Often viewed as inhospitable wastelands — too wet to be easily built upon or farmed — wetlands often were filled to accommodate growing populations or used as industrial dumping grounds. But, over the past few decades, individual action and major policy changes have helped protect, preserve and revitalize this critical natural resource. TURNING THE TIDE showcases the hidden beauty of New Jersey's tidal areas, including the Hackensack Meadowlands near New York City and the Hamilton-Trenton Marsh along the Delaware River. Once scarred by landfills and toxic waste sites, these regions have evolved from polluted eyesores into diverse habitats for wildlife. The half-hour documentary follows scientists, senior citizens and young children as they discover these urban wetlands' rich variety of plants and animals.