By 1808Delaware
Ohio’s forests, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife are moving from the giant screen to the classroom. Ohio: Wild at Heart, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ cinematic tour of the state’s natural landscapes, is now available for educators to stream free in schools. The film premiered in giant-screen theaters in fall 2025 through a partnership between ODNR and MacGillivray Freeman Films.
Its online release gives teachers a new way to introduce students to the places, plants, and animals that shape Ohio, whether as part of a science lesson, a study of state history, or a broader conversation about conservation.
“We hope that educators take advantage of the use of this incredible film to help their students make more connections between people and the plants, animals, and environments that make Ohio the heart of it all,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.
A Statewide Story Told on Screen
Narrated by Ohio native Archie Griffin, Ohio: Wild at Heart travels through the state’s varied terrain while telling stories of conservation successes. Its central message is simple: “When we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.” The film was created to showcase Ohio’s natural world on a large scale. In the classroom, however, those same images can serve a different purpose. They can help students see ecological concepts in familiar places and understand that biodiversity, habitats, and environmental stewardship are not limited to distant national parks.
“Ohio is a beautiful state, home to a great variety of plants and animals,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Every day, we work hard to make sure that future generations will get to see in person what we enjoy today on screen. We hope students will watch the movie and become the next generation of conservationists in Ohio.”
Flexible Uses for Teachers
ODNR suggests that teachers use the film in earth and life science units, lessons about ecology and biodiversity, and studies of Ohio history and natural resources. It can also support indoor or outdoor learning activities, enrichment days, substitute-teacher plans, or special viewing opportunities before school breaks. Educators can request access at ohiodnr.gov/movie by completing a brief form. A viewing link will then be sent to the email address provided. An internet connection is required to stream the film. The site also includes an educator guide with classroom activities designed for specific grade levels.
The official trailer is available on YouTube and can be watched below. The full film continues to be shown at participating museums and select theaters around Ohio, with additional information available through ODNR and the film’s official website.
A Trail That Begins at School
Teachers looking to extend the experience beyond the screen can also use Buckeye Trail Anywhere, an ODNR resource that brings Ohio’s signature trail into schools. The program includes ready-to-use lesson materials that allow students to “hike” the Buckeye Trail through activities completed at school. Along the way, they learn about Ohio’s landscapes, outdoor spaces, and trail towns while reinforcing subjects such as environmental science and social studies.
By adapting the trail experience for the classroom, the program makes place-based education possible even when a field trip is not. Teachers and families can incorporate movement and outdoor learning into familiar routines while helping young students understand the natural and human communities connected by the trail. ODNR has also posted a video explaining how to use the Buckeye Trail Anywhere guide in the classroom.
Together, the film and trail program offer students two ways to encounter Ohio’s natural heritage: one through sweeping views of the state on screen and the other through lessons that turn exploration into an everyday school activity.
Source: ODNR
