Plot Synopsis

AUTUMNWATCH NEW ENGLAND is a three-part live event series that includes a mix of live feeds and pre-taped footage from across New England, and focuses on cultural traditions and historical sites in addition to local wildlife and the colorful gold and red landscapes in the region that's best known for them. Local experts in food, wildlife, music, literature and history will join the trio of hosts each night to showcase characteristics special to New England. AUTUMNWATCH NEW ENGLAND debuts nightly at 8pm ET on PBS (check local listings) from Wednesday, October 17 through Friday, October 19, 2018.

Each night, special contributors join co-hosts Samantha Brown and Chris Packham alongside a campfire on Squam Lake in New Hampshire, while Bob Poole will brave the darkness using the very latest technologies to witness the nightly routines of owls, bats, bobcats, porcupines and black bears. In addition to investigating the wild side of fall, the co-hosts and contributors dive into the rich cultural traditions and celebrations that make it such a fascinating time of year, including a visit to a pumpkin festival in New Hampshire and the Fryeburg Fair in Maine -- one of the oldest and largest seasonal fairs, held every year since 1851.

Special contributors include:

Vivian Howard (Author, Chef and Host of A CHEF'S LIFE): A chef who values local ingredients and embraces the farm-to-table experience, Vivian joins the hosts to explore the region's prized foods: pumpkins and maple syrup. She gives audiences a peek into the history, process and culture that sustains many beloved fall traditions.

Loren M. Spears (Author, Tribal Councilwoman of Narragansett Tribe and Executive Director of the Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island): Native Americans share unique connections to local land and wildlife. Loren helps audiences understand these connections and explore the history of Native American tribes in this region.

Abby van den Berg, Ph. D. (Plant Physiologist and Assistant Professor at University of Vermont): Abby van den Berg is studying the unique ecosystems throughout the region and helps audiences understand why fall in New England is so unique.

Dr. Greg Skomal (Marine Biologist): Joining the hosts from the shores of Maine, Greg studies great white sharks and their special migratory patterns across New England shores. He is currently the North Atlantic's go-to guy for understanding the largest predatory and often misunderstood fish.

Pete Perkins (Moose Biologist): Bob Poole joins Pete at New Hampshire's Jericho State Park and in Greeneville, Maine for moose excursions and to learn more about the animal's population in New England.

Kim Smith (Photographer and Filmmaker): There's nobody more passionate about monarch butterflies than Kim Smith, who films them on their migration through New England every fall. But the story surrounding this beautiful insect on its epic journey is complicated, and Kim will share more about how this population is faring.