As part of Arborjet’s continued philanthropy, an Emerald Ash Borer Education Grant was awarded to Media Working Group in 2014. Media Working Group created a film entitled Trees In Trouble, which has been selected for inclusion in PBS’ World Channel program schedule.
The Trees in Trouble Story
Trees in Trouble: Saving America’s Urban Forests tells the story of America’s urban and community forests – their history, their growing importance to our health, economy and environment, and the serious threats they now face from invasive insects. Through stories of everyday people on the front lines of the invasion, the documentary shows how a community-wide effort in southwest Ohio is saving and protecting trees for future generations. Trees in Trouble inspires viewers of all ages to see trees as an integral part of the community.
The Center for Invasive Species Prevention Weighs-In on the Film
Faith Campbell, Vice President of the Center for Invasive Species Prevention said, “Trees in Trouble tells the story of Cincinnati’s response to the threat to its trees posed by the emerald ash borer. However, the film’s message is not limited to southern Ohio: across the country, from Massachusetts to San Diego, Minneapolis to Charleston, thousands of communities face the same threat: valuable and beloved trees being killed by non-native insects or diseases. While the trees and killers differ, the cost to the communities is the same: destruction of trees that provide shade and other important ecosystem services and create our sense of home. Trees in Trouble helps us understand what we are losing and links us to actions we can take to counter this tragedy.”
Watch the Film
In celebration of Earth Day & Arbor Day, PBS stations that carry the World Channel will premiere Trees in Trouble on Arbor Day, Tuesday April 26, 2016. The film will then air several times between Tuesday April 26th and Saturday April 30th, in addition to local broadcasts and screenings at community events.
Funding for Trees in Trouble
Additional funding for Trees in Trouble comes from the Ohio Humanities Council, the Stephen H. Wilder Foundation, the Craig Young Family Foundation and the TREE Fund. The project was supported by the Media Working Group, the Center for Independent Documentary, and the School of Art, University of Cincinnati.
Would you like to know when Trees in Trouble will be airing on PBS in your area? Program schedules can be found on the World Channel and Trees in Trouble websites. Would you like to help keep trees in your community strong and healthy? Donate to the TREE Fund today!