Unveiling York’s Invasive Plants: How YCP Students Blend Film and Horticulture

Cross‑Disciplinary Innovation at York College

In September 2025, York College’s Film and Media Arts program and Environmental Horticulture program joined forces to launch the Uninvited Guests initiative. The project, supported by a Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation grant, pairs student filmmakers with horticulture experts to document invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems. The collaboration demonstrates how academic departments can merge expertise, producing work that informs the public and enriches student skill sets.

Why Focus on Invasive Plants?

Invasive species are plants that proliferate beyond their native range, outcompeting local flora, disrupting habitats, and imposing significant economic costs. In Pennsylvania, species such as the Japanese knotweed, New Zealand willow, and spurge spread quickly along waterways and roadways. Residents often overlook these species until ecosystems already suffer irreversible damage. Local awareness campaigns are therefore essential‑and the community‑based documentary approach harnesses the power of storytelling to change that.

Documenting Species Diversity

Each student team selected a particular invasive plant to research. The research phase covered the plant’s biological traits, ecological impact, common control methods, and current public perception. Students then captured footage—intimate close‑ups, field footage, and interviews with environmental scientists and residents—to bring the data to life.

Integrating Scientific Rigor With Cinematic Flair

Facilitators taught students how to translate complex scientific information into visuals that resonate with lay audiences. Practical workshops covered storyboards, interview techniques, sound design, and the use of drone footage to show spread patterns. Regular feedback sessions with biologists and film producers ensured the final product remained accurate without sacrificing narrative flow.

Leadership and Collaboration: Skills For Any Profession

Beyond filmmaking and horticulture, the project sharpened soft‑skills that translate to the workplace. Teams divided tasks, established communication protocols, and made decisions under budget constraints—experiences mirroring real‑world client projects. Students reported that working with peers from other majors broadened their perspectives and fostered mutual trust.

Case Study: Cooper Naugle’s Filmmaking Journey

Cooper, a sophomore in Film, highlighted how capturing B‑roll of plant species helped him refine his observational eye. Working with horticulture classmates provided context for the footage, ensuring that each visual element served a specific environmental message.

Case Study: Barry Sealover’s Horticultural Insight

Barry, an Environmental Horticulture junior, explained how collaborating with filmmakers forced him to simplify complex control methods into digestible content. This experience invaluable for future roles that involve public education or outreach.

Practical Take‑Aways for Students and Educators

Other universities can replicate the Uninvited Guests model by adopting the following framework:

• Define a Clear, Community‑Relevant Topic: Choose a local environmental issue that benefits from visual storytelling.
• Establish Inter‑Departmental Partnerships: Pair creative students with science majors or professionals.
• Secure Funding or Grants: Apply for institutional or external grants to cover production costs.
• Include Field Work: Encourage students to visit actual sites, conduct surveys, and gather firsthand data.
• Offer Mentorship: Arrange workshop sessions with industry experts and community stakeholders.
• Publish Widely: Show the film at community centers, local libraries, and online platforms to maximize outreach.

Implementing these steps builds interdisciplinary understanding and public engagement—two critical competencies for graduate and professional programs alike.

Upcoming Event: MarketView Arts Center Premiere

The completed documentary will premiere at the MarketView Arts Center in downtown York in Spring 2026. The event will include a Q&A panel featuring the student filmmakers, faculty advisers, and local environmental officials. Attendees will gain insight into how community stories can shape policy and stewardship.

For those interested in seeing the final product, keep an eye on the York College events calendar. If you want to support future projects, consider volunteering or donating to the Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or community resident, there are several ways to contribute:

• Volunteer as a local guide or interviewee.
• Apply to join a cross‑disciplinary project on campus.
• Share the documentary on social networks to widen community impact.

Submit your application today to explore related programs in film or horticulture. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how these disciplines intersect in practical projects. Explore our related articles for further reading on environmental storytelling. Have questions? Write to us!