April is Earth Month, and PBS North Carolina is celebrating stories that inspire wonder, spark curiosity and make the case for protecting the planet.
Watch documentaries that explore the natural world and examine the human impact on Earth’s climate. Ken Burns brings his signature storytelling to the life and legacy of Henry David Thoreau, the writer who taught us to pay attention to the natural world. Our New World, Wilding and Shared Planet tackle the big questions about our world’s past and future.
Sci NC, State of Change and Overview bring the story home, covering the earth and climate science shaping North Carolina. Plus, get outside this spring after learning more about the trails and parks of our great state on Ten to Try.
Finally, celebrate Sir David Attenborough, who turns 100 in early May—a fitting tribute to the man who has helped us all see and love the natural world.
Watch special programming celebrating Earth Month all April long on PBS NC and the PBS app.
Thursday, April 23, 7 PM
Join PBS North Carolina at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for a special evening to explore Science on the Carolina Coast through stories from PBS NC original productions Sci NC and Overview. Following the screening, enjoy a panel discussion with local subject-matter experts.
Henry David Thoreau helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance, yet his life has been obscured by myth. The author of Walden and Civil Disobedience, he was brilliant but flawed, idealistic but opinionated. A writer, scientist and activist, his words resonate urgently with today’s challenges as humanity looks for ways to live in harmony with nature—and each other.
Watch Henry David Thoreau, presented by Ken Burns, premiering Monday, 3/30, 9 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
What world will we live in tomorrow as climate change reshapes the Earth? Our planet has many surprises in store. This film reveals Nature's astonishing adaptation abilities, and how we humans can become a supporting force.
Watch Our New World, premiering Wednesday, 4/1 and 4/8, 10 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their 400-year-old estate. The young couple battles entrenched tradition and dares to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature.
Watch Wilding, premiering Wednesday, 4/22, 10 PM on PBS NC & the PBS app.
With stunning cinematography, this unique global series reveals the untold stories of people and wildlife thriving together. Celebrating the benefits of making room for nature, this series offers a vision of a hopeful future.
Watch Shared Planet, premiering Wednesday, 4/29, 10 PM on PBS NC & the PBS app.
Arctic birds fly thousands of miles each year to overwinter in Eastern North Carolina.
Sea-level rise and coastal erosion directly impact North Carolina’s coastline, while extreme weather events bring the effects of climate change to inland communities. Hear from North Carolinians about the consequences of climate change in their backyards and innovative solutions to build a more resilient state.
Watch State of Change, streaming now on the PBS app.
How communities are returning waterways to a natural state to address the impacts of climate change.
Overview is a nature series with an unexpected perspective. Breathtaking visuals zoom out to reveal Earth’s grand forces, then dive in to uncover hidden stories. Each episode is a journey of discovery, inviting viewers to see the planet more clearly and from a whole new point of view.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks may be one of the most dangerous coastlines in the world.
North Carolina is filled with culture, adventure and boundless opportunity. And when it comes to travel, there’s something for everyone. Explore the trails and state parks of North Carolina.
Watch Ten to Try, streaming now on the PBS app. Stories about exciting outdoor experiences along the Blue Ridge Parkway are coming to Ten to Try in August 2026.
North Carolina, “The Great Trails State,” offers unique trail experiences for everyone.
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 years old on May 8, 2026, and what better way to celebrate than watching the legendary naturalist in action. Explore specials from Nature featuring the person who has brought the natural world to life for generations.
In 1976 David Attenborough embarked on his most ambitious project ever. No one had ever attempted a natural history series on this scale before. His reputation was on the line. This is the story behind TV’s first wildlife blockbuster, Life on Earth.
Watch Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure, premiering Wednesday, 5/6, 8 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
An intimate portrait of Sir David Attenborough’s life, from his boyhood days as a fossil hunter, through his early days as a BBC host, to his revered status as the foremost natural history presenter.
Watch Nature’s “Attenborough’s Life Journey,” streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.
Follow Sir David Attenborough and a team of forensic experts as they unearth the fossil of a giant pliosaur, the largest Jurassic predator ever known.
Watch Nature’s “Attenborough and the Jurassic Sea Monster,” streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.
Sir David Attenborough explores London’s Natural History Museum and meets some of the most extraordinary creatures from the past. Advanced CGI puts Attenborough face to face with a saber-toothed tiger, a giant eagle and a colossal snake.
Watch Nature’s “Museum Alive with David Attenborough,” streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.
David Attenborough presents seven of the most remarkable animal songs found in nature and explores the significance of these songs in the lives of their species.
Watch Nature’s “Attenborough’s Wonder of Song,” streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.
Sir David Attenborough travels the globe to reveal the secret lives of plants. Using pioneering camera techniques, the series takes viewers on a magical journey inside the hidden world of plants, on which all animals—including humans—are dependent.
Watch The Green Planet, streaming now on the PBS app only with PBS NC Passport.
Sir David Attenborough takes a plants-eye view of life in a rainforest.
Nature Cat, protector of nature, loves to chat about how we can make the world a better place. Learn about composting, weather, the Earth’s creatures and more in this Nature Cat compilation.
Watch Nature Cat, streaming now on YouTube, pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Video App.
PBS LearningMedia For Teachers
A digital collection of free, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned resources designed to enhance K–12 science education.
PBS KIDS For Parents
A downloadable coloring page of the Super Why! team to color this Earth Day.
PBS KIDS For Parents
Fun (and simple) activities to help foster conversation about why it’s important to take care of the planet long after Earth Day is over.
