PJDS S26 The Little Things That Run the World
Description
Directors Doug Hawes-Davis, Dru Carr Running time: 105 minutes
The Little Things that Run the World introduces viewers to a diverse group of scientists, nature lovers, gardeners, farmers, and general bug enthusiasts in exploring the importance of flying insects amid rapid declines in their numbers. This most numerous group of animals on the planet by far – three quarters of all species – have also been called the “glue of life” on Earth. They literally hold ecosystems together. Insects were the first animals to evolve flight nearly 440 million years ago, and they survived all five of the known mass extinctions since then. But there is evidence that the pace of decline among insects in parts of the world today is fast approaching the levels of previous catastrophes. What this means for the rest of life on Earth, including humans, is the focus of The Little Things that Run the World. The film documents the mysteries of the declines alongside creative and heroic human efforts to change the course of evolutionary history. What is causing this extinction crisis? What can be done to reverse the trend? The Little Things that Run the World attempts to find answers to those questions and more.
Panel of experts to follow the screening:
Christine Iasso - Village of Port Jefferson Horticulturalist
Ryan Lertora - Birdsfoot Farm at Avalon Park Livestock Manager
Anahi Walton Schafer ReWild Long Island Master Gardener & Volunteer
Watch the trailer:
Lineup
Christine Iasso
Christine Iasso Village of Port Jefferson Horticulturalist 2020 Earl L. Vandermeulen Class Valedictorian and current Village of Port Jefferson Horticulturist, Christine has long been active in gardening and sustainable practices. She was part of The Virginia Tech Landscaping Team at the 2024 National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Utah, placing 10th against 49 other universities. A landscape designer by education, Christine endeavors to design residential and public landscapes for long-term sustainability, reduced maintenance, and environmental impact.
Ryan Lertora
Ryan Lertora Member of NOFA - NY | Livestock Manager at Birdsfoot Farm Avalon Nature Preserve is a 216-acre preserve protecting meadows, woodlands, and shorelines with 140 acres available to the public via trails, community outreach, and children’s programming. Housed on the property is Birdsfoot Farm, a diversified CSA and retail farming operation. The land at Birdsfoot has a long history of agriculture with sales registers dating back to the early 1900’s. In the early 1980’s the development rights were acquired by Suffolk County, placing the property in permanent protection under the Farmland Preservation Act. At the time of purchase in 2018 much of the farmland was either fallow or overgrown with invasive species. Birdsfoot’s goal is to bring this property back into agricultural production using conservation and regenerative farming practices.
Anahi Walton Schafer
Anahi Walton Schafer | Master Gardener & Volunteer ReWild Long Island is dedicated to collaborating with local communities across Long Island to protect and improve the biodiversity, resilience and health of regional ecosystems. This is achieved by adopting sustainable landscaping practices centered on the use of native plants. Anahi became a Master Gardener in 2023 and has been volunteering with ReWild Long Island since then. She is involved in library talks, plant sales, and caring for the gardens of the Historical Societies of Rocky Point and Three Village.
Jared Dyer
Jared Dyer | Entomologist at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County supports Long Island agriculture through targeted research and innovative educational opportunities. The Agriculture Program works closely with farmers to address emerging pest challenges, strengthen integrated pest management strategies, and promote sustainable production practices. Jared Dyer joined CCE Suffolk County as an Entomology Educator in 2022. Jared is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that Long Island’s agricultural community has access to practical, science-based solutions. Featured on podcasts such as Outside/In and The Wandering Naturalist, he combines scientific expertise with storytelling to foster a deeper public appreciation for insects and their role in our ecosystems.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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