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The Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee (WPPC) and the McHenry County Audubon Society are pleased to present the film “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” at McHenry County College (Luecht Auditorium) on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7 PM. This film by Jeff McKay features Doug Tallamy and scenes from the Caterpillar Lab along with beautiful up-close videography. The movie will begin at 7pm, run for about an hour and be followed by a question and answer session.  Admission is free of charge and refreshments will be served.  If you’d like, you can check out the film trailer.

In every backyard and field lives an army of tiny superheroes more incredible than fiction. These master shape-shifters can perfectly mimic bird droppings, transform into miniature dragons, or disguise themselves as delicate leaves and branches. Through breathtaking macro videography, The Extraordinary Caterpillar reveals the astonishing abilities and hidden lives of these creatures, showing a world of wonder that has been right outside our doors all along.

Caterpillars power entire ecosystems, feeding everything from singing songbirds to towering grizzly bears. One chickadee family alone needs an astounding 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars to feed their young in just the first two weeks.

From blooming meadows to bustling city parks and lush backyard gardens, The Extraordinary Caterpillar takes viewers on a journey that celebrates the magic of nature while showing families practical ways to make a difference. Whether removing invasive plants or creating habitat with native species, the film demonstrates how every household can be part of the conservation solution.