GROWING BACK TO NATURE is a documentary series that tells the stories of individuals making economic, lifestyle, and cultural shifts toward living in greater harmony with the natural world.

The first installment, Young and Inoculated, features William Padilla Brown of New Cumberland, PA. A father, entrepreneur, artist, and self-taught mycologist. His story sets the stage for an ongoing series that will spotlight people whose work and choices are creating meaningful cultural and ecological impact. Each episode combines powerful visuals with deeply engaging stories to inspire, inform, and connect.

I first began this project in 2020, even producing a trailer. But as an independent filmmaker, the realities of funding and life challenges temporarily stalled production. Still, the idea has never left me. This page is my way of keeping the vision alive — to show that I haven’t given up on the project, and to invite others to see its potential.

The urgency is clear. By 2050, oceans are expected to contain more plastic than fish. Excessive carbon emissions continue to destabilize our climate. Change on a large scale feels daunting, yet it begins with the choices of individuals and communities. Many feel powerless, but Growing Back to Nature shows where change is already happening, and who is leading the way.

The series is designed to reach a wide audience, from adolescents to adults, from those just waking up to environmental realities to activists already pushing for solutions. It speaks to people who feel alarmed but uncertain of how to act, to those making incremental changes and wanting to do more, and to lovers of the natural world eager to witness stories of resilience and regeneration.

Growing Back to Nature is more than a documentary series. It is a call for an economic and cultural renaissance rooted in harmony with the Earth — and an invitation to see what’s possible when individuals choose to lead the way.