Stream The Extraordinary Caterpillar—Free for a Limited Time. Read Below.
Contributed by Michele Miller Houck
What if the key to thriving forests, vibrant backyards, and resilient ecosystems wasn’t something big and bold—but small, soft, and often overlooked? The caterpillar, of course.
I didn’t really understand the pivotal role that caterpillars held in healthy ecosystems until recently. Last October, I became a Certified Wildlife Steward through the NC Wildlife Federation, and part of that certification was to read Doug Tallamy’s Book, Nature’s Best Hope. In the book, not only does he amplify the importance of caterpillars, but he also describes a new concept that he is putting out there, Homegrown National Park.
And to reach new audiences, fostering action and understanding, Homegrown National Park, in partnership with Merit Motion Pictures and The Caterpillar Lab, invites you to discover the outsized impact of one of nature’s most important creatures in the new documentary, The Extraordinary Caterpillar—a visually stunning, 60-minute film that will change the way you see the world just outside your door.
A Hidden World in Plain Sight
Across North Carolina and beyond, dazzling natural landscapes are unfolding in everyday spaces—parks, neighborhoods, schoolyards, and even along sidewalks. At the heart of these living systems are caterpillars: tiny but mighty engines of biodiversity that fuel the food web and help sustain the birds, pollinators, and wildlife we treasure.
Follow renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy, The Caterpillar Lab’s Sam Jaffe, and other passionate experts and enthusiasts as they reveal the unseen connections between plants, insects, and the health of our planet. Their journey shows how these remarkable animals quietly support the ecosystems we all depend on, and how each of us can play a role in protecting them.
Watch the Film—On Your Schedule
This special release is available to stream now through March 24, 2026, giving you plenty of time to experience the story and share it with friends and family.
All ticket options include full individual access to the film. The FREE Open Door Ticket ensures the program remains accessible to everyone, while Supporter and General Admission tickets help advance the conservation missions of Homegrown National Park and The Caterpillar Lab.
👉 Register to receive your free viewing link:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/homegrown-national-park-inc/the-extraordinary-caterpillar-hosted-by-hnp-and-the-caterpillar-lab
Take Action Close to Home
After the limited release, viewers will receive seasonal action ideas to help discover and support caterpillars right where they live—turning inspiration into meaningful stewardship.
You’ll also have the option to purchase a license to host a community screening for your neighborhood, workplace, classroom, or local organization. These locally led gatherings help spread awareness and invite more people into the work of protecting these tiny heroes.
Screenshots from “The Extraordinary Caterpillar.”
