Nature: Deep Jungle

This breathtaking new three-hour miniseries follows several intrepid scientists as they journey deep into the earth's rainforests to unlock the secrets of a world that even Tarzan couldn't have imagined. Join explorers like the real "spiderman" Martin Nicholas (pictured above) as they employ cutting-edge technology and death-defying fearlessness to confront unknown species; climb 200-foot-high jungle canopies; explore hidden archaeological sites; and investigate unusual animal behavior -- all in an attempt to get a better grasp on the role rainforests play in planetary ecology.

Sundays: April 17 & 24 & May 1 at 8 p.m.

Explore More:

The Creepy Crawlies: Executive producer Fred Kaufman gives viewers a sneak peek at some of the unusual creatures they will discover in the Deep Jungle.

Strange Days on Planet Earth:
Edward Norton, host of this new National Geographic special, shares his passion for saving the environment in this Q&A.

Go Wild!

Take a thrilling journey deep into the earth's rainforests on Nature

WHYY celebrates Earth Day 2005 throughout the month of April on TV12 with new programs that explore how scientific discoveries are impacting the future of our planet in extraordinary ways.

Through exciting adventures into the heart of the jungle on Nature -- and explorations closer to home -- viewers will be enlightened about ongoing efforts to understand our "Mysterious World" and protect Earth for generations to come:

Journey to Planet Earth

Actor Matt Damon hosts this annual Earth Day special. The first episode, "State of the Planet," presents the first-ever "report card" on issues such as food and water supplies and global warming. The second episode, "Future Conditional," explores the links between environmental changes and the future health of the planet. April 11 & 18 at 10 p.m.

Costal Clash

As real estate development swallows up miles of Californian coastline, a battle is raging around the fundamental question, "Whose coast is it, anyway?". This program takes an in-depth look at the struggle between public vs. private land interests and what it means for the environment. April 17 at 5 p.m.

Farming the Seas

Some experts consider fish farming to be the only way to restore the world's dwindling fish population, but many environmentalists believe the negative effects of this rapidly growing industry outweigh the advantages. Narrated by Peter Coyote, this new program travels from British Columbia to the shores of Thailand to explore the promises and perils of aquaculture. April 17 at 6 p.m.

NOVA scienceNOW

In the second installment of this innovative science magazine, host Robert Krulwich investigates cutting-edge developments that are changing the future of medicine. Krulwich explores recent advancements in stem cell research; profiles a nanotechnologist who is pioneering a new treatment for cancerous tumors; and visits scientists studying frozen frogs to develop new methods of preserving human organs for transplant. April 19 at 8 p.m.

National Geographic's Strange Days
on Planet Earth

Hosted by actor Edward Norton, this new four-hour special traverses the globe to investigate some of today's most puzzling scientific mysteries. As exciting and fast-paced as any good detective story, the program reveals the ways seemingly distant events are connected and how they affect our overall health and well-being. April 20 & 27 at 9 p.m.

NOW

On Earth Day, host David Brancaccio takes an inside look at pollution in America, examining how politics and economics often pit communities against the federal government and industry. Brancaccio's report focuses on the winners and losers in these battles, in which profits are weighed against public health and the health of the environment. April 22 at 9:30 p.m.

— Mary Eileen O'Connor