'Ohio: Wild at Heart' now available for classroom streaming

"Ohio: Wild at Heart," the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ movie and educational experience, is now available for schools to stream in classrooms.

This past fall, ODNR and MacGillivray Freeman Films invited audiences to experience the film in giant-screen theaters. Now, the film will be provided free and will be available online for classroom streaming.

Educators can visit ohiodnr.gov/movie and complete a brief form to receive access to the film. After the form is submitted, a link to view the film will be sent to the email address entered. Internet access is required to watch.

Narrated by Ohio native Archie Griffin, the film tells stories of conservation and explores Ohio’s natural playground with the underlying message, "When we take care of nature, nature takes care of us."

"Making the film available to educators and students will introduce a new audience to the great conservation work that ODNR is doing across Ohio," ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. "By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire the next generation to become stewards of our great state."

Students will learn about conservation success stories, including the reintroduction of bald eagles and trumpeter swans in Ohio, and see behind-the-scenes work of ODNR naturalists and program leaders, as well as the changing of the seasons. The film also highlights Ohio’s natural wonders with aerial cinematography of locations ranging from the cliffs and waterfalls of Hocking Hills to Lake Erie.

The trailer is available on YouTube, and additional information is available on the "Ohio: Wild at Heart" website. The film also remains available at museum centers across the state and select movie theaters. For participating museums and theaters, visit ohiodnr.gov.