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Shew's Natural Treasures

Roger Shew, a native of Brunswick County, has been educating UNCW 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.

Screenings

Bald Head Island Conservancy
Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 6 p.m. 
700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island

Registration required

Synopsis

This documentary focuses on educating audiences about these unique natural areas, their native plant and animal species and their awe-inspiring mystique. From the mysterious Carolina Bays to the region’s drinking water source – the Cape Fear River – and the ancient forest hidden along one of its tributaries, all the way to the longleaf pine savanna home to the iconic Venus flytraps, ending at the coast with the vital salt marshes and barrier islands, the film highlights the astounding natural landscapes surrounding Wilmington, North Carolina, and explores the threats and challenges these environments face. Audiences will connect and be inspired to preserve and protect these natural treasures now and for future generations.

Background

Roger Shew’s connection and commitment to preserving our regional ecosystem inspired him to advocate for these natural treasures. His passion for these unique areas inspired UNCW to create a documentary to educate the community about their wonder and importance to our economy and way of life along the coastal plain.

He leads viewers on a journey into the natural world showcasing how beautiful and wondrous nature can be right in your own backyard. Growing up in Brunswick County and spending most of his life in the area gave Roger a unique perspective of the land, a desire to protect it, and a passion to share it with the world.

The purpose of this story is to pass on this love of nature through storytelling, stunning nature cinematography that immerses viewers in wildlife, and a reminder of how interconnected humans and nature truly are.

Director's Comments

In 2018, Roger Shew approached me about an idea for a documentary film to educate our community about the importance of his “natural wonders.” I quickly became interested as he told me the Venus flytrap is native to our region and home to the fifth oldest living tree. 

And so began production on a documentary about “Shew’s Natural Treasures.” For four years, our production team documented the coastal plain with Roger. He led us on a unique adventure as we experienced nature from his perspective. His passion is infectious, and the education we received from Roger (Tracy, C.R, Paul, Kemp, Chris, Deb, Ashley, and Eulis) is special. 

To Roger Shew, thank you for your guidance, trust, and friendship. I am forever grateful for the experience we had exploring your treasures together.

To our audience, thank you for your support and interest in our documentary film. Know it was created with passion, determination, teamwork, and artistry. It is a collaboration of professionals, students, educators, and advocates connecting science, craft, and art with love of nature to tell its compelling story. 

Nature requires a certain balance. Without our awe of nature, the balance seems uncertain. This experience has enhanced my awe and connection to life, and I hope our film will enhance your connection to nature. 

Peace and Love,
Jesse Bradley

PS: Thank you to my father for teaching me to appreciate and experience nature as a child.

Credits

directed by

Jesse Bradley

produced by

Caroline Allen
Brielle Barozzini
Jesse Bradley
Katherine Hall-Wurst
Krista McKinney
Bradley Pearce
Roger Shew

appearing

Roger Shew - Senior Lecturer of Geology, UNCW Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences
Tracy Skrabal - Retired Coastal Scientist, North Carolina Coastal Federation
Charles Robbins - Wilderness Guide & Outdoor Educator
Dr. Paul E. Hosier - Professor Emeritus, UNCW Department of Biology & Marine Biology
Kemp Burdette -Cape Fear Riverkeeper
Chris Helms - Superintendent, Carolina Beach State Park
Deb Mauer - Program Director, Southeast Chapter of The Nature Conservancy
Ashley Lomboy - Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio Program Director
Eulis Willis - Mayor, Town of Navassa, Local Historian and Author

narrated by

Gene Felice

cinematography

Krista McKinney
Bradley Pearce

edited by

Jesse Bradley
Krista McKinney
Bradley Pearce

assistant editor

Katherine Hall-Wurst

photography

Jeff Janowski
Bradley Pearce

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