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This American Land

A unique series of magazine-style episodes hosted by Bruce Burkhardt, a former environmental reporter for CNN, and a fresh new talent, Caroline Raville. Each episode will link 5 or 6 stories, sometimes in a theme, showing how conservationists, fishermen, hunters and outdoor recreationists are sharing responsibilities for protecting America's natural heritage for future generations. The focus will be on will be on wild and beautiful places you've never heard about, and on passionate people protecting vital American landscapes, waters, and wildlife. There's nothing quite like this on national television; THIS AMERICAN LAND will be a distinctive approach to covering serious national conservation issues. We realize that many stations produce quality programming like this for their local markets, and we think there's a national audience for it in a series like ours. We will showcase stories from participating affiliates, drawing attention to the special natural resources their localities and what people are doing to protect them. Current participants are Oregon Public Broadcasting and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Segments will also be featured from local public broadcasting programs such as Outdoor Oklahoma and Exploring North Carolina. Each episode will also include a segment from the Science Nation series funded by the National Science Foundation.

This American Land  
  • Friends of the Cheat River, Navajo Water, Saving the Red Wolf
    Thursday, April 10
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    A citizen-led effort in West Virginia overcomes pollution from mines and restores clean water with "an open hand rather than closed fist." In the Navajo nation some homes finally get running water through an innovative program. A captive breeding program helps to save the red wolf, one of the most endangered animals.
  • Conserving Las Vegas Water, Outdoor Afro, People's Garden, Motivation in Conservation
    Thursday, April 17
    2:01 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    A multi-faceted effort ensures no water is wasted in Las Vegas. Host Ed Arnett talks to the founder of a group that inspires Black connections to nature. Urban gardening gains in popularity. We hear what inspires citizens to join conservation efforts.
  • Farmers Challenge Climate Change, The Salton Sea in Trouble, Songbirds Respond to Improved Habitat
    Thursday, April 24
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    Farmers in Iowa change their methods to confront climate change, pulling carbon from the atmosphere into the ground. The largest lake in California is in rapid decline, causing the loss of wildlife and threatening human health. A program to regenerate forest is already bringing songbirds back to the woods of Pennsylvania.
  • Confronting Sea Level Rise, Protecting Wyoming Public Lands, Revising Forest Plans
    Thursday, May 1
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    Scientists and homeowners use education and innovation to tackle rising sea levels in Norfolk, Va. Teams explore wilderness areas to determine the best uses for public lands in Wyoming. In North Carolina, diverse public interests contribute to the new plan for a large national forest.
  • The Wilderness Act at 60, Bringing Back the Birds, Forever Green
    Thursday, May 8
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    THE WILDERNESS ACT AT 60 "This American Land" kicks off Season 12 with a celebration of one of the world's most important conservation measures. Since its passage in 1964, the Wilderness Act assures the strongest protections for clean air, clean water, wildlife, and the scientific understanding of our natural world. Our host, wildlife biologist Ed Arnett, takes us to Colorado, to see how important this protection is to tourists, merchants, scientists, and of course the plants and animals it protects. BRINGING BACK THE BIRDS Habitat destruction has contributed to the loss of 3 billion birds in the last 50 years. Climate change is adding to their survival threats. You may be surprised to see the dramatic action scientists are taking along one of the most important bird migration routes in America. Correspondent Brad Hicks shows us how the Bureau of Reclamation has devised a multi-species conservation program to create forests and wetlands along the lower Colorado River. FOREVER GREEN Successful farming in the 21st century is about much more than how much corn you can grow on an acre. Researchers in Minnesota are developing food crops that could revolutionize agriculture. With global uncertainties about food security, farmers are anxious to find ways to grow crops year-round. The "Forever Green" program has been around more than a quarter century, experimenting with perennials that have massive roots. Extended growing
  • Grizzlies, Worry in the Wetlands, Pecos Wilderness
    Thursday, May 15
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    GRIZZLIES Grizzly bears are an endangered species success story. These iconic creatures were hunted nearly to extinction. Back in the 1980s there were fewer than 200 in the West's Yellowstone territory. But in 2024 there are now more than one thousand! Acclaimed outdoor journalist Kris Millgate explains the fragile balance between this powerful mammal and the humans sharing its space and how it's going to take constant efforts to share the wilderness with them. WORRY IN THE WETLANDS A recent Supreme Court decision, the Sackett case, is having a dramatic impact on wetlands conservation in the Mississippi River Valley. We'll show you how local communities are adjusting their efforts to address these new rules. The changes could have an impact on groundwater, flood protection, and plant and animal habitat. And it could especially impact the Prairie Pothole Region, part of one of the most important waterfowl habitats in the world. PECOS WILDERNESS is an area in North Central New Mexico, created under the 1964 Wilderness Act. The region serves as a major watershed for New Mexico and southern Texas. 30 million people visit each year, generating $8 billion in annual business. But the area is also rich in many minerals. Toxic waste from long-closed mining operations still threaten the Pecos River and have left scars on the land. Residents and lawmakers have been working for more than five years to stop any new mining operations.
  • Robert Bullard - Environmental Justice, Kidwind, Lighthawk, Cafe Romain
    Thursday, May 22
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    ROBERT BULLARD - ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE On many of our shows you'll see public lands and wide open spaces, and meet the dedicated people working to protect fresh air, clean water and abundant green spaces. America's big cities also have priceless lands, but many residents do not have equal access to safe and welcoming places for their families. We take you to Houston, to meet Robert Bullard, the "Father of Environmental Justice." He's also been training a hard-working new generation to help underserved communities take action against pollution, toxic dumping, and neglect that are so often foisted on Black, Brown, and poorer communities. KIDWIND Conservation success depends on the constant passion and excitement of new generations working to protect and improve our natural resources. Young people have grown up learning how important recycling, sustainability, and renewable fuels are to their future. KIDWIND is a national challenge that brings alternative energy education into classrooms. Students from fourth to 12th grade work with schools and local mentors to create wind and solar projects... paving the way to their leadership in engineering and technology. LIGHTHAWK Hundreds of volunteer pilots are helping scientists get a bold new view of their conservation efforts. For years, "Lighthawk" has provided a bird's eye view of deserts and wetlands. And they have helped with species counts and mapping details. We joined flights over both the Colorado and the Mississippi Rivers. Scientists are wowed by the new perspective on their research. CAPE ROMAIN is growing! Development and sea level rise are posing threats to this priceless salt marsh habitat in South Carolina. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is adding nearly 450 acres to this critical bird nesting refuge. It's a critical nursery for fish, birds, and threatened turtle species. And it makes a marvelous outdoor classroom for local kids and adults.
  • Gray Wolves, The Riverlorian, Dave Showalter Conservation Photographer, Blue Ridge Parkway
    Thursday, May 29
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Smith Island, The Benefits of Beavers, Mississippi
    Thursday, June 5
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Right Whales, Bird Collisions, Arizona Groundwater, Renegade Rancher
    Thursday, June 12
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    RIGHT WHALES The North Atlantic Right Whale is among the most endangered species on earth. About 350 animals are left. But they're being killed by two human threats: Strikes from speeding ships, and entanglement in tons of discarded fishing gear. While the outlook is dire, there is dedication and creativity among scientists, anglers, the U.S. military, and volunteers to save the remaining right whales in the waters off New England, south to the coasts of Georgia and Florida. BIRD COLLISIONS Birds see the world differently from humans. And that can lead to deadly encounters when birds fly into glass buildings. It kills more than a billion birds a year. Now more cities are adopting bird-friendly building ordinances to help reduce bird-glass collisions. And schools of architecture are designing spaces that are both safe and attractive for our feathered friends. It's also easy for apartment and home dwellers to make their windows safer. ARIZONA GROUNDWATER What's causing lands to sink and wells to dry up in southern Arizona? Aquifers are being drained to water thirsty industrial farms. State and local laws are not providing much guidance, and the problem has turned into a groundwater free-for-all. Correspondent Brad Hicks shows us the impact of this groundwater free-for-all. RENEGADE RANCHER Water challenges along the Colorado River are inspiring ranchers to try new ways to save this precious commodity. Some are experimenting with Silphium, a good livestock feed with deep roots that's rich in protein. We'll take you to Colorado, where collaboration is helping farms, cities, and industries share water with creativity, not conflict. CAMP HALE The harsh terrain of Colorado's mountains helped young Army recruits in World War II prepare for fighting Nazis in the Alps. Now, after years of effort, Colorado's Camp Hale/Continental Divide has been named a National Monument by the federal government. Many of those hardy soldiers came back after the war to help create the multi-billion dollar outdoor sports and ski resorts in Colorado and throughout the west. Camp Hale is a spot for recreation, and respite for military veterans and their families.

 

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  • Safer Passage, Going for the Green, King of Camouflage
    Sunday, April 6
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    Recent innovations are vital to the survival of wildlife and fish as they travel in Colorado and Oregon. Greenways are valuable to urban dwellers as they enjoy nature within cities. Technology helps biologists protect a bird that's very hard to see.
  • Sending in the Marines, Feeding the Beach, and Trailblazing Volunteers
    Thursday, April 3
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    Marines and biologists join forces to give much-needed help to desert tortoises in California. An oceanside community in North Carolina finds a way to preserve its beach and its economy. Volunteers (and some llamas) come together to maintain mountain trails.
  • Sage Grouse, Curlew Grassland, Tribute to Gary Strieker
    Sunday, March 30
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    Protecting the sage grouse also protects one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Stream restoration work is preserving the sagebrush steppe of the Curlew National Grassland in Idaho. Gary Strieker was the founder and executive producer of This American Land. He inspired "conservation through storytelling."
  • Ropeless Fishing to Save Whales, Women Hikers Give Back, Preserving Original Homesteads
    Thursday, March 27
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    A coalition endeavors to save the Right Whale while allowing fishermen to save their livelihoods. Immigrant women enjoy hiking together and working on volunteer park projects. Land owners use conservation easements to ensure that original homesteads survive.
  • Right Whales, Bird Collisions, Arizona Groundwater, Renegade Rancher
    Sunday, March 23
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    RIGHT WHALES The North Atlantic Right Whale is among the most endangered species on earth. About 350 animals are left. But they're being killed by two human threats: Strikes from speeding ships, and entanglement in tons of discarded fishing gear. While the outlook is dire, there is dedication and creativity among scientists, anglers, the U.S. military, and volunteers to save the remaining right whales in the waters off New England, south to the coasts of Georgia and Florida. BIRD COLLISIONS Birds see the world differently from humans. And that can lead to deadly encounters when birds fly into glass buildings. It kills more than a billion birds a year. Now more cities are adopting bird-friendly building ordinances to help reduce bird-glass collisions. And schools of architecture are designing spaces that are both safe and attractive for our feathered friends. It's also easy for apartment and home dwellers to make their windows safer. ARIZONA GROUNDWATER What's causing lands to sink and wells to dry up in southern Arizona? Aquifers are being drained to water thirsty industrial farms. State and local laws are not providing much guidance, and the problem has turned into a groundwater free-for-all. Correspondent Brad Hicks shows us the impact of this groundwater free-for-all. RENEGADE RANCHER Water challenges along the Colorado River are inspiring ranchers to try new ways to save this precious commodity. Some are experimenting with Silphium, a good livestock feed with deep roots that's rich in protein. We'll take you to Colorado, where collaboration is helping farms, cities, and industries share water with creativity, not conflict. CAMP HALE The harsh terrain of Colorado's mountains helped young Army recruits in World War II prepare for fighting Nazis in the Alps. Now, after years of effort, Colorado's Camp Hale/Continental Divide has been named a National Monument by the federal government. Many of those hardy soldiers came back after the war to help create the multi-billion dollar outdoor sports and ski resorts in Colorado and throughout the west. Camp Hale is a spot for recreation, and respite for military veterans and their families.
  • Safer Passage, Going for the Green, King of Camouflage
    Thursday, March 20
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    Recent innovations are vital to the survival of wildlife and fish as they travel in Colorado and Oregon. Greenways are valuable to urban dwellers as they enjoy nature within cities. Technology helps biologists protect a bird that's very hard to see.
  • Smith Island, The Benefits of Beavers, Mississippi
    Sunday, March 16
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Sage Grouse, Curlew Grassland, Tribute to Gary Strieker
    Thursday, March 13
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    Protecting the sage grouse also protects one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Stream restoration work is preserving the sagebrush steppe of the Curlew National Grassland in Idaho. Gary Strieker was the founder and executive producer of This American Land. He inspired "conservation through storytelling."
  • Gray Wolves, The Riverlorian, Dave Showalter Conservation Photographer, Blue Ridge Parkway
    Sunday, March 9
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Right Whales, Bird Collisions, Arizona Groundwater, Renegade Rancher
    Thursday, March 6
    2:00 pm on UEN-TV 9.1
    RIGHT WHALES The North Atlantic Right Whale is among the most endangered species on earth. About 350 animals are left. But they're being killed by two human threats: Strikes from speeding ships, and entanglement in tons of discarded fishing gear. While the outlook is dire, there is dedication and creativity among scientists, anglers, the U.S. military, and volunteers to save the remaining right whales in the waters off New England, south to the coasts of Georgia and Florida. BIRD COLLISIONS Birds see the world differently from humans. And that can lead to deadly encounters when birds fly into glass buildings. It kills more than a billion birds a year. Now more cities are adopting bird-friendly building ordinances to help reduce bird-glass collisions. And schools of architecture are designing spaces that are both safe and attractive for our feathered friends. It's also easy for apartment and home dwellers to make their windows safer. ARIZONA GROUNDWATER What's causing lands to sink and wells to dry up in southern Arizona? Aquifers are being drained to water thirsty industrial farms. State and local laws are not providing much guidance, and the problem has turned into a groundwater free-for-all. Correspondent Brad Hicks shows us the impact of this groundwater free-for-all. RENEGADE RANCHER Water challenges along the Colorado River are inspiring ranchers to try new ways to save this precious commodity. Some are experimenting with Silphium, a good livestock feed with deep roots that's rich in protein. We'll take you to Colorado, where collaboration is helping farms, cities, and industries share water with creativity, not conflict. CAMP HALE The harsh terrain of Colorado's mountains helped young Army recruits in World War II prepare for fighting Nazis in the Alps. Now, after years of effort, Colorado's Camp Hale/Continental Divide has been named a National Monument by the federal government. Many of those hardy soldiers came back after the war to help create the multi-billion dollar outdoor sports and ski resorts in Colorado and throughout the west. Camp Hale is a spot for recreation, and respite for military veterans and their families.
  • Robert Bullard - Environmental Justice, Kidwind, Lighthawk, Cafe Romain
    Sunday, March 2
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    ROBERT BULLARD - ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE On many of our shows you'll see public lands and wide open spaces, and meet the dedicated people working to protect fresh air, clean water and abundant green spaces. America's big cities also have priceless lands, but many residents do not have equal access to safe and welcoming places for their families. We take you to Houston, to meet Robert Bullard, the "Father of Environmental Justice." He's also been training a hard-working new generation to help underserved communities take action against pollution, toxic dumping, and neglect that are so often foisted on Black, Brown, and poorer communities. KIDWIND Conservation success depends on the constant passion and excitement of new generations working to protect and improve our natural resources. Young people have grown up learning how important recycling, sustainability, and renewable fuels are to their future. KIDWIND is a national challenge that brings alternative energy education into classrooms. Students from fourth to 12th grade work with schools and local mentors to create wind and solar projects... paving the way to their leadership in engineering and technology. LIGHTHAWK Hundreds of volunteer pilots are helping scientists get a bold new view of their conservation efforts. For years, "Lighthawk" has provided a bird's eye view of deserts and wetlands. And they have helped with species counts and mapping details. We joined flights over both the Colorado and the Mississippi Rivers. Scientists are wowed by the new perspective on their research. CAPE ROMAIN is growing! Development and sea level rise are posing threats to this priceless salt marsh habitat in South Carolina. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is adding nearly 450 acres to this critical bird nesting refuge. It's a critical nursery for fish, birds, and threatened turtle species. And it makes a marvelous outdoor classroom for local kids and adults.