Dammed to Extinction

Michael Peterson and Steven Hawley/2019/51 min/Water, Wildlife

FILM DESCRIPTION: For eons, a one-of-a-kind population of killer whales has hunted chinook salmon along the Pacific Coast of the United States. For the last 40 years, renowned whale scientist Ken Balcomb has closely observed them. He’s familiar with a deadly pattern, as salmon numbers plummet, the whales starve.

These important mammals need roughly a million salmon a year. Where can we find them? The solution, says Balcomb, is getting rid of four fish-killing dams 500 miles away on the largest tributary to what once was the largest chinook producing river on earth.

This film will follow “Mermaids Against Plastic.”

The feature films will be preceded by the 4-minute film “Rescuing Our Reefs” by Jessica Bukowski, tied First Place Winner for Animation in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest.

Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 p.m. Central Standard Time

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Facilitator Alvyn Walker, Property Team + Garden Lead-Windsor Park Lutheran Church

Panelists:

  • Sylvia Johnson, Director "Mermaids Against Plastic: Tamara"

  • Michael Peterson, Director, "Dammed to Extinction"

  • Steven Hawley, Writer, "Dammed to Extinction"

  • Jaclyn Wegner, Director of Conservation Action, Shedd Aquarium

This event is sponsored by:

Go Green Barrington

Park District of Oak Park

Sierra Club Chicago