Watch Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild

Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild is a breathtakingly gorgeous film that offers a deep and intimate look at an area of America that is often overlooked. The Great Plains is a vast expanse of grasslands that extends from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River, covering over 1.2 million square miles. It is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and coyotes, and it has a rich history that dates back to the days of the American bison.

The film takes viewers on a journey through this beautiful and rugged landscape, exploring the ecology, history, and culture of the Great Plains. It features stunning aerial footage that captures the vastness and beauty of the grasslands from above, as well as up-close and personal footage of the animals that call it home. Through interviews with scientists, naturalists, and historians, viewers learn about the complex web of life that exists on the Great Plains, and the challenges facing conservationists who are working to protect it.

The film also explores the human history of the Great Plains, from the Native American tribes who lived there for centuries to the European settlers who arrived in the 1800s. It discusses the impact of westward expansion on the region, including the decimation of the bison herds and the displacement of Native American populations, and the efforts being made today to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Great Plains.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a rich and evocative soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood of the Great Plains. The music varies from haunting and beautiful, to upbeat and celebratory, and helps to create a deeply emotional connection to this remarkable place.

One of the standout segments of the film looks at the migration of the monarch butterfly, which travels thousands of miles each year from Canada to Mexico, passing over the Great Plains during its journey. Viewers are treated to breathtaking footage of these beautiful insects, as well as insights into the science behind their remarkable migration.

Overall, Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild is a stunning tribute to one of America's most overlooked and underappreciated wilderness areas. It is a beautiful and informative film that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the Great Plains, and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing those who are working to preserve it for future generations.

Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between September 3, 2013 and on PBS