The Marion Lake Story

Defeating The Mighty Phragmite

Shot over a seven year period, The Marion Lake Story tells the compelling story of how a community on the east end of Long Island, N.Y. came together to clear their lake of the highly invasive phragmite reed. They educated themselves, raised money, hired laborers, and eventually got out to "weed the communal garden." Years later, a bio-diverse habitat for native birds, plants and rare turtles is returning; and the phragmite reed is in retreat. Human intervention here is not to shape nature to one's aesthetic taste, but rather to restore nature so that it can take its own course. Lori's triumphant story demonstrates the power of civic engagement and the age-old motto that "everybody can do something." The result... an inspirational grassroots model for environmental restoration in action that leaves audience members wanting to get out and partake in ecological restoration- wherever they live.

"This film is highly recommended to audiences with an interest, or potential interest, in habitat restoration or removal of invasive plants. ...A testimony to the aesthetic and personal rewards that completing a restoration can have."
-- Cliff Glaviano, Educational Media Reviews Online