Summary of Documentary “Swim for the River”

This documentary on Chris Swain’s swim from the source of the Hudson River in upstate New York to its end in NYC harbor not only provides informationon the river itself but also brings awareness to how polluted this water system is. This 315 mile long river actually begins as small streams and pools of water. The problems and pollution of the river that Swain ran into along the way are indescribable. One small town along the river was fighting against putting in a trash incinerator where trash from NYC and other areas in the state would be sent. This facility would be placed along the river and have the possibility of polluting that area of the waterway. One representative claimed that this possible pollution was a “tradeoff for economic benefits.” This line represents the attitude of our nation. We need the environment for survival and yet its protection and importance never seem to come first.

The problem in Glenns Falls, NY is even more mind-boggling. An old paper company that allowed the city to prosper in the past is also the reason why the river is closed off to the public and highly polluted. After finding ways to go around the barriers around the river set up by the paper mill plant, Swain was shocked to find four or five pipes dumping toxins from the paper mill directly into the river. This “out of sight, out of mind” attitude, as Swain refers to it, is another reason why the public is so unaware of the real problems of the Hudson River. Pollutants such as PCB’s are causing cancers and deaths in the state of NY. These pollutants cause commercial fishing to be banned and put all of the citizens at risk and are caused by the dumping of chemicals such as these into the waterways. Although many of these PCB hot spots were ordered to be dredged, these hot spots still remain in many parts of the river due to lack of action.

Sewage treatment plants along the river also cause major pollution to the river. When it rains, these plants overflow directly into the river, making the river very unhealthy to swim in. Additionally, these plants, other factories, and dams cause the temperature of the river to increase, causing many other ecological problems including the destruction of plankton, a main producer in the river. One shocking element of this documentary was how many times the police were called and Swain got in trouble for swimming in areas of the river. Some areas were so polluted that he was legally not allowed to swim in the water due to health risks. There are so many things that the public is unaware of due to the lack of information and lack of knowledge about the state of the river at this time. Chris Swain’s efforts in making the public more aware are remarkable and inspiring. The importance of this issue is growing and Swain defiantly gets this point across by his extraordinary journey.

Summary of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

A Film by Ken Burns – Part 3, “The Empire of Grandeur” (1915-1919)

This documentary recounts the history of the National Parks during the time of Steven Mather and the creation of the National Parks Service. Before 1915, the creation and management of the national parks in the United States was disorganized. Any place that was beautiful and seemed to be in danger was named a National Park. Even if a place named a designated park its protected was not guaranteed because of the lack of organization in the system.

Steven Mather was a wealthy man who was inspired by Innus Mills. He began working in Washington by helping run the National Parks because he believed in the cause. He, along with his assistant Albright, worked to bring national attention to the Parks around the country. He created shows with Native Americans, allowed railroads to be built throughout the parks with the tag line “See America First,” and gained the support of many of his wealthy friends by bringing them out to see the parks and all of the magic they hold. Through the use of his own money, donations from his friends, and associating a sense of patriotism with the National Parks, Mather managed to create the National Park Service and have it recognized by the United States government in 1916.

After struggling with depression and attempted suicide, Mather was forced to leave his job to Albright. However, with the help of Albright and the beauty and spirit of the National Parks, Mather was able to return to his job at full speed ahead displaying the tremendous power, inspiration, and faith that the parks evoke in the people that visit them. Mather and Albright succeeded in creating many parks including Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and many more.

Other major influences on the National Park system include the Washburn’s who made a documentary of their expedition to the top of Mt. McKinley, making it well known around the US and a National Park. The Kolb brothers were the first to photograph and make a video of the waters of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. With the efforts of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and George Dorr, Mt. Desert Island became Acadia National Park in 1919, the first National Park in the East and also the first national park to be made up of donated land. Because of the work of Mather, Albright, and many more influential people the National Park Service is running today to help protect and manage the US’s natural wonders.

Movie Trailer