Events

This free event is sponsored by the Wild Ones Twin Cities chapter. Learn more and register here. 

An introductory level presentation on how to identify jumping worms, information about their life cycle, early detection and reporting.

Part I of March April Mini-Series: 
A Growing Need to Observe, Protect and Contain
Presenter: Ryan Hueffmeier, University of MN Duluth

Jumping worms are the latest invasive worm to arrive in Minnesota. They live in the top few inches of soil and alter soil structure and chemistry through their feeding and burrowing behaviors. Found in garden beds, mulch and compost piles they represent a threat to the health of our managed and wild landscapes. This will be an introductory level presentation on how to identify jumping worms, information about their life cycle, early detection and reporting. Prevention will be covered more in April, but tips for early detection and primary sources of how these travel is important. Jumping worms are spread through composting, horticulture, landscaping and bait. The overall goal of this project is to characterize the status of the jumping worm invasion in Minnesota.

Part II will cover Tips and Techniques for Safe Transfer and Sharing of Native Plants along with other information on protecting our gardens. visit our website for more details.

Ryan Hueffmeier is a research, outreach, and education specialist with active projects in forest and landscape ecology and invasive species. He is Program Director at Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center in Duluth,MN, which runs programs for over 4,000 people and has over 10,500 visitors annually. Ryan works toward the transfer of scientific knowledge from evidence based research to the public through creating accessible outreach programs which deliver experiential educational opportunities incorporating volunteer based public participatory projects. He works with diverse audiences such as teacher and natural resource professional development, preK-12 and the general public. For the past decade Ryan has been part of the Great Lakes Worm Watch program and has developed local projects looking at vernal pools, bird populations, invasive species and tree survival. Currently, he is heading the Worm Ranger Jumping Worm project.