K-State to host early screening of PBS prairie documentary with director, faculty Q&A
Lydia Zeglin, associate professor of microbial biology, will take center stage alongside the Konza Prairie in the upcoming PBS documentary series "Life Unearthed with Ariel Waldman," bringing the world-famous tallgrass ecosystem to life on the screen.
In celebration, the K-State community is invited to a free screening of select portions from the series and a Q&A with director Ariel Waldman and Zeglin on April 12, offering an exclusive look at the feature ahead of the PBS premiere in April 2026.
This documentary, hosted by National Geographic explorer Ariel Waldman, offers a unique glimpse into the vibrance and complexity of tallgrass prairies. Seen from both aerial and microscopic perspectives, the film helps tell a nuanced story about climate change and the challenges prairie restoration projects face as they attempt to create space for native flora and fauna in an unpredictable future.
Many K-State researchers contributed insights featured in the film. The documentary series was produced with support from the National Science Foundation, with the goal of extending the impact of ecological research beyond the academy to local, regional and national communities.
By focusing on the less-seen biota of the endangered prairie ecosystem, the film highlights the interconnections among these diverse and fascinating organisms and brings viewers a deeper understanding of the importance and attributes of the intact, functional prairie ecosystem that once stretched across the North American continent only two hundred years ago.
Through these unique perspectives, the film highlights how a seemingly "featureless" grassland is actually bursting with life, hidden from plain sight through clever survival techniques — including microbes that cooperate with plant roots, bees that nest in bison wallows, tardigrades that feast on moss beds and life rejuvenated by prairie fire.
Doors will open at 3 p.m. on April 12, in K-State Student Union, Forum Hall. The showing will begin at 3:30 p.m., with Waldman and Zeglin's Q&A immediately following.
Refreshments and social time will end at 6 p.m. Learn more and RSVP for this unique opportunity to explore the tallgrass prairie in K-State's backyard.