COLUMBUS – Ohio: Wild at Heart, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ movie and educational experience, is available for schools to play in classrooms.
In fall 2025, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and MacGillivray Freeman Films invited audiences to experience the film in giant-screen theaters.
The film is now available online for free and available for streaming in classrooms.
“We hope that educators take advantage of the use of this incredible film to help their students make more connections between people and the plants, animals, and environments that make Ohio the heart of it all,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
Originally created to bring Ohio’s forests, wetlands, rivers, and wildlife to the big screen, Ohio: Wild at Heart is accessible for teachers to use as a learning tool that inspires curiosity, supports science curriculum, and encourages students to explore the outdoors.
What can Wild at Heart teach?
Teachers can incorporate Ohio: Wild at Heart into:
- Earth and life science units
- Ecology, habitats, and biodiversity lessons
- Ohio history and natural resource education
- Indoor or outdoor learning activities
- Sub plans, enrichment days, or rewards before breaks
Educators are invited to visit ohiodnr.gov/movie and complete a brief form to receive access to the film.
Once a form is submitted, a web link to view the film will be sent to the email address entered in the form. Internet access is required to view the film. Educators can also access the educator guide for ideas on classroom activities for specific grade levels.
The film, narrated by Ohio native Archie Griffin, shares stories of conservation successes and explores Ohio’s many landscapes, with the underlying message “when we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.”
“Ohio is a beautiful state, home to a great variety of plants and animals,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Every day, we work hard to make sure that future generations will get to see in person what we enjoy today on screen.
“We hope students will watch the movie and become the next generation of conservationists in Ohio.”
The Ohio: Wild at Heart trailer is available on YouTube. The film is also available for viewing at several museum centers across the state as well as select movie theaters. Learn more about participating museums and theaters at ohiodnr.gov. Learn more about the film here.
Another great resource for teachers is the Buckeye Trail Anywhere, which brings the experience of Ohio’s iconic Buckeye Trail directly into classrooms.
The resource offers teachers ready to use lesson materials that make outdoor learning accessible no matter where students are. The program encourages students to “hike” the Buckeye Trail at school, all while learning about Ohio’s outdoor spaces and trail towns.
Watch it here
Watch: How to Use the Buckeye Trail Anywhere Guide in the Classroom
The program introduces young learners to Ohio’s natural landscapes while reinforcing important academic subjects like environmental science and social studies.
By blending outdoor learning with everyday routines, Buckeye Trail Anywhere helps schools and families create meaningful, place based educational experiences.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
Based in Laguna Beach, California, MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant screen 70mm films with nearly 50 films for IMAX® and giant screen theaters to its credit.
Throughout the company’s history, its films have won numerous international awards, including Academy Award® nominations for The Living Sea (1995) and Dolphins (2000), and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest (2009), the highest-grossing giant-screen film of all time.
MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.