comprises stories from the perspective of some 50 individuals - explorers, rangers, scientists, naturalists, bureaucrats, politicians and others lost in the annals of history but who accomplished extraordinary things! There are, of course, the grand stories about the big accomplishments and yet Burns also manages to weave in the back story and sub-plots, including a fascinating piece on Seward told in the words of people we know!
I just love a good story well told... in this series Ken Burns has produced one of the most delightful stories I have ever seen told about the relationship between humans and nature. He and co-producer Dayton Duncan (both pictured above receiving honorary ranger appointments) deserve a place up there with Thoreau, Muir, Leopold and others who have have provoked us to think about that relationship and why it is important to our future.
Bookmark this site and then clear your calendar for an evening with friends and family on 27th September, 2009 to see the premiere of the 6 part series.
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