FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Caterpillars Aren’t Just for the Birds: Webinar Opens a Window Into the Fascinating World of The Extraordinary Caterpillar
[June 1, 2026] Over 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a bee. Yet humans view the planet as a world centered around themselves. Landscapes are deconstructed to suit human needs, often with little regard for the natural systems that sustain the food web—caterpillars.
The live, 90-minute panel will give participants the chance to ask their own questions, diving deeper into the topics raised in the film, from how caterpillars defend themselves to the everyday things people can do at home to help them thrive.
The panelists will share practical tips for creating habitats where caterpillars can do what they do best - support other wildlife and ultimately the humans who often take these diverse dynamos for granted.
“The nestlings of a single pair of chickadees need five thousand caterpillars to reach the point where they can leave the nest. When we plant native, we're not just growing a garden, we're rebuilding the food web that everything else depends on.”
- Doug Tallamy
As a bonus, participants receive access to a limited-time on-demand streaming of the documentary film “The Extraordinary Caterpillar.” Both Tallamy and Jaffe appear in the film, which celebrates the caterpillar’s outsize contributions to nature’s food web. More than 400 screenings have been held across the country, reaching over 40,000 viewers and counting.
The webinar will also serve as a fundraiser for Homegrown National Park and The
Caterpillar Lab, both working to advance biodiversity through habitat restoration and public education,
Webinar tickets are available at two support levels: $15 and $35, as well as free Open Door tickets.
"There is so much more to caterpillars than could ever fit into a single film. And yet, The Extraordinary Caterpillar offers a rare glimpse into this incredibly diverse and little-known world. At The Caterpillar Lab, so much of our work is about igniting that first spark of curiosity, and I’m excited for this panel to build on what the film started, sharing more of the stories behind these animals, exploring the roles they play in our landscapes, and responding to the questions and observations the film inspires.”
- Sam Jaffe
The live panel will take place from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 14, with a replay of the panel available through Nov. 14. Registered participants can stream The Extraordinary Caterpillar film itself on demand through Oct. 14.
Grab your tickets and bring your questions for a lively discussion on October 14th.
About Homegrown National Park
Homegrown National Park catalyzes people to plant native and remove invasive plant species at home and in their communities, one of the most impactful actions anyone can take to restore and protect the natural habitats that support all life. Grounded in the science of renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy and co-founded with Michelle Alfandari, Homegrown National Park supports individuals, organizations, and communities in taking meaningful, science-backed actions as part of a growing movement to make native habitat restoration mainstream. Learn more at homegrownnationalpark.org.
Media contact
Jessie Eagan, Communications Coordinator
press@homegrownnationalpark.org | (317) 488-7349
About The Caterpillar Lab
The Caterpillar Lab fosters greater appreciation and care for the complexity and beauty of our local natural history through live caterpillar educational programs, research initiatives, and photography and film projects. We believe that an increased awareness of one’s local environment is the foundation on which healthy and responsible attitudes towards the broader natural systems of this world are built. We strive to act as a hub for natural history enthusiasts, artists, and researchers, while expanding our community outreach efforts through in-person exhibits and virtual collaborations and educational resources. Learn more at https://www.thecaterpillarlab.org