Showing June 9 in Kearney, ‘The Last Prairie’ highlights Nebraska Sandhills region – UNK News

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KEARNEY – The Nebraska Sandhills stand aside as one of many largest, intact grasslands and most unusual biophysical ecosystems in North America.

Its 20,000 sq. miles comprise the biggest space of stabilized sand dunes within the Western Hemisphere and the porous soils make the Sandhills the primary space of recharge for the Excessive Plains (Ogallala) Aquifer, the important thing supply of groundwater for Nebraska and a number of surrounding states.

Documentary filmmaker and Creighton College professor John O’Keefe explores this vitally necessary and breathtaking area in “The Final Prairie.” Accomplished in November, the movie presents an intimate portrait of the Sandhills, offered by the voices of three totally different communities: ecologists who examine the area’s biodiversity; individuals who dwell and work there; and Native Lakota folks whose ancestors had been killed to make method for American westward growth.

A screening of “The Final Prairie” is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 9 at The World Theatre, 2318 Central Ave. in downtown Kearney. The occasion, which is free and open to the general public, consists of question-and-answer classes with O’Keefe earlier than and after the movie. It’s sponsored by the College of Nebraska at Kearney Workplace of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Educational Affairs and Tye Household Basis.

“The Final Prairie” was created as a part of “On the Vary,” a place-based initiative launched by O’Keefe and fellow Creighton College college members Mary Ann Vinton and Jay Leighter, who got here collectively to review the Nebraska Sandhills as an interdisciplinary group.

O’Keefe is a professor of theology and director of the Middle for Catholic Thought at Creighton. His present analysis focuses on environmental theology and rethinking Christian attitudes towards nature. Since 2010, he has produced or directed seven movies, a number of of which have gained nationwide awards.