The Friends of Massapequa Preserve's long awaited film, Massapequa Preserve - a Natural Wonder in Your Own Backyard has been accepted into the Long Island International Film Expo, and will be shown July 10 at 2 p.m. at the Bellmore Movies, Bellmore.

The 15-minute feature, almost two years in the making by a professional studio, focuses on the natural beauty of the preserve, season by season, as well as demonstrating some of the challenges Friends of the Massapequa Preserve faces in their endeavors to enhance the protection, restoration, appreciation and uses of this community resource.

"Showing our film in the Long Island International Film Expo will enable us to reach a broader audience," explained Lisa Schary, a member of the Friends of Massapequa Preserve Board of Directors, and the narrator of the film. "The more exposure we get, the more successful we can be in spreading the concepts of community service, park stewardship, and the preservation of our valuable open spaces."

According to Richard Schary, president of the organization, the idea for the film was born after witnessing the public's highly favorable reaction to Friends of the Preserve's library photo showcase. It was then that he realized what a valuable tool the film could be for educating people about the preserve.

"We are dedicated to using this motivational video and actively working with homeowners, elected officials, civic, Scout and other community groups, and especially our schools in creating a broad coalition of stewards who will continue to protect and care for Massapequa, and similar preserves, for future generations," Schary said.

The Long Island International Film Expo is sponsored by the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, the Nassau County Film Office and the Suffolk County Film Commission. Copies of the video will be distributed free to members of the Friends of the Massapequa Preserve who renew their membership in 2004. To purchase a video, or to obtain membership information, please call 541-2461 and leave a message.