Ben Raines, Environmental Fellow at the University of South Alabama and writer and filmmaker in residence, has spent his career uncovering Alabama’s best-kept secret—its unparalleled biodiversity. As an environmental journalist, filmmaker, and conservationist, Raines has dedicated himself to revealing the state’s ecological richness, from its winding rivers to its fragile pitcher plant bogs. His work, particularly the acclaimed documentary The Carnivorous Kingdom, has played a critical role in reshaping how people view Alabama’s environment.

For Raines, the journey began when he became the environmental reporter for The Press-Register in Mobile. For over 15 years, he exposed environmental threats while also celebrating Alabama’s unique ecosystems. “The biggest problem facing the environment was that people, both in the state and in the nation at large, had no idea how special Alabama’s environment is,” Raines explains. His research revealed a striking paradox—Alabama has more species per square mile than any other state, yet it also leads the nation in extinctions. This realization fueled his passion to educate the public through films like America’s Amazon, The Underwater Forest, and The Carnivorous Kingdom.

The Impact of The Carnivorous Kingdom

Born from Raines’  lifelong fascination with carnivorous plants, The Carnivorous Kingdom is a breathtaking exploration of Alabama’s pitcher plant bogs—one of the rarest ecosystems in North America. These wetlands serve as home to nearly every species of pitcher plant found on the continent, yet they are vanishing at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction.

With the support of the Poarch Creek Indians, Alabama Coastal Foundation, and the Sierra Club, Raines was able to bring this story to life. The documentary has been widely praised for its stunning cinematography and compelling storytelling, drawing attention to the urgent need for conservation. “The film has been a great ambassador for Alabama’s environment,” Raines notes. “I’ve had kids as young as five tell me it’s their favorite movie. People have even placed conservation easements on their land after seeing it.”

The impact extends beyond individual viewers. Conservation groups, inspired by the film, have prioritized pitcher plant bogs in their preservation efforts. The Carnivorous Kingdom has also reached policymakers, earning Raines a meeting with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to discuss protective measures for these fragile landscapes. 

Mark Berte and the Alabama Coastal Foundation: A Driving Force

Mark Berte, Executive Director of the Alabama Coastal Foundation, has been instrumental in bringing environmental stories like The Carnivorous Kingdom to the forefront. The Foundation’s mission aligns with Raines’ work—educating the public about Alabama’s natural wonders and advocating for their protection.

“Ben’s films allow the viewer to have an up-close experience of the state’s vast and unique natural resources,” says Berte. “Being an education organization, we are thrilled to partner on these efforts to help people understand why conservation matters. These amazing ecosystems sustain our way of life, and our local economies depend on protecting them today and for generations to come.”

The Alabama Coastal Foundation’s support allowed The Carnivorous Kingdom to reach a national audience through PBS, ensuring that viewers across the country could see Alabama in a new light. “Every time it airs on Alabama Public Television, I get a flood of messages from people stunned that all these plants and animals exist in their home state,” Raines shares.

A Call to Action

Through his documentaries, books, and advocacy, Ben Raines continues to push for a new narrative—one where Alabama is recognized not just for its industrial history or civil rights struggles, but for its extraordinary natural heritage.

“The only hope is to make the citizens care enough about these places that they force elected officials to protect them,” Raines asserts. His work serves as both a wake-up call and an invitation—to see Alabama through new eyes and to take part in preserving its wild beauty for generations to come.

For those who have yet to experience The Carnivorous Kingdom, the documentary remains available online and airs regularly on public television. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when passionate individuals and committed organizations come together for a common cause—protecting Alabama’s most precious landscapes before they are lost forever.