Natural Treasures

Shew's "Natural Treasures" to Debut April 30

A University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) documentary film will premiere on Sunday, April 30, at 4 p.m. in the UNCW Fisher Student Center’s Lumina Theater. Shew’s "Natural Treasures: The Coastal Plain of Southeastern North Carolina" shows nature cinematography of some what makes our natural areas so special. This showing will be free and open to the public.

Roger Shew paddles the Black River.

photo by Jesse Bradley

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Roger Shew, a native of Brunswick County, has been educating students and the community for decades about our wild spaces, their importance and the threats to our regional ecosystem. He works in the community to preserve these habitats, including his self-described “natural treasures” of the coastal plain in southeastern North Carolina. Our community is at a critical stage with development and pollution endangering our natural ecosystems, including our natural treasures and the species that call them home.

The documentary focuses on educating audiences about these unique natural areas, their native plants and animals species and their awe-inspiring mystique. Viewers will take a trip through the mysterious Carolina Bays and to the region’s main drinking water source, the Cape Fear River, and the ancient forest hidden along one of its tributaries. They’ll journey to the long leaf pine savanna, home of the iconic Venus flytrap, ending at the coast’s vital salt marshes and barrier islands. The film highlights these astounding natural landscapes surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina, and explores the threats and challenges these environments face. Audiences will be inspired to preserve and protect these natural treasures now and for future generations.

View the trailer at uncw.edu/ur/naturaltreasures.