Watch Saving Jamaica Bay

Saving Jamaica Bay is a documentary film released in 2016, directed by Dan Goldstein and narrated by Susan Sarandon. The movie explores the interesting history and environmental challenges faced by Jamaica Bay, a large coastal wetland located in New York City. The film begins by taking viewers through a brief history of the area. Jamaica Bay was once a thriving ecosystem that supported a diverse range of plant and animal species. It was also home to several Native American tribes that used its resources for hunting and fishing. However, the establishment of New York City's airports and oil refineries in the 20th century led to the rampant pollution of the Bay, threatening its existence.

The documentary introduces several individuals and organizations that have played a critical role in saving Jamaica Bay from total destruction. The filmmakers follow the journey of Dan Hendrick, a passionate birder, as he works to restore the natural habitat of various bird species in the Bay. We also meet a group of local residents who are working to draw attention to the hazardous waste sites that are polluting the Bay's water.

Meanwhile, the film explores the impact of Hurricane Sandy that struck in 2012, causing massive damage to the Bay and its surroundings. The movie chronicles the ongoing efforts to rebuild Jamaica Bay and highlights the key role that citizen science has played in tracking water quality, identifying pollution sources, and creating a movement for change.

The documentary also explores the political and economic interests that are at play in the Bay's restoration efforts. Local businesses and the government are both eager to utilize the natural resources of the Bay, but the documentary suggests that these activities must be balanced with effective environmental conservation.

Overall, Saving Jamaica Bay is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that contextualizes our relationship with the environment. It highlights the importance of citizen engagement in community-led restoration strategies and emphasizes the need for sustainable economic activities that prioritize environmental protection. Narrated by Susan Sarandon who uses her voice to elevate the story of the Bay and its people, Saving Jamaica Bay is an excellent watch for anyone who is passionate about environmentalism and local action.

In conclusion, Saving Jamaica Bay is an inspiring story about the resiliency of nature and the importance of individuals coming together to preserve the planet for future generations. The film provides a valuable lesson on the power of citizen science and grassroots activism to fight environmental degradation and promote widespread positive change.

Saving Jamaica Bay is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.