Nature 101: Be An Insider, Outside!

The creative force behind the Nature 101 video series is Jessica Dotson, a New Jersey-based filmmaker, storyteller and self-taught animator. Jessica received her education in media studies and film at Rutgers University, honing her skills in film and video production.

She currently works as an associate producer at Nickelodeon and a freelancer in digital video creation, saying, “I love to tell stories with compelling narratives across all mediums that engage people of all backgrounds!”

TNC: How did you react when you were initially approached to help with this project?

JD: I was super excited—I always love to work on videos that help the community in some way. And they wanted to do 10!

TNC: What excited you about making the Nature 101 series? What surprised you?

JD: I was surprised how much I learned about nature. I live in more of a city area, and learning how and where I can access nature just shows how valuable these videos will be to a general audience.

TNC: Any memorable moments during production?

JD: Getting to see all these beautiful places we have right around the corner—waterfalls, lakes and even animals. It was a really fun experience!

TNC: What is your favorite way to spend time outdoors?

JD: I’m a city gal…not a big fan of bugs, haha! BUT, my favorite way to spend time outdoors is to put on my headphones, turn up the tunes and take a stroll around the park…which I’ve now learned counts as nature!

TNC: Thoughts about The Nature Conservancy?

JD: I was not aware of TNC before this project, but I love what they do. As a society, we don’t know how much we rely on the natural world. And I love that TNC’s mission is to preserve that world AND to educate people about it. 

TNC: How did you employ skills from your professional career to this project?

JD: Video making is what I do! My day job is an associate producer making short- and long-form digital media. So I brought all my skills from work to TNC, pulling upon my experience to script, plan, film and edit the videos.

TNC: Do you have a favorite video?

JD: I’m very proud of how all the videos turned out. I would say either the TSA or Oregon Trail parodies are my favorites, just because I think when you couple comedy with education, it makes it fun to learn while also having the info “stick.” I also liked the Nature Knowhow gameshow—all the actors were really on their A games for that one!

TNC: What do you hope the videos achieve?

JD: I hope people get valuable information about nature and some entertainment too! 

 Hikeolution: A casual group based in northern New Jersey that hosts weekly hikes and events for anyone interested in exploring nature, with a special interest in reconnecting Black people to the great outdoors.

Pinelands Preservation Alliance: Since 1989, the leading voice for protecting the natural and historic resources of the New Jersey Pinelands. In 2021, they launched The Pinelands is For Everyone project, allying individuals with disabilities, organizations dedicated to the welfare of those with disabilities, and public and private landowning agencies to help overcome these barriers so everyone can enjoy the benefits of time in nature by visiting the parks, forests and preserves.

Children & Nature Network: A nationwide nonprofit supporting and mobilizing leaders, educators, activists, practitioners and parents working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back outside to the benefits of nature—and to increase safe and equitable access to the natural world for all.

Weequahic Park Association: A nationally recognized, grassroots environmental nonprofit dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Newark’s Weequahic Park.

Celery Farm: Author Jim Wright’s blog about High Mountain Park Preserve, Celery Farm Nature Preserve, wildlife and more.