Thursday, September 21, 2017

Challenges of preserving biodiversity on a crowded plant is focus of Collider's movie night



“Wild Ways: Corridors of Life” to be screened on Sept. 26 
in partnership with National Parks Conservation Association; 
event includes panel discussion related to wildlife 
corridors and solutions

The Collider’s monthly movie night, presented by Oskar Blues Brewery and featuring films related to climate and the environment, continues Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the nonprofit innovation center in downtown Asheville. The PBS NOVA documentary, “Wild Ways: Corridors of Life,” directed by James Brundige, is this month’s featured film, and is shown in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the program begins at 7 p.m. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Popcorn and a selection of Oskar Blues beers will be provided, in addition to fudge sponsored by Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge, & Ice Cream.

“Wild Ways” is a groundbreaking film on the challenges of preserving biodiversity on an ever-more crowded planet. While national parks and preserves offer some protection, even the Serengeti and Yellowstone parks have become islands of nature in an increasingly developed landscape. This isolation means extinction for the world’s iconic animals unless we share more space with wildlife.

The documentary demonstrates how some of the world’s most beloved species can be preserved by linking wildlife refuges with safe highway crossings and protected land corridors. From North America’s Yellowstone to Yukon, to Southern Africa’s elephant highways, viewers will learn how connectivity conservation offers hope to some of the planet’s most treasured, but endangered, species.

Following the 53-minute film will be a panel discussion related to wildlife corridors and solutions. Dr. Tony Clevenger of the Western Transportation Institute, Kat Diersen of Defenders of Wildlife, Hugh Irwin of The Wilderness Society, and Dr. Ron Sutherland of Wildlands Network will discuss a collaborative wildlife project focused on Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding public lands. Jeff Hunter from NPCA will moderate the panel discussion.

Located at 1 Haywood St., on the top floor of the Wells Fargo building in downtown Asheville at Pritchard Park, The Collider is an innovation center focused on catalyzing climate solutions. It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Access to the building for evening events is through the glass door facing Patton Ave., around the corner from the ATM machine.


 

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