WSRE Press Room
WSRE’s New Documentary Explores a Treasure in Our Own Backyard “Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast” Premieres Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
All this week on WSRE, PBS is showcasing a 12-hour, six-part documentary series, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” directed by Ken Burns. As a companion to Burns’ national program, WSRE has produced a local documentary featuring a national treasure found right in our own back yard — The Gulf Islands National Seashore. The hour long documentary titled, “Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast,” also has a bit of star power behind it. The narration throughout the program was done by none other than the famous documentarian himself — Ken Burns. The program premieres on WSRE Sunday, October 4, 7 p.m.
Located in Florida and Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore consists of 12 units and is the largest national park unit in the United States containing a seashore. Sparkling emerald waters; snow-white crystalline sand; barrier islands; salt marshes; forests of Live Oaks, pines and magnolias; historic structures; archeological sites; and a diverse array of wildlife — all of this can be found at the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
WSRE’s documentary was filmed in high definition, with breathtaking, visually stunning footage that beckons viewers to experience these vivid landscapes with their own eyes. The documentary will showcase the beauty and the history of the region, truly the treasure of the Gulf Coast, and share it with viewers all over the southeast as it will be broadcast on other PBS stations in the coming months.
“Gulf Islands National Seashore offers the experience of the beauty and serenity of the beaches and the natural forces that constantly change the seacoast,” said Earle Bowden, author and historian.
Bowden, the editor emeritus of the Pensacola News Journal, is also known as the “Father of Gulf Islands,” a moniker he earned due his tireless efforts to have the area designated and preserved one of America’s national parks.
Accompanying the WSRE local and PBS national program is an extensive educational component — an interactive Web site with information about the documentaries, the parks and related issues, as well as a large-scale community engagement initiative.
WSRE invites the public to be a part of the local and national conversations about America’s national parks. Have you ever visited a national park? Did the experience leave a lasting impression? Do you have a special story to share? Collect your memories, your photos and videos, and share your unique park stories with us at wsre.org/GulfIslands and click on “Share Your Story.”
WSRE wishes to thank the many sponsors and funders that made this project possible — all WSRE donors, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Innisfree Hotels, Santa Rosa Island Authority, JMEVacations.com, State Farm Insurance, Gulf Power Co. and AT&T The Real Yellow Pages.
About WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast
WSRE is a PBS member station that is locally owned and operated by Pensacola Junior College. The public broadcasting station has been serving the needs of the Gulf Coast community through programming, educational services and outreach since 1967. WSRE produces, acquires and distributes programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of its audience. The Educational Services unit for WSRE serves as the connection to teachers, parents, caregivers and children to extend the rich resources found in public television. For more information about WSRE, it services, programs or available resources, visit wsre.org.