When you hear “invasive species in York County”, what comes to mind?
While your first thought may have been an insect, like the spotted lanternfly or the marmorated stinkbug, there are actually 140 species of invasive plants in Pennsylvania alone. Despite looking like common flora, many of these invasive plant species are incredibly harmful to the natural environment. “Some of these invasive species can be quite aggressive, and they are displacing natural habitats,” explained Professor AnaLu MacVean (Environmental Horticulture) in her short documentary The Uninvited Guests. “The public needs to know.”
Created alongside Professor Emily Rund (Film and Media Arts), the film aimed to educate the general public about many invasive plant species found in York County. Following its premiere at the Celebration of Collaboration event on April 16th, 2026, we’re reconnecting with Professors MacVean and Rund to reflect on The Uninvited Guests. We take a look back at the film’s creation, its future, and the unique cross-disciplinary partnership that brought together 20 students from two very different programs.
We first highlighted this GCCI grant-funded film project tackling York County's invasive flora back in November 2025. The team aimed to educate the general public on the threat of non-native plant species, showcasing that despite their mundane appearance, invasive flora presents a threat to native plants, pollinators, and other fauna. Since our initial publication, the team has taken the project all the way from initial concept through shooting and editing to the screen.
Combining plant science and film production was a leap into the unknown, but it paid off immensely for the students. Stepping far outside their comfort zones, the horticulture and media majors found unique and productive ways to connect across their studies. When questioned in a post-program survey, the students found that the cross-disciplinary collaboration not only sharpened their existing skills but also introduced new ones. They also noted that the class felt like a modern work environment, and that it altogether made the campus feel more connected.
Behind the meticulously crafted finished product was an immense amount of hard work, from both students and professors, as well as a deep appreciation for the cross-departmental collaboration that made it possible. “No one realizes how much it takes to make a documentary,” said Professor MacVean. “I’m really grateful that Professor Rund and her students worked with us on the film.” The feeling was entirely mutual.
“It’s great that [my students] were able to focus on filmmaking because they had experts assisting them,” expressed Professor Rund. “I’m really proud of the students for taking on such an undertaking and embracing the project.”
The students’ work culminated with the premiere of The Uninvited Guests, where the professors planned to test the film’s effectiveness in educating its audience. Wanting to prove the documentary’s effectiveness as an educational resource, the pair set out to measure how viewing the film transformed the audience’s understanding of invasive species. To study the impact of their work, the professors partnered with Dr. Samantha A. Deffler, an Associate Professor of Psychology. Together, they designed a two-part survey, asking audience members about their knowledge of invasive species and how to manage them right before the lights went down and again as the credits rolled. The survey asked participants to evaluate their knowledge of native and invasive plant species and demonstrate that knowledge by identifying plant species.
“The audience not only enjoyed the film, but they also learned about the invasive species and why they’re important,” explained Professor MacVean. According to the data gathered during the survey, participants showed a marked increase in their knowledge after watching the film. The responses suggested an overwhelmingly positive response to the film, with respondents highlighting the clear communication, editing, and visuals. When the professors saw the film was a success, they were elated. “The film is beautiful,” said Professor Rund. “Developing it has been a wonderful time.”
What began as a bold cross-disciplinary experiment on campus is now preparing for a much wider audience. As Professors MacVean and Rund have submitted The Uninvited Guests to film festivals, creating advertisements on social media, and preparing more screenings, the project stands as a powerful model of what happens when science and art unite. The students found out recently that they have been accepted into The Black Bear Film Festival in Milford, PA on October 9-11.
For Professor Rund, one of the biggest takeaways was the project's lasting professional impact on the students. “The students are all listed in the credits, so that gets their names out there and gets more exposure on their work. It’s really exciting.” By equipping students with real-world career-building experiences, resume-building credentials, and educating the public on local ecology, the film is only just beginning – proving that when campus departments collaborate, the impact can extend far beyond the classroom.
