Tour Story : Jewel in the Rough: Pristine Prairie on a Working Ranch
The Battle over Barton Springs isn’t unique to Austin. It’s just one of thousands of such struggles playing out across the country (and the world.) That becomes so clear as we tour the film in different locations. At the Aurora Picture Show we met Susan and Peter Conaty. They’re trying to keep a place called Nash Prairie from being turned into a bunch of ranchettes. Here are some links to their story.
- BIOONE Online Journals - Jewel in the Rough: Pristine Prairie on a Working Ranch
- Nash Prairie offers rare glimpse of ancient plain
Conaty said he hopes to build a prayer garden on church grounds using seeds from native plants on the Nash Prairie. Building a spiritually-based nursing home also has been discussed, Conaty said.
“I think she’d be really pleased to be a part of it,” he said.
Whatever the groups decide, Conaty said Groce’s generous legacy already has had a positive impact on the community.
“It’s not about how much money you give,” Conaty said. “It’s about what God has given us.”
Tour Story - Maui Citizens take to City Council Chambers
As we tour the film, we’re collecting stories. Communities everywhere are struggling with questions about development, preservation and growth. We figured we’d share them here, hence the new category “Tour Stories.”
First up, Maui.
When you consider that the Maui Film Festival takes place in some of the nicest resorts and golf courses in south Maui, it makes it all the more surprising that The Unforeseen was invited to screen there. But the people there really care trying to preserve what remains of an incredibly special place. So yesterday the locals made their presence known in a City Council meeting to vote on some controversial new developments. (Sound familiar?) The full article here.
Opponents wore T-shirts saying: “Wailea 670 Just Say No.” The back of the T-shirt states: “No to more traffic, more golf courses, more wasted water, more urban sprawl.” Realtor Bonnie Newman, a Maui Meadows resident, said she doubted that the developers would be able to construct 700 affordable housing units.
“I don’t believe it for a moment,” Newman said.
And a few other recent developments…
Proposal: New projects to have firm water source
http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=32284
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About The Unforeseen
The Unforeseen, executive produced by Terrence Malick and Robert Redford, premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Called "the best film at the festival, hands down" by Film Comment's Gavin Smith, the film documents the struggles between development and preservation of Austin Texas.