A documentary will explore the hidden world of caterpillars and how important they are to biodiversity.
“The Extraordinary Caterpillar,” a documentary film by Jeff McKay, will be shown Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. A panel discussion will follow.
“Many people know butterflies are beautiful and important, but few realize that caterpillars are one of the foundations of a healthy ecosystem,” said Laurie Broccolo, founder and CEO of Broccolo’s B-Friendly Farm and Gardens, which is hosting the screening, in a news release. “They feed birds, support pollinators and help sustain the food web that allows nature to thrive. This event is for gardeners, nature lovers, educators, environmental advocates, families and anyone who wants to learn how simple choices in their own yard can make a meaningful difference. By planting native plants and creating habitat, we can help restore biodiversity right here in our community.”
Individual tickets are $25. Blocks of 10 tickets are available for $250. They can be purchased at https://broccololawnandlandscape.com/caterpillar-movie/.
The George Eastman Museum and gardens will be open to ticket holders beginning at 5 p.m. June 29. The theater’s doors will open at 6 p.m., with the screening beginning at 6:15 p.m.
The panel discussion and audience Q&A will immediately follow the film. It will focus on practical ways residents can support pollinators, butterflies and local ecosystems through native plants, sustainable landscaping practices and community-based conservation efforts, according to the news release. Panelists will share successful projects that can be replicated locally to strengthen biodiversity, promote environmental stewardship and create healthier, more resilient communities.
The panel will feature Dana Buchbinder, executive director of EcoSpark, Toronto, which is featured in the film. Other panelists will be Broccolo; Kyra Stevenson, nature-based learning coach for the Rochester City School District; and Kevin Farrell, senior director of conservation programs for Genesee Land Trust.
The event will raise funds for the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, a nonprofit museum and educational center in Branchport, Yates County, at the northern end of Keuka Lake. The museum’s mission is to inspire appreciation for the ecology, history, culture and people of the Finger Lakes region through education, conservation and community engagement, according to the news release.
“The film reminds us that even the smallest creatures can have an enormous impact on the health of our environment, and we hope attendees leave inspired to become stewards of the natural world,” Natalie Payne, Saunders Finger Lakes Museum’s executive director, said in the news release.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: This film shows why caterpillars matter more than you think
Reporting by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
