Program: CANYON MYSTERIES, AILING ALLIGATORS, LIGHTS, CA
Series:	THIS AMERICAN LAND
Length:	26 min.
Link:	http://www.thisamericanland.org
Air Times:	5/21/2013 at 2:30 PM   [KLRN 9.2 (World)]
Program Description
Canyon Mysteries: A canyon can be an inspiring classroom, whether you are eight or 80. The stories behind two Georgia canyons could not be any different: Cloudland Canyon in the north is a natural wonder. But Providence Canyon in the southwest is now a tourist destination, in spite of the way earlier residents abused the land. Both intriguing stories come from Georgia Public Broadcasting. Ailing Alligators: It's hard to imagine many threats that alligators can't handle. But in one Florida lake, chemical pollution is devastating these big reptiles with genetic birth defects. A disease sleuth is trying to get to the bottom of this bio-medical mystery, and his findings could help humans as well. We'll take you to Lake Apopka in Central Florida for some daring scientific discovery. Lights, Camera, Photosynthesis: Ready for your close-up? Some crops in Wisconsin are getting more than their 15 minutes of fame. As they sprout, hundreds of corn plants will have thousands of photos taken, to help researchers learn precisely how they grow. Researchers can track the function of specific genes, with the goal of creating hardier plants that can stay healthy in harsh conditions. Wild Horses: There's a romantic notion of wild mustangs, running free across the American West. The reality is more complicated. Horses are long-lived and don't have many natural predators, so their populations can quickly get out of control. Adopting one of these magnificent animals can change the lives of horses, and humans. In eastern Oregon and across the West, a lot of animals are looking for loving homes. Find out what's happening to protect them as well as the other wildlife in this beautiful landscape.