Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home—a Movie

The public is invited to attend a free showing of “Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home” in the visitors center at Renfrew Park. The program is presented by Renfrew Institute in partnership with the Antietam Watershed Association.

The environmental education documentary focuses on showing how and why native plants are critical to the survival and vitality of local ecosystems. Through its profile of seven hometown habitats, the advantages of landscaping with native plants are explored. For example, native species generally don’t require pesticides, they thrive on naturally available water, and are preferred by native birds and pollinators.

The documentary was produced by The Meadow Project (themeadowproject.com), and is narrated by renowned entomologist, Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D, whose research, books and lectures about the use of non-native plants in landscaping have raised concerns about habitat and species loss.

The film’s producer and director, Catherine Zimmerman spent two years traveling around the U.S. to visit “hometown habitat heroes” and film their inspiring stories of community commitment to conservation landscaping.

Zimmerman shares these success stories and works-in-progress in the hope of inspiring viewers to support and create their own habitats for wildlife, showing how humans and nature can co-exist with mutual benefits.

Topics in the film include water conservation, the Habitat Hero Program, changes in the horticultural industry, environmental art, sustainable practices, and more.

The film runs 90-minutes, and refreshments will be served during an intermission. Parking is available behind the visitors center. For more information, contact the institute at [email protected] or call 717-762-0373.