magiclanternmedia.ca

Grade levels: Senior High (10-12)

  • The Sustainable Forest and the New Forest Economy

    The Sustainable Forest and the New Forest Economy is three, 20 minute programs written by Ray Travers, professional forester and Chair of the Eco-forestry Institute Society, and award-winning filmmaker, Edward Homer. The three part series is a practical guide for anyone interested in sustainable forestry, eco-certification and marketing of eco-certified wood products: from the forest to the finished product.
    Part One: “The Sustainable Forest”– looks at how all of the systems in the forest interact; soil, wildlife, and different types of trees. This first segment features Merve Wilkinson and his Wildwood Forest in BC, which is a fantastic example of the potential for selective logging. Also covered in this first segment: planning the road system, promoting, and using woodpeckers and birds for insect control and natural regeneration.
    Part Two: “Harvesting the Timber” — looks at calculating the volume to be harvested in a selective forest as well as a second growth forest. This segment covers; criteria for selection, falling trees in a sustainable forest, skidding the trees with small skidders and horses with ecoforester, Bob Woods.
    Part Three: “Eco-Certification and the New Forest Economy”– looks at Al Hopwood’s woodlot, one of the first woodlots in Canada to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). We tour Al’s operation and he explains the FSC certification process and benefits. We follow the first shipment of eco-certified logs to Sarita Furniture in Port Alberni, BC, a value-added mill that is also certified by FSC.

  • Timber for Tomorrow

    The Sustainable Forest and the New Forest Economy is three, 20 minute programs written by Ray Travers, professional forester and Chair of the Eco-forestry Institute Society, and award-winning filmmaker, Edward Homer. The three part series is a practical guide for anyone interested in sustainable forestry, eco-certification and marketing of eco-certified wood products: from the forest to the finished product.
    Part One: “The Sustainable Forest”– looks at how all of the systems in the forest interact; soil, wildlife, and different types of trees. This first segment features Merve Wilkinson and his Wildwood Forest in BC, which is a fantastic example of the potential for selective logging. Also covered in this first segment: planning the road system, promoting, and using woodpeckers and birds for insect control and natural regeneration.
    Part Two: “Harvesting the Timber” — looks at calculating the volume to be harvested in a selective forest as well as a second growth forest. This segment covers; criteria for selection, falling trees in a sustainable forest, skidding the trees with small skidders and horses with ecoforester, Bob Woods.
    Part Three: “Eco-Certification and the New Forest Economy”– looks at Al Hopwood’s woodlot, one of the first woodlots in Canada to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). We tour Al’s operation and he explains the FSC certification process and benefits. We follow the first shipment of eco-certified logs to Sarita Furniture in Port Alberni, BC, a value-added mill that is also certified by FSC.

  • Ultralight

    Ultralight aircraft have come a long way from the early days when people were strapping lawn mower engines to their hang gliders to today’s machines that are basically small aircraft. The sport is now recognized as a less expensive, yet still safe alternative to conventional flying. This program follows the progression from powered hang glider to current ultralights that travel at over 200 kilometres/hour. One of the big advances in the sport was the development of the two seat machines allowing for in-flight instruction. We follow a student through his training, from first fun flight to solo. Filmed in and around British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, the program has some beautiful scenery, a cross country trip to an alpine lake, wave hopping and formation flying at sunset and more: all of it shot from the front seat of an ultralight.

  • Vancouver Island Marmots – A Critically Endangered Species

    This documentary chronicles the plight of the Vancouver Island Marmot – the rarest mammal in North America – and the efforts of the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Team. With as few as 100 animals left, this distinct species of marmot (that only exist on Vancouver Island, BC) is an Endangered Species in Canada. Shot on the mountains of Vancouver Island, the program travels with the recovery team biologists as they observe, trap and tag animals for a captive breeding program at the Toronto Zoo. The film includes rare footage of marmots in their natural sub-alpine habitat. One of the colonies profiled is now extirpated. The natural sub-alpine colonies have all but vanished.
    There is an update at the end of the film that explains the current status of the animals and lets people know how they can get involved by adopting a marmot, and where to find them on the internet.

  • Whistler Mountain – From Wilderness to World Class

    This documentary chronicles the plight of the Vancouver Island Marmot – the rarest mammal in North America – and the efforts of the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Team. With as few as 100 animals left, this distinct species of marmot (that only exist on Vancouver Island, BC) is an Endangered Species in Canada. Shot on the mountains of Vancouver Island, the program travels with the recovery team biologists as they observe, trap and tag animals for a captive breeding program at the Toronto Zoo. The film includes rare footage of marmots in their natural sub-alpine habitat. One of the colonies profiled is now extirpated. The natural sub-alpine colonies have all but vanished.
    There is an update at the end of the film that explains the current status of the animals and lets people know how they can get involved by adopting a marmot, and where to find them on the internet.

  • Horse and Rider: The Story of Emily and Bear

    This is a delightful look at a young girl’s progression as a rider. The program follows Emily as she takes her first lessons riding ponies at the age of seven, progresses to a horse, and eventually owns and cares for her horse, Bear. By the age of thirteen, Emily competes at local fairs and participates in the local 4-H club. This is a great program for children and parents who are thinking about riding and buying a horse. Insightful interview clips with Emily’s riding instructor offer valuable tips for neophyte riders.

  • Island Serendipity

    Island Serendipity will transport you to the magical beaches and forests of southwestern British Columbia. This 60 minute video will calm your tattered nerves and soothe your savaged soul. Island Serendipity is like a weekend getaway. There is no voice-over narration cluttering up the contemplation of beautiful images from award-winning filmmaker Edward Homer, punctuated by gentle solo piano passages by recording artist Frank Callingham. Shot in the Southern Gulf Islands, Barkley Sound, Long Beach, Clayoquot Sound, and Meares Island this program is a visual tour de force and truly serendipitous.

  • Kayaking in South West B.C.

    Vancouver Island is the top destination on the planet for kayakers. This program features paddlers in the Broken Islands and Clayoquot Sound on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Discover why people from near and far travel to these areas as we explore the pristine waters and untouched wilderness of British Columbia. This program is a great primer for anyone who has never been in a kayak but thinking about trying it. Neophytes will learn from two of the top guides on the West Coast what they can expect when they sign up for an introductory paddle and the types of skills they need before they are ready to head off on their own.

  • Search and Rescue in the Mountains

    Most of us think of the police or military as the people responsible for search and rescue. In the mountains, search and rescue is done on foot and for the most part, by specially trained volunteers. This documentary profiles the rescue techniques and challenges of the women and men risking their lives for people they don’t even know. The program includes a North Shore Rescue Team operation on Seymour Mountain in a snowstorm, rescue workers on the scene of a big avalanche that killed three people, and the Whistler Mountain Pro Patrol demonstrating search and rescue techniques. Filmed at Whistler Mountain and the North Shore Mountains of Vancouver, BC, this documentary will appeal to a general audience and people that spend time in the mountains.

  • Secret Garden Serendipity

    This 60 minute DVD is like sitting in the garden from early March to August. Shot on a five acre property in the Gulf Islands of South West British Columbia, the program features the different looks of the garden: from the early crocuses and tulips to roses and cosmos later in the season (to name a few). Of course every gardener loves to bird watch and there are plenty of great shots in this journey through the seasons. Hummingbirds are featured as well as Pileated woodpeckers, Towhees, Chickadees, Robins, and a nest of baby Robins. Black Tail Deer are an everyday part of island life and our cameras captured these interlopers snacking on honeysuckle and roses.