My short documentary film, “Turtles on the Hill” is now available to watch for free here on my website. You can also find it on producer/editor Jason Jaacks’ Vimeo page. I’m so proud of this film and the community scientists and terrapins it features. We were fortunate to receive recognition at multiple film festivals in 2022 and 2023, including winning the Green Planet Award from the Rhode Island International Film Festival in 2022.
Please enjoy watching and feel free to share with proper attribution. If this film inspires you, I hope you take the next step and get involved in community-led conservation work like this in your own community!
Written & directed by Carolyn Decker. Produced & edited by Jason Jaacks. A Splitframe Media production produced in partnership with the Science & Story Lab at the University of Rhode Island.
Turtles on the Hill is a love story about a population of rare turtles, the dedicated community conservation group, and the changing coastal landscapes that they share. Over one year in a suburban Rhode Island wildlife refuge, a young woman scientist joins this community to reveal how—despite the existential threats of coastal development, predation, and sea level rise—the lives of the people, the diamondback terrapins, and the estuary are inextricably intertwined.
A beautifully done tribute to the cove, the terrapins who play such a pivotal role in the ecosystem and the dedicated stewards of both. Let’s hope their efforts are continued by others.
Thank you.
I hope there’s a way that you will be able to show this wonderful video to school children. Kudos to all the volunteers. What amazing role models. Thank you for doing your part in saving the turtles.