Clark DeHart, a sophomore wildlife science major from Blacksburg, Va., was awarded third place in the Ecological Society of America’s 2010 Eco Art Festival for his documentary film, “Topsail Turtles.” Despite receiving recognition for the film, DeHart says it is a work in progress. “I haven’t finished the film completely. I still want to film a turtle in the process of nesting.”

The film, DeHart’s second wildlife documentary, was shot during two family vacations to Topsail Island, N.C. DeHart wanted his film to showcase the work of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, located on the island. “In this day, documentaries are full of doom and gloom about species and their plight for survival,” said DeHart, “But I really wanted to show the positive side and show someone making a difference. That person is Jean Beasley.” Beasley, who now directs the center founded by her daughter, contacted DeHart after he had returned home
to invite him back for scheduled rehabilitated turtle release. DeHart filmed the release of 16 turtles and added the footage to his developing documentary, but he has yet to capture a nesting turtle on film.

DeHart aspires to be a wildlife cinematographer and has secured a co-hosting position for the summer season of the children’s educational program, “Aqua Kids.” The show travels to aquariums, research facilities, and other destinations to showcase aquatic life.

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