Volunteering as a Graduate Film Student

February 3, 2009
Story by Ivy Allen, Earth Team Volunteer Coordinator

The NRCS Public Affairs staff worked with Jim Tharp through the NRCS Earth Team Volunteer program. As a Montana State University (MSU) Science and Natural History Filmmaking student, Jim volunteered to produce a film on the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in Montana, and he was able to receive a $600 tuition reimbursement.

The MSU Media and Theater Arts Science and Natural History Filmmaking program provides aspiring filmmakers with formal education and experience to create accurate and interesting programs that advance the public understanding of science. In their second year, film students are expected to produce an agenda-based film. Jim produced this film to meet the requirements of his class and to be a volunteer with NRCS!

Jim's goals for the film were to increase awareness of and participation in WRP, educate NRCS partners and private landowners about WRP, and to show WRP projects during construction and after completion. The film emphasizes NRCS’s partnership approach in restoring Montana wetlands. It also provides NRCS with visual material to support outreach, training, and education efforts.

For questions about volunteering with Earth Team, e-mail Public Affairs Specialist, Ivy Allen. To receive a free copy of the DVD, ask for Montana's Wetlands Reserve Program Video, and e-mail publications at MT-nrcs-publications@one.usda.gov.

You can view Montana's Wetlands Reserve Program Video online at the links provided below.
 

If you encounter any problems with the files provided on this page, please contact Public Affairs at 406-587-6971. The following videos require Windows Media Player. Montana's Wetlands Reserve Program Chapter 1 (WMV; 2 minutes, 19 seconds; 5.6 MB) The Wetlands Reserve Program Chapter 2 (WMV; 1 minute, 19 seconds; 3 MB) Participating in the Wetlands Reserve Program Chapter 3 (WMV; 2 minutes, 45 seconds; 6.7 MB) Restoration and Construction Chapter 4 (WMV; 2 minutes, 45 seconds; 6.7 MB) Managing Wetlands Chapter 5 (WMV; 2 minutes, 39 seconds; 6.5 MB) Montana's Wetlands Reserve Program -  Complete Video Complete video (WMV; 12 minutes, 19 seconds; 13.2 MB) Transcript of Montana's Wetlands Reserve Program Video

Jim Tharp, Earth Team Volunteer, shooting video

Earth Team Volunteers, Jim Tharp and Julia Sable

Jim Tharp and Julia Sable, Earth Team Volunteers, shooting video on a freezing day