Resources
Jumping worm characteristic movement
Worms may be observed singly as well
Video by Carly Ziter
Jumping Worm Management
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
— Maya Angelou
A brief survey of available methods and common concerns
Applicable to individuals, farmers, and nurseries
For the gardener
In 2020, our Participatory Science Coordinator, Angela Gupta, launched a community science project out of the University of Minnesota Extension. Over the course of three years, she worked with area gardeners to assess the impact of strategies they tested, many of which resulted in tangible reductions in worms.
These reports provide early guidance on achievable practices that gardeners can use to reduce jumping worm presence in their yards, and select plants that can thrive despite the soil changes.
This work also explored the profound emotions that many gardeners experience upon discovering these earthworms and the soil changes they create, including despair, helplessness, grief, anxiety, and anger. These feelings are common—you are not alone! But this research also found that becoming involved in efforts like this community science work help people to feel hope and agency again. Taking action can be a powerful thing!
We hope this becomes one of many community science projects between our scientists and the public. Your contributions can make a huge impact on our work, and on the jumping worms challenge as a whole.
Jumping worm: Report management
Final Results Summary: 2020 - 2022, Jumping worms: Report management
Results Summary 2020 & 2021 Jumping worms: Report management
Assessing the emotional toll of jumping worm damage
For the farm: A case study in early jumping worm impacts in a small, regenerative farm
Invasive Species for Homeowners-JWorm research group infosheet
This infosheet was created by the New York Invasive Species Research Institute JWORM Working Group. The group is no longer active, however many are now members or collaborators with the HSC and had helped create this helpful factsheet. Direct questions to the HSC at Info@HealthySoilCollaborative.org.
If you would like to start or join a community science project on jumping worms in your community, we encourage you to reach out to us to find out how to get started.
Webinars
Our researchers regularly present their research and current knowledge on jumping worms at in-person and online events. As these events occur, we will add them here to create and maintain a library of educational offerings.
Event: 2024 Jumping Worm Jamboree Webinar
This presentation was co-delivered by Annise Dobson as part of the 2024 Jumping Worm Jamboree, a new community science and education effort by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, and Pennsylvania iMap Invasives.
June 27, 2024
Ralph Nuzum Lecture Series: Invasive Jumping Worms
Brad Herrick discusses general earthworm biology and jumping worm impacts on northern forests and gardens, to an audience hosted by the Friends of Kickapoo Valley Reserve and UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
April 27, 2024
Jumping Worms: What You Need to Know, and How You Can Help Prevent Their Spread
Annise Dobson spoke to an online audience hosted by the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management.
March 1, 2024
Jumping Worms in Field and Forest
Annise Dobson speaks to the Newton Conservators 2022 Spring Webinar series, presenting a survey on jumping worm impacts on plants, soil, and habitat, with tips for how to cope with or avoid the worms.
April 2, 2022
Brad Herrick presents on general earthworm and jumping worm biology, identification, and landscape impacts at the Garden and Landscape Expo, as part of the PBS Wisconsin University Place lecture.
February 8, 2020
Invasive Earthworms: Impacts & Management (NISAW 2018)
Andrea Dávalos and Annise Dobson co-lead a webinar discussion on earthworm impacts in northeast forests, focusing on jumping worms, and including known management options from 2018. This event was hosted by the New York Invasive Species Institute.
March 2018
Jumping Worm Literature
We maintain an up-to-date list of relevant research by our team and their collaborators here.