Are you a land manager and have been receiving requests for more information about so-called "jumping/snake worms"? Are you a homeowner who is looking to learn more, ask questions, or perhaps you just found jumping worms on your property in 2021? No matter who you are, if you are curious or concerned about jumping/snake worms, this conference is for you!
Join UMass Extension as we welcome scientists who specialize in jumping/snake worm research to discuss the latest understanding of these earthworms. How to identify jumping/snake worms, what their potential impacts are, and the latest research into how we might manage them to be discussed. These LIVE virtual presentations will also give you the chance to get your questions answered following each speaker's presentation. So, bring your questions!
Credits
Pesticide: 1/2 contact hour PER DAY for categories 29, 35, 36, 37, and Applicator’s (core) License.
Association: 1 MCA, 1 MCLP, 1 MCH, 1 CFE, 2 ISA, and 2 SAF (cat 1) credits PER DAY.
Agenda
Day 1: Wednesday, January 26, 2022
9:00 AM – Introductions, Pesticide & Association Credit Instructions
9:15 AM – Earthworms in Managed and Urban Landscapes: Impacts and Solutions
Dr. Olga Kostromytska, Extension Assistant Professor and Turf Entomologist, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture
Jumping worms have garnered a lot of interest from the public in recent years. This presentation will discuss the identification and biology of invasive earthworms in MA, and their role/impact in urban landscapes. This will include information about "crazy/jumping worm" species (Amynthas) that have many homeowners in MA and New England concerned. Dr. Kostromytska will also share updates about current research.
10:15 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Invasive Amynthas and Metaphire Earthworms in New England Forests, Their Damage to Soils and Alteration of Nutrients
Dr. Justin Richardson, Dept. of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amynthas and Metaphire earthworms have been introduced to urban, peri-urban, and rural forests across New England. After invading a forest, they dramatically alter the structure of the soil, which then impacts the cycling of nutrients. These changes can improve soil conditions for some plants, especially non-natives, and diminish soil conditions for many native plants.
11:30 AM – Final Pesticide & Association Credit Instructions
Day 2: Thursday, January 27, 2022
9:00 AM – Introductions & Pesticide & Association Credit Instructions
9:15 AM – Jumping Worms - Why Care & What To Do?
Dr. Josef Görres, Dept. of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont
Jumping worms are getting more attention as landscape professionals and homeowners learn more about them. Dr. Görres will present on their ecology, phenology and geographical distribution. He will also discuss his research on biological control and other horticultural management strategies.
10:15 AM – Break
10: 30 AM – Understanding and Preventing Jumping Worm Invasion
Dr. Annise Dobson, Postdoctoral Researcher, Yale School of the Environment
In this talk, Dr. Dobson will discuss the impacts of invasive jumping worms on everything from native plants to infrastructure. You will learn how to identify jumping worms and learn the main drivers of their invasion. Dr. Dobson will share recommendations on how to prevent the spread of jumping worms and provide updates on research into management options.
11:30 AM – Final Pesticide & Association Credit Instructions
Pre-registration required. The link to the webinar(s) will be included in your confirming email.