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Project Update - October 2004 |
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Restoring Eden Becomes How on Earth After feedback from many sources and much reflection on our part, we decided several months ago to rename the project and re-craft the approach to the subject. The new project name is How on Earth and reflects the emphasis on journalistic inquiry. This approach will delve into the significance, challenge, and urgency of environmental restoration. It provides a much more neutral, less advocacy-oriented, position. The new approach poses questions: Should humans be in the business of re-creating nature, and what are the consequences if we don't? Where are limited resources best expended, given the wide need and uncertain outcomes? What happens when restoration goals collide with private property rights? The ultimate question posed by How on Earth is whether or not we can restore nature on a sufficient scale to actually reverse environmental decline. Thus, the name change is much more than ornamental. It reflects a shift in our relationship to the subject as producers, with a more journalistic approach - one that is also more in alignment with PBS broadcast guidelines. New Support Materials As a result of re-positioning the project approach, we have drafted new documents including a new proposal, new one-sheet, and updated DVD with revised insert. The new proposal will be sent to the advisory panel for review and then modified based on feedback. The website is being updated constantly, so keep checking in to see the changes. New Project Partner: The Bay Institute We are delighted that The Bay Institute of San Francisco (TBI) has become a project partner to How on Earth. Many of you may know that restoration, research, and public awareness have long been the focus of TBI. A critical element of their public outreach effort is supporting teachers and students in becoming contributing community members through local restoration efforts. Their place-based education program has won national environmental awards and media attention. Now TBI and How on Earth are collaborating to develop educational strategies and materials that will take advantage of the broadcast series and highlight how place-based environmental education can be a compelling tool for educators and learners alike. New Team Member: Julie Miller We are pleased to welcome Julie Miller to the How on Earth team. Julie is an award-winning producer/writer who brings over 15 years of fundraising and production experience with PBS, educational and corporate programs. She has also worked with national non-profit organizations in Washington D.C. and Northern California. Julie is leading our development campaign and will serve in a production capacity as we move forward. SER Conference Kevin White, David Donnenfield, and Julie Miller attended the Society for Ecological Restoration's annual conference in Victoria, B.C. In addition to attending numerous presentations by leading researchers and practioners, Kevin and David met with SER board president Keith Bowers, board member Karen Rodriguez, and Storm Cunningham, author of The Restoration Economy. We were very gratified to hear that How on Earth fits nicely with the goals and direction of SER under Keith's leadership. We anticipate working closely with Keith and Karen to accelerate project production and our mutual goals. Commonwealth Club On Tuesday, November 9 we will give the public a glimpse of How on Earth at this premiere public affairs forum in San Francisco. Author Storm Cunningham has graciously invited us to share the podium with him and The Bay Institute as we discuss the challenge and promise of restoration. During our part of the presentation we will highlight a few of the compelling stories we have found. We hope some of you will be able to find the time to attend. Next Steps
With our new project documents in hand, we are aggressively seeking major
funding from foundations, individuals, and corporations. Having settled on
many of our stories, we are also gearing up for more production this Fall
and next Spring. We also hope to identify an on-camera host in the next few
months whose involvement will elevate the program's appeal and visibility.
Finally, we are also advancing our discussions with PBS and other broadcast
partners who have a stake in this series. |
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