Be among the first to experience In Our Nature, a powerful new documentary exploring how environmental education - and the people who teach with it - can help bridge some of our deepest divides and foster resilience, belonging, and community.

Filmed across the United States, In Our Nature follows three character-driven stories that bring this movement to life: from Southside Blooms, the Chicago-based nonprofit transforming vacant lots into vibrant flower farms and life-changing opportunities for youth (led by CNN Hero of the Year Quilen Blackwell), to Red Oaks Forest School, a forest school in Kentucky bridging urban and rural divides, to TAPS, whose healing-in-nature program supports grieving military families in San Antonio.

This special Washington, D.C. premiere brings together educators, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community members for an evening of film, conversation, and connection - honoring the communities at the heart of the film and the growing national movement it represents.

🎟 100% of ticket proceeds benefit the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), supporting the expansion of nature-based learning and healing nationwide.

🎥 EVENT PROGRAM

5:30 PM
Red Carpet Reception & Community Gathering (cash bar, light catering, live music)

6:30 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks (feat. Anna Rathmann, Executive Director Jane Goodall Institute)

6:50 PM
Special Advance Screening of In Our Nature

8:00 PM
Live Filmmaker Q&A
Featuring special guests from NAAEE and TAPS
Moderated by Sheila Williams Ridge, Director of the University of Minnesota Child Development Laboratory School

📍 LOCATION

The Miracle Theatre
535 8th St SE
Washington, DC

Originally opened in 1909, the Miracle Theatre is the oldest operating movie theater in Washington, DC!

ABOUT IN OUR NATURE

Filmed across the US, In Our Nature (dir. James Parker) explores how nature - and those who teach with it - can be some of our most powerful forces for reconnection in a divided world. Three character-driven stories bring this to life: from sustainable, off-grid flower farms transforming South Side Chicago, to a bipartisan forest school in rural Kentucky, to a healing-in-nature program for grieving military families in San Antonio. The film reveals why nature belongs at the heart of what it means to be educated, and why environmental education is more essential than ever.

Learn more at www.inournaturemovie.com

🎙️ PRAISE FOR THE FILM

"Beautifully shot and emotionally powerful. Draws you in with lyrical storytelling and unforgettable characters."
- Mitch Wietzner, CNBC Docs & 60 Minutes Producer

"A moving tribute to our field..."
- Judy Braus, Executive Director, NAAEE

“A fine movie. You've captured the issue, in fact, tone and story… terrific.”
- Richard Louv, Author “Last Child in the Woods”

“Wonderfully thought-provoking…”
- Dr. Nancy Trautman, Director of Education at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

🤝 HOSTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

This event is presented in partnership with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and TAPS, honoring the educators, families, and community leaders working at the intersection of learning, healing, and service.

This event is made possible by the generous support of the Elizabeth G Maughan Charitable Foundation.

"In Our Nature" Washington D.C. Premiere Celebration

A powerful night of film and community benefiting NAAEE and TAPS