Science

We study the distribution and ecology of jumping worms to understand how they spread, what environmental factors affect their success and what natural barriers may impede their movement. We rely on data collected by our own scientists and by trained community scientists for as broad a coverage of the Northern Forest ecoregion as possible.

When it comes to invasive earthworms, there are small- and large-scale effects. We know that the changes in soil caused by earthworms initiate a cascade of environmental events. But the larger effects on water quality, erosion, climate change, and human disease still need to be quantified. 

Our pest management researchers are developing and testing biopesticides and other soil management strategies that can eliminate, control, or manage jumping worms in gardens, horticultural, agricultural, and natural ecosystems. We also provide support to regulatory agencies and industry to facilitate certification pesticides for jumping worms and application of recommended horticultural management.

We investigate natural and horticultural plant communities to identify species that are resilient to jumping worm invasions and might become the backbone of restoration efforts. Our goal is to provide tools for the restoration of soil health and the functions of healthy ecosystems degraded by the invasion.