Client: The Nature Conservancy

Project: Piney Grove Preserve

Video Duration: 3:46

Key Focus: Showing the role of fire in maintaining the pine savannah habitat and fostering appreciation for conservation efforts at Piney Grove Preserve.

In 2023, I along with filmmaker Mark Schwenk, had the honor of collaborating with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to produce a captivating video for Piney Grove Preserve, a lesser-known property located in southern Virginia. TNC sought to shed light on the unique aspects of this preserve, which they manage in partnership with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR) and other state and federal agencies.

The challenge was to distill the essence of Piney Grove Preserve and find a compelling narrative amidst its diverse activities. Through careful exploration, we discovered that fire played a central role in maintaining the native pine savannah habitat, crucial to supporting endangered birds and mammals.

Over the course of six months, we immersed ourselves in the preserve's changing landscape to capture its dynamic nature throughout various seasons. The heart of the story lay in the relationship between the native pine trees and the controlled burns conducted by Bobby Clontz, the manager of the VA Pinelands program and Controlled Burn Master.

Filming Bobby's interview within the enchanting pine savannah allowed him to be immersed in the very essence of our narrative, but required us to provide all power for lighting equipment without disturbing the environment. The resulting video showcased the beauty of Piney Grove Preserve and underscored TNC's dedication to preserving this biodiverse ecosystem.

With the video, we aimed to educate and inspire audiences, evoking a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts at Piney Grove Preserve. Through our collaboration with TNC, we highlighted the critical role that fire plays in maintaining the delicate balance of this unique habitat.

Our video showcased the dedication and commitment of TNC and its partners in protecting and preserving our natural world. Through this case study, we illuminated the untold story of Piney Grove Preserve, engaging viewers and contributing to the mission of safeguarding our natural heritage.