STORY BY PENNYLYNN WEBB
A group of champions of the Neches River have teamed up and created a documentary about Texas’ last wild river titled“ Neches River: Wild Heart of East Texas.”
According to the synopsis, the film tells the story of the river from its beginnings as springs in Van Zandt County, as it flows 416 miles picking up
volume from springs and creeks, slowing for two dams, but gathering force until it flows into Sabine Lake Estuary and then into the Gulf of Mexico.
The producers of this film have hosted several local viewings, including one in Lufkin and one in Crockett at The Ritz Theater. The family-friendly film runs 55 minutes and 48 seconds, rated TV-G and is being aired on PBS.
Ellen Temple, the producer of the film, has been involved in Neches River conservation for many years.
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Every river has a story. The Neches River’ s little-known story is of an enduring community- flowing water, bottomland forests, fish and animals, bugs, birds and humans – all woven together.
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