Jumping Worms--also known as crazy snake worm, Alabama jumper, and Asian worm---seriously threaten the health of our Catskills forests.

Nearly all earthworms found in the Northeast today are non-native. But Jumping Worms (Amynthas species) are of extra concern because they gobble up organic matter more quickly than their European counterparts, stripping the forest of the layer critical for seedlings and wildflowers. Jumping Worms grow twice as fast, reproduce more quickly, and can infest soils at high densities. In areas where there is a heavy infestation, native plants, soil invertebrates, salamanders, birds and other animals may decline.

Panelists will discuss how the life cycles of Jumping Worms differ from other common worms, and delve into how they impact nutrient cycling, soil health, microhabitats, and our forests. The conversation also will cover control measures that we all can take to report Jumping Worm infestations and help prevent their spread.

••The webinar is free to attend, but you must register: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../631.../WN_-f199c5rRXacYpUf58N6eA

••Jumping Worms are Invading will be closed-captioned for greater accessibility.