Taos residents and visitors are invited to a special screening of the feature‑length documentary Preserved on Saturday, November 7, at the Taos Center for the Arts. The film, created by filmmaker Ben Clark, follows the 558,000‑acre Vermejo Reserve in northern New Mexico – a nature preserve purchased in 1996 by media pioneer Ted Turner and now serving as a living laboratory for wildlife and landscape conservation.
Local benefit and community focus
The event is organized to benefit the Field Institute of Taos, a nonprofit dedicated to outdoor education for local youth. All ticket sales – $15 for general admission and 50 complimentary tickets for residents under 18 – will be donated to the institute. Attendees will also have the chance to hear from a panel of Taos‑area conservation advocates who will discuss how Turner’s vision aligns with ongoing projects in the county.
Panel of regional experts
Following the screening, the panel will feature Ben Clark alongside several local leaders: Susie Fiore, founder of FITaos; Gus Holm, manager of Vermejo Ranch; mountain guide Dave Hahn; Toner Mitchell of Trout Unlimited; and Rachel Conn, executive director of Amigos Bravos. The discussion will explore recent successes such as the restoration of North America’s largest native trout population, the return of beaver, elk and bison, and how these achievements can inspire further community‑based conservation work.
Why the film matters
Clark says the documentary aims to show that “a rebalance in the systems that we need to survive is extremely possible.” He notes that while the film’s rollout has been gradual, the emphasis is on highlighting real‑world successes rather than a traditional theatrical release. “It’s been meaningful to hear about the many great successes across the country,” Clark said. “We can’t film everything, but we can share what’s happening and encourage more people to get involved.”
How to attend
The screening begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets and additional information are available at tcataos.org/calendar. The event is open to the public, and families with children under 18 can obtain free tickets on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Supporting local outdoor education
All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Field Institute of Taos, which provides hands‑on environmental education programs for students and community members. By linking the film’s conservation message with local educational initiatives, the event underscores Taos County’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
For more details on the documentary, the panelists, or how to secure tickets, please visit the Taos Center for the Arts calendar page.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
