The acclaimed PBS documentary The Neches River: Wild Heart of East Texas is coming to The University of Texas at Tyler on Thursday, November 5, 2026, for a special free public screening and panel discussion celebrating one of East Texas's most remarkable natural treasures. The event will take place at the Mabry Theatre, located on the second floor of the University Center at UT Tyler, beginning with a reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by the film screening at 6:00 p.m. and a panel discussion from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages. No RSVP is required, and seating is open. Winding through the heart of East Texas, the Neches River is home to extraordinary forests, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural history. The one-hour documentary takes viewers on a journey through the river's remarkable landscapes, introducing the people who live along its banks, explore its waters, study its ecosystems, and work to protect its natural heritage. Through breathtaking cinematography and compelling personal stories, The Neches River: Wild Heart of East Texas reveals the beauty, ecological importance, and enduring connection between the river and the communities that depend on it. The screening offers a unique opportunity for UT Tyler students and faculty, families, local conservationists, naturalists, paddlers, anglers, hunters, and anyone who loves the outdoors to experience the Neches River from a new perspective. Following the film, a panel discussion will provide an opportunity to hear additional perspectives on the river's natural and cultural significance, its conservation challenges, and opportunities for the East Texas community to help shape its future. Panelists include Ellen Temple - Director, Dr. Josh Banta - UT Tyler Professor of Biology and film participant, and several UT Tyler Graduate Students who participated in the film. More than a celebration of a beloved East Texas river, the event is an invitation to connect with others who share a