Free Earth Day Event Brings Caterpillars to Campus on the Big Screen

As Earth Day approaches, conversations tends to focus on larger, more charismatic species, birds, mammals, possibly more iconic pollinators like bees. But what about the organisms that support entire ecosystems from the ground up?

This week, the Patch Entomology Club at the University of Maine is inviting members of the community to take a closer look at one of the most ecologically important groups...caterpillars!

https://youtu.be/weXWFKZAo-k?si=8Y0_Mlgtmizu2FdI

A peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest and mightiest superheroes. Naturalists, scientists and community members reveal the connections woven between native plants, insects and animals in this celebration of our natural world – with the extraordinary caterpillar at the heart of it all. From suburbia to exurban meadows, abandoned lots to city parks, exploring our environment begins not in distant wilderness, but right outside our doors! (Caption by Merit Motion Pictures on Youtube)

What better way to celebrate Earth Day?

Attendees can expect...

• Free popcorn & refreshments

• Stickers

• A raffle for a free poster

• A special screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar (1 hr-long documentary)

• A chance to chat with fellow nature lovers and local insect experts

Event Details:

Nutting Hall, Room 100

University of Maine, Orono ME

Wednesday, April 22 @ 5:00PM

Free and open to the public! (first come first serve seating)

(Flyer courtesy of Patch Entomology Club)

Learn more about the documentary and how it was filmed here:

https://www.theextraordinarycaterpillar.com/thefilm