We strive to take big conservation programs and figure out how they can be run better and bring private sector dollars to work with government programs in public-private partnership, which we do through the Center for Conservation Leadership. We’re the leading entity in the world working on economic and program efficiencies for conservation. What is the foundation, and how does the film fit into your mission? His comments have been edited for length and clarity. Potter recently talked about the thinking behind the film and his expectations for its reception. “Wings over Water” production has included some Wisconsin potholes. Hitting theaters next year, the film will be narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Michael Keaton and will address not only the importance of the prairie pothole region, but also the threat it faces from draining wetlands because of new farming practices. “The prairie potholes represent one of the most important ecosystems on planet Earth, yet few people even know of this landscape, much less its overall importance to our migratory birds, water and soil quality,” said Charlie Potter, the president and chief executive of the Illinois-based conservation group. The recommendations to protect and restore state resources total $137.5 million. Just this month, Minnesota’s Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council included money to improve duck habitat in Minnesota’s prairie potholes as part of its proposed legislation this session. The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, with support from Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl and the Audubon Society, is producing “Wings Over Water.” Its focus: the prairie pothole region, which spans over 300,000 square miles in the center of the continent, and is home to millions of birds and other species. Learn about flyways, interconnected bird “highways” that more birds use annually than there are people on earth and what people are doing now to conserve, rebuild and protect the wetlands and the birds.A new IMAX film will transport viewers into an important, if often overlooked, region of North America. Wings Over Water takes you on a journey of discovery into one of the largest agricultural regions in North America whose ecosystem we are all dependent on. Watch the triumphs and challenges of these remarkable birds that defy all odds as they migrate to the prairies to raise their young.

Wings Over Water, narrated by Michael Keaton, tells the compelling story of three amazing bird species – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors. Journey over the largely unknown yet awe-inspiring prairie wetlands that millions of birds and animals call home. Wings Over Water Playing daily at Noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m.*Īs the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, they left an astounding gift.

Wings Over Water by Wings for Wetlands