A long-time producer and filmmaker for PBS who has also worked on programs for HBO and other cable networks, Michael Kantor has created a number of award-winning programs with WNET. He begins his role as executive director of the PBS series American Masters on April 30.

A timeline of key moments in environmental history and the environmental movement, including important early writing, the first conservation groups, disasters, legislation, activism and more.

Women around the world have had to defend the natural resources their communities depend upon. Learn about the first African woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize and where the term "tree hugger" comes from.

Writer Peter Matthiessen (May 22, 1927 – April 5, 2014) co-founded the prestigious literary magazine The Paris Review in 1953, along with George Plimpton (whom Matthiessen grew up with and recruited). In this filmed interview, Matthiessen describes the review's strengths and calls its success "beyond our wildest dreams."

Luke Poling and Tom Bean talk about collaborative documentary filmmaking, from archival research to editing. Poling and Bean are co-directors, co-writers and co-producers of Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself.

Aside from his lifelong commitment to The Paris Review, George Plimpton is best known for his forays into the world of professional athletics, as a participant and journalist.

American Masters: A Fierce Green Fire reveals the extraordinary ways individuals and organizations have taken up environmental causes in the 20th century. Take the quiz and test your knowledge of advocates, issues and key moments in environmental history.