Inspiring Scientific Curiosity

Timber Rattlesnake at Catoctin Mountain Park
Still from "Timber rattlesnakes of Catoctin Mountain Park"

NPS/Grace Eggleston

The National Park Service’s Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA) and the American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking (CEF) collaborated on films designed to inspire scientific curiosity through visual imagery. Films were inspired by Emmy-nominated videographer Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath’s unpublished research about effective ways to distribute scientific knowledge in seconds.

Early career filmmakers worked with NPS staff, university professors, and researchers to share scientific history, wildlife, ecosystems, new discoveries, and more.

Filmmakers pique interest through beautiful images and experts’ interpretations. The viewer is invited to gain a better understanding of the natural resources in the National Capital Region parks. View the beauty of nature through these videos so you know how to help preserve these parks.
Tags: Catoctin Mountain Park; Greenbelt Park; Gettysburg National Military Park; Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; Wolf Trap National Park; bat; rattlesnake; pollinator; falcons; transects; trail cameras; wildlife; raccoon; skunk; purple martin; blue bird; rattlesnake; snake; timber rattlesnake

Last updated: December 16, 2025