“WEKIVA: LEGACY OR LOSS?”

Water creates Florida's Wekiva River, influencing the lives of those who have historically lived on its shores, recreated on its waters, and been touched by its spirit. In this first-ever broadcast documentary devoted solely to the Wekiva and its surrounding habitats, we explore the unique environment that nurtures the clear springs. We do so using stunning footage from high above the river, amidst the thick hardwood swamp and pre-Columbian middens of its shores, and beneath its waters. We travel inside the caves at the mouth of the springs, looking on as virgin territory is first mapped. We watch carefully at dawn and dusk as Florida black bears, alligators, wading birds and gopher tortoises each go about their business of making a living in the rare wilderness of the Wekiva Basin.

On camera, seldom-seen springs are explored, brand new aquatic species are discovered, and disturbing information about the health of the river and the springs that feed it is revealed. Experts speak passionately about wildlife conservation corridors, habitat preservation, and the wisdom of sustainable development. Grassroots conservationists tell of their own connection to the river, and how they have come to develop an ethic for the Wekiva. We learn how the subtropical river acts as a 'time machine' to transport visitors back to another era, and discover how the mechanism of this venerable wilderness is threatened like never before.  Will the river be a timeless legacy—or a loss for future generations?

Designed to reach regional viewers as a PBS-affiliate broadcast documentary, "Wekiva: Legacy or Loss?" will first be broadcast on Nov. 15, 2000 on WMFE-TV, and later re-broadcast on select PBS stations in Florida. It is now available as a video cassette for educators, students and all those with an interest in this unique resource.

"Wekiva: Legacy or Loss?" is a joint project of BBG Productions, an independent Central Florida production company, and WMFE-TV (Channel 24) of Orlando. It is made possible by a grant from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Advisory Council on Environmental Education. 

Come along with us---relive the journey, communicate with filmmakers and others in the documentary, travel to other web sites with relevant information, and even download materials to use in teaching.

For more information on other projects of the film producers to help preserve Florida's rich heritage

click here

Talk To Us is now available, with lots of information on the people behind the film.

More to come...