About the film
In an era of wildfires, drought, and species decline, Vermejo is proof that ecosystem restoration is possible. And it's a blueprint for where it can happen next. PRESERVED is more than a film—it’s a call to action. From farmers and ranchers to hikers and hunters, we all have a role to play.
For nearly 175 years, the Southwestern United States has seen civilizations rise and fall, leaving behind landscapes stripped by time and industry. Northern New Mexico’s 560,000-acre Vermejo is one such place—a land rich with history, from dinosaurs and early Indigenous communities to homesteaders, a conservation-minded grain baron, and Hollywood’s glitterati seeking outdoor recreation. But modern times took their toll, leaving it overgrazed and scarred by mining.
In 1996, Ted Turner bought the land as part of his work to restore and protect lands across the United States. A dedicated team began to work to heal the land, transforming it into a thriving sanctuary. Today, Vermejo stands as a testament to what’s possible: biodiversity restored, landscapes reborn, and a model for global conservation.
Shot over 130+ days in breathtaking cinematography, PRESERVED unveils this hidden paradise, capturing ancient archaeological wonders and unseen wildlife behaviors—bears stealing mountain lion kills, microscopic worlds thriving in water-filled potholes, and animals adapting to a changing planet. Scientists, ranchers, and visionaries come together to revive a landscape once thought lost, with voices like media mogul Ted Turner, leading conservationist Kris Tompkins, and renowned author Craig Childs.
“You can change the story, even one as complex as the one we're swimming in today.”
—Kris Tompkins, Co-Founder Tompkins Conservation
