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Local nature series to explore the hidden world of forests

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by Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist • Published on
By Nature’s Design: Inside the Forest
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Contact: Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
330-474-5032
 

Press release images available at pbswesternreserve.org/press/photos

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Local nature series to explore the hidden world of forests

PBS Western Reserve’s “By Nature’s Design” returns Friday, Sept. 18, with an early screening and forest tour scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12.

 

NORTHEAST OHIO — Aug. 31, 2026 — PBS Western Reserve’s original nature series “By Nature’s Design” returns for a second season on Friday, Sept. 18, taking viewers beyond the screen and into the forests of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through scenic landscapes and approachable science that examines the plants, animals and hidden networks that make these ecosystems thrive. 

The three-episode season, “By Nature’s Design: Inside the Forest,” will air weekly on Fridays at 8:30 p.m.: 

  • “Floor to Foliage” — Sept. 18: Explore each layer of the forest, from the floor to the foliage.
  • “Flora and Fauna” — Sept. 25: Learn about residents of the forest, both native and invasive species.
  • “Fundamental Fungi” — Oct. 2: Discover the underground network of hidden fungi that helps trees communicate.

 

Featured experts include representatives from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Holden Arboretum, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Environmental Council, Stark Parks, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Scenic footage was filmed at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Holden Arboretum, and the Plain Grove Fens Natural Area in Pennsylvania.

“Walking into a forest always seems to take my breath away, so being able to talk to experts about everything that happens inside a forest was a great experience,” said series creator Sophia Gillespie. “I think we can take for granted just how magnificent and sophisticated our environment is. My hope for this season is that people gain a better understanding of not just what we see above the ground, but also what’s happening below the ground.”

“Forests are incredibly complex ecosystems, and the more we understand how they function, the better equipped we are to protect them,” said Katie Stuble, director of research at Holden Arboretum, in a statement. “With 85% of Ohio’s forests privately owned, the future of our forests depends in large part on people understanding the important role they can play in caring for them. Participating in ‘By Nature’s Design’ gives us an opportunity to share the science happening at Holden with a much broader audience and, we hope, inspire people to see their own connection to creating healthier, more resilient forests for the future.”

In conjunction with the new season, PBS Western Reserve will host “Into the Forest,” a series of free community events featuring screenings of “By Nature’s Design,” Q&A sessions and educator-led forest tours. The first two events will be held in September to promote the season premiere:

 

Registration is required for both events. More to be announced. Visit PBSWesternReserve.org/by-natures-design for more information.

New episodes of “By Nature’s Design” will be available for free on-demand streaming on the PBS App, YouTube and PBSWesternReserve.org following their broadcast premiere. 

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About PBS Western Reserve

PBS Western Reserve is a community organization that empowers Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through the impact of accessible public media and educational services to foster connection and lifelong learning. PBS Western Reserve presents cultural, scientific and artistic programming for awareness and enjoyment; local storytelling and access to trusted regional, state and national public affairs; experiential opportunities and community outreach for people of all ages; and educational initiatives that support the healthy development of youth.  

PBS Western Reserve is made up of two separately licensed public television stations (WNEO and WEAO) and an Educational Services division operating under one 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. (NETO). WNEO was established in 1971, is licensed to the city of Alliance and serves the Youngstown designated television market. WEAO went on the air in 1975, is licensed to the city of Akron and serves the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated television market. All programming is simulcast on both stations.