Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary is about the filmmaker’s beloved Cape Cod, its ecosystem, and recent restoration efforts. The photography is tranquil, the music is peaceful, and the narrator is soft-spoken. This is not your usual fast-paced, survival of the fittest nature show. Here the baby terrapins survive their long trek.

The film includes many interviews with scientists of various ages and genders. The ecosystem and the issues are clearly explained, often using nontechnical terms making the film accessible to a wider audience. The price and viewing time alone make this is a good film for classroom use. Fortunately, similar ecosystems can be found throughout the eastern and southern U.S., so the film is of interest to viewers far beyond Massachusetts. The documentary is appropriate for classes studying fisheries, coastal environments, and restoration ecology and management. This documentary would also be a great addition for public libraries, especially in coastal regions. While it is appropriate for younger audiences, it may be too slow paced to hold the attention of elementary or middle school audiences.