Articles

The Neches River: Wild Heart of East Texas tells the story of the 416-mile Neches River, from its beginnings in the springs of Van Zandt County along its course through East Texas to the Sabine Lake Estuary and, finally, the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, the river connects forests, grasslands, fish, birds, and other wildlife with the people and communities that depend on it. Although the Neches is recognized as one of the last remaining ecosystems of its kind in the United States, its beauty and ecological importance remain largely unknown to many.

The one-hour documentary film follows the people who live along the Neches—those who study it, enjoy it, and work to protect it—offering an intimate look at a river and a way of life that most Texans have never encountered.

"I’ve long wondered how to capture the love and connection that I feel for the Neches River, its forest bottomlands, and the springs and creeks that support it,” says film producer Ellen Temple. “I recognize that that feeling is in our human DNA. It predates our language to describe it. This film is a way to capture that profound feeling for a river system that nurtures all life in East Texas, including ours."

In addition to the film screenings below, The Neches River will air on Austin PBS (KLRU) on August 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CT. It is also available to stream for free on the film’s website.

Beaumont

Sunday, August 23, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Jefferson Theatre
345 Fannin St
This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Click here to register.

Austin

Sunday, September 6, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Ave
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more and reserve your tickets here.

Nacogdoches

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
6:00 p.m.
William M. Turner Auditorium at Stephen F. Austin State University
Griffith Fine Arts Building, Room 210
2222 N. Alumni Drive
Additional details to come.