“Thornforest: Restoring the Wildlands of South Texas” tells the story of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America, showcasing the vibrancy of both life in its understory and the communities with a strategy to restore it.

In a continuation of our partnership to tell impactful stories from landscapes across the country, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Conservation Media has captured this rugged, spiny habitat emblematic of the region. The short film weaves together stunning wildlife footage with expert voices and historical perspectives to highlight the threats to this unique, dwindling subtropical ecosystem while inspiring action to protect it.