On the PBS App: Earth Day Programming On Demand

As Earth Day approaches, let's take a dive into PBS programs that show our planet's beauty, diversity and how to best take care of the Earth. In the days leading up to April 22, take time each day to learn more about our natural world. 

From breathtaking documentaries to thought-provoking series, PBS offers a treasure trove of content that explores our world and helps us understand environmental conservation and sustainability. We're happy to share some of our picks for viewing this month on Iowa PBS Passport through the PBS App.  

Exploring Earth's Wonders

Check out the beauty of our natural world and some of the wildlife (and wildlife a bit closer to home):

1. Wisdom of the Wild:  There's a great deal we can learn from our fellow creatures because their understanding of the world pre-dates our own.
2. My Garden of a Thousand Bees:  A wildlife filmmaker spends his time during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown filming the bees in his urban garden and discovers the many diverse species and personalities that exist in this insect family.
3. Earth's Sacred Wonders:  Discover what people do for faith in some of the most stunning, sacred places on Earth.
4. Extraordinary Cats:  You think you may know your feline friend -- think again.
5. Extraordinary Dogs:  Dogs are anything but common animals.
6. Christmas in Yellowstone:  As snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, a holiday season of a different sort settles in just beyond the town.

Pulling Back the Layers of Earth's History

For millions of years, our planet has continued to be built, destroyed, rebuilt, but always leaving a bit of a trail so that we can understand how this planet we call home developed.  Have fun learning the many layers of our geological history.  

1. PBS's Eons   Learn about life from Archaean Eon through the Mesozoic Era — the so-called “Age of Dinosaurs” -- right up to the end of the most recent Ice Age.
2. NOVA: Making North America: Origins  Part of a three-part series, Origins looks at the earliest beginnings of North America and how it changed over millions of years. The other two programs focus on the earliest animals and humans.  

Climate Change and Sustainability

In today's world, understanding and addressing climate change is more critical than ever. PBS offers insightful programming that delves into the science, impacts, and solutions to climate change.

1. Climate Change's Best Hope: In this two-hour documentary, NOVA will cut through the confusion around climate change.
2. Iowa's Wild Weather: Discover how Iowans combat weather events to protect their communities while respecting the weather.
3. Serengeti Rules: Based on a book of the same name, Serengeti Rules transports the viewer back in time with a pioneering group of scientists who make surprising discoveries that transform human understanding of nature and ecology.

If you're hungry for more, PBS has put together a whole site of more programs about our natural world. Take your time and enjoy!