The Nature Conservancy Animation
The Nature Conservancy (Ohio)
Educational Animation Series
These animations were created to support educational storytelling for The Nature Conservancy of Ohio, helping explain complex ecological concepts in a clear, engaging, and visually accessible way.
Working in collaboration with Running Wild Media, the goal was to translate scientific information into approachable, visually compelling animations that could enhance a larger video narrative.
Above is the complete Nature Conservancy of Ohio video with two animations. The animations can be found at 2:20 and 2:45. This video was put together by Running Wild Media. Narration is by Ms. Mallory Adventures.
Project Overview
This project included the creation of two custom animated illustration segments integrated into a full-length educational video.
Each animation focuses on a key environmental concept:
How forest thinning supports healthier ecosystems
The ecological differences between oak and maple trees, and their impact on wildlife
The animations were designed to simplify complex ideas while maintaining accuracy and visual clarity.
Design Approach:
The visual style uses warm, autumnal tones to reflect the natural environment and align with the live-action footage in the full video.
Illustrations were designed to feel approachable and informative—balancing clarity with a sense of movement and life. Elements such as trees, leaves, caterpillars, birds, and acorns were drawn digitally, then animated to demonstrate ecological processes in an intuitive way.
The animations focus on visual storytelling:
Forest Thinning Animation: Shows how removing select trees allows light to reach the forest floor, encouraging new growth and a healthier ecosystem
Oaks vs. Maples Animation: Highlights how oak trees support more biodiversity, providing food and habitat for a wider range of species compared to maples
Process
All assets were illustrated digitally and animated using Adobe After Effects.
The animations were developed in close collaboration with Running Wild Media to ensure they aligned with the video’s pacing, narration, and educational goals. Narration for the full video was provided by Ms. Mallory Adventures.
services:
Concept development for two animation segments
Custom illustration of environmental elements
Motion graphics and animation
Integration into long-form educational videoResults / Impact
Results / Impact
The final animations:
Translate complex environmental concepts into clear, engaging visuals
Enhance educational storytelling within a larger video production
Support audience understanding of conservation practices
Integrate seamlessly with live-action footage and narration
Provide reusable assets for future educational content
Animation 1 clip: How thinning the forest allows for healthier new plant growth with more light reaching the forest floor.
Animation 2 clip: Oaks vs. Maples - How Oaks sequester more carbon, grow food, and provide habitat for many different animals.
Need animation to explain complex ideas clearly?
I create illustration-driven motion graphics that simplify information, engage audiences, and bring educational content to life.