Conservation & Ecology – Page 2

Conservation & Ecology, News & Updates, Public Engagement

A Celebration of UC Film and Media Arts 

Nancy Jennings / 2026-03-13

Come out to the Celebration of UC Film and Media Arts to see the award-winning film of Ella Marcil as part of the night of films by UC students and alumni.

Ella’s film, ʻĀina Momona, follows the successful journey of the community of Hāʻena (located on Kauaʻi’s North Shore) as they re-establish the sustainable practices of their ancestors. For this film, Ella won “Best First-Time Director / Short Film” award at Crown Point International Film Festival in 2022.

Academic & Research, Conservation & Ecology, News & Updates, Public Engagement

PEWS Award

Nancy Jennings / 2026-03-08

The Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) has awarded Forest Calls 2.0 a grant for $2,625 to support the travel of Sabra Kauka, a respected native Hawaiian cultural leader and knowledge keeper from the island of Kauaʻi.
Kauka has a passion for teaching youth and adults about Native Hawaiian traditions and advocates for preserving natural and cultural resources through public engagement. She is especially knowledgeable of sea birds and conservation related to them.

Academic & Research, Conservation & Ecology, Public Engagement

Social Justice Spaces for Children Honors Class – Fall 2026

Nancy Jennings / 2026-03-08

This fall, Dr. Nancy Jennings, Dr. Laura Dell, and Dr. Sarah Schroeder will be teaching Social Justice Spaces for Children (CI 3036/COMM 3036) as an honors class in conjunction with “Forest Calls”.

Public spaces including children’s media have the power for transformation.

In this class, students will explore the ways meaning is socially constructed in public spaces and through storytelling for youth and how arts and sciences can come together to activate social connection with each other and with nature.

Academic & Research, Conservation & Ecology, Public Engagement

Creative Conservation class (EVST 4001)

Nancy Jennings / 2026-03-01

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Laura Zanotti and Dr. Teri Jacobs are teaching Creative Conservation (EVST 4001) this fall in conjunction with “Forest Calls”.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for biodiversity, conservation, and community action, and Forest Calls is the perfect platform to put this to practice!

Academic & Research, Conservation & Ecology, Public Engagement

Discovery In Action Showcase

Ella Marcil / 2026-02-17

The “Discovery in Action Showcase” is an event designed to bring the UC College of Arts and Sciences community together. It provides a platform for each academic unit and center to demonstrate how they embody the spirit of “Discovery in Action.”

As such, I was invited to present “Forest Calls” on March 31st and let everyone know how our transmedia project involves science, arts, and traditional wisdom and knowledge.

Academic & Research, Conservation & Ecology, Public Engagement

Recent Public Presentations

Ella Marcil / 2026-02-17

We have been busy lately, promoting “Forest Calls” and gathering momentum, as we continue to secure partnerships with scientists, artists and cultural practitioners – both in the Greater Cincinnati area and in Kauaʻi / Hawaiʻi.

On January 30th, as part of the ‘2026 UC Sustainability Week’ events, “When Silence Becomes The Song” was projected at the Niehoff Family Auditorium. It was followed by a Q&A session with students, faculty and members of the general public.