The Extraordinary Caterpillar
The Extraordinary Caterpillar
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The Story
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. The Extraordinary Caterpillar follows the scientists and community activists with this peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes.
To reveal the inner workings of our planet’s foundational food web, naturalist Sam Jaffe from The Caterpillar Lab uses dazzling macro-videography to magnify tiny, fantastical, anime-like creatures – caterpillars! Sam’s images reveal a weird and wonderful world beyond imagination of behavior, form, and function that will inspire people to take a second look at the hidden world happening in their own yard.
A poor understanding of biodiversity and native species has allowed for unchecked harm to be done to the natural world. Entomologist Doug Tallamy co-founded the Homegrown National Park movement to restore the ecosystems that provide habitats, clean air, and water. As Tallamy explains, caterpillars are essential to the food web: a single chickadee nest requires six to nine thousand caterpillars to survive their first two weeks of life. Even grizzly bears rely on caterpillars to fatten up for winter.
On a quest to document thousands of caterpillars – many never seen or photographed before – entomologist David Wagner hopes to record them as global insect populations have dropped by 45% since 1970. As he completes his latest book, The Caterpillars of Western North America, Wagner has seen firsthand the devastation of caterpillar populations.In Toronto, a group of youth walk through a patch of urban forest, encouraged to take a closer look at their environment. They are a part of EcoSpark’s mission to connect people of all ages with the living world. Hands-on experience helps them understand the importance of biodiversity, especially the keystone plants that help caterpillars to survive and thrive.
Toronto gardener Amanda McConnell demonstrates how private and public spaces can become thriving caterpillar habitats. For nearly four decades, Amanda has transformed her neighbourhood in The Annex into a treed and planted community. Her work shows how habitat restoration can begin in backyards,back lanes, community spaces and city parks.
Helping to understand the secret world of caterpillars and their ecosystems are research coordinator Jack Forrester from The Caterpillar Lab, entomology technician Antonia Guidotti from the Royal Ontario Museum, botanist and naturalist Laura Reeves, and horticulturalist Andrea F. Stauber.
From suburbia to exurban meadows, abandoned lots to city parks, The Extraordinary Caterpillar shows that exploring our environment begins not in distant wilderness, but right outside our doors!
Directed by: Jeff McKay
Our Connection to the Film
Homegrown National Park is the U.S. organizer of the impact campaign for The Extraordinary Caterpillar. The film features our co-founder, Dr. Doug Tallamy, and shines a spotlight on the critical—but often overlooked—role caterpillars play in biodiversity.
Caterpillars are the engine of food webs. They feed birds, support pollinators, and keep ecosystems thriving. By restoring native plants, we restore caterpillar populations—and that’s at the very heart of our mission.
Bring the Film to Your Community
Unlike our other recorded talks and webinars, The Extraordinary Caterpillar requires the purchase of a screening license. This ensures the filmmakers are supported and allows the story to continue reaching new audiences.
Possible Audiences
- Garden clubs, faith groups, or civic orgs
- Schools or Co-workers
- HOAs or municipalities
Possible Venues
- Community centers, libraries, or theaters
- Local events
- Virtual streaming
Screenings Are Just Beginning
The Extraordinary Caterpillar is just beginning its journey to audiences. A preview screening introduced the film to potential partners, and it has already aired on Canadian television. Community screenings are now being planned across North America.
Partner with Us
We’re seeking both viewing partners and sponsors to help bring The Extraordinary Caterpillar to communities across the country. Whether you’re a company, foundation, non-profit, or local organizer, your support can make a direct impact.
There are opportunities to host or partner on a community screening, as well as sponsor the broader Extraordinary Caterpillar impact campaign.
For details, please contact caterpillar@homegrownnationalpark.org.
Viewing Partners
Host a Screening Event
Toolkit
1. Download Screening Guide to get yourself set up for a successful event.
2. Download and customize the individual materials below or download the full graphics and flyer package.
3. After your event, please return here to complete the Post-Event Recap.
Each screening requires a registration fee, which goes directly to the film producers. Homegrown National Park does not receive any portion of these fees.
If your event generates additional revenue beyond covering your costs, we invite you to consider donating a percentage of your profits to HNP. Your support helps us expand the reach of this film and continue producing educational resources that inspire action for biodiversity.
Questions? Email us at caterpillar@homegrownnationalpark.org.
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Help Caterpillars Thrive
Start taking action right away with resources that support caterpillars and the plants they depend on. We’ll be adding more activities for kids, families, and communities as this campaign grows.
Children's story inspiring the next generation to care for caterpillars.
Children's story inspiring the next generation to care for caterpillars.
Get an Event Toolkit sent right to your inbox with promo materials and screening fees — or jump right in and host your own screening.