Expedition Endurance: An Inquiry to Human Survival

Why do people continue to flock to the Southwest after retirement? This is a region that is desperate for water, but is growing in population. Cameron Craig, geographer and professor in the Geology/Geography department, wanted to further research the aspects of water usage in the Southwest to educate Midwesterners on how water is used.

This summer, Craig took four students on a 14-day expedition to the region. Those on the trip included: Craig, project leader Nate Page, student director; Aric Pelafas, Darius Holland, and Jay Bushen. They traveled through New Mexico, Arizona, southern California, Utah and Colorado to talk with many individuals associated with water resource management. Each student was responsible for finding and setting up interviews in particular regions. 

“There were a lot of ‘firsts’ for the group, which was exciting for me to see,” said Craig. “Most of the students had never been anywhere in the Southwest before, and Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon was a first for all of us.” 

Aric and Cameron talk with Brian Werner about
water conservation practices for landscapes

The trip was very educational for the entire group. While in the Tucson area, the group met up with a past student, Kevin Jeanes, who serves as vice president of Craig’s film company Tempestas et Caelum Productions (TCP). Jeanes was excited to see these new faces in the TCP family. In Central Valley of Huron, Calif., the group talked with some local farmers who spoke in their native Hispanic tongue. Craig stated: “A human being that used to be happy can no longer be happy, because they cannot do what they did for years — farm.” Craig is also continuing to work with some of the members he met with on the trip.

The Tempestas et Caelum Films Facebook page has been a hit with 351 likes so far. It was a learning experience not just for the students and Craig, but also for those who followed them on Facebook. They each kept a daily diary about what they learned and experienced and shared with their followers who loved reading their reflections. TCP Films continues to receive comments and questions about the project and how we can think differently about water resources. 

Early this fall, TCP Films will be traveling to local schools presenting an educational experience about how we should be thinking about water in the Midwest. They will also be traveling to surrounding areas, including Indianapolis, Champaign, and Chicago, to present a circuit lecture series to educate residents about the project. The ultimate product from this project is a documentary film which they plan on airing on WEIU and surrounding PBS stations in the Midwest in late October or early November.

The TCP Films Family in Yosemite Valley

“We are grateful for those who helped fund the trip,” said Craig. Next year, Cameron Craig would like to take students out west to see how they deal with water resources there. 

Craig concluded: “I take students out, because I want to relive what it was like for me through their eyes. It is an expedition--we are exploring something new. Not necessarily new out there, but it’s new for me and the kids.”

For more information regarding the integrative learning trip visit tcpfilms.com or contact Cameron Craig via email: cdcraig@eiu.edu.