Join the Research Team

Although new research is emerging about the effects of exotic earthworm invasions, very little is known about the distributions of earthworm and earthworm species across the region. While this type of distributional information is very valuable, it is very labor intensive and it is difficult for researchers to get funding to do this kind of work. Citizen scientists can help in this effort by conducting earthworm surveys in forests and other habitats in your area and reporting that data to Great Lakes Worm Watch.

Only Minnesota has a published report on earthworm distributions and it is far from exhaustive, more than half of the counties have no records of earthworms at all.

To view or download the list of known earthworm records for Minnesota click here (92 Kb pdf).

Document an earthworm occurrence

The simplest way you can contribute to the growing Great Lakes Worm Watch database is to document an earthworm occurrence. This involves collecting and sending earthworm specimens with location information to Great lakes Worm Watch. These specimens will be archived at the University of Minnesota and the species and location information will be added to our database. To view instructions for documenting an earthworm occurrence click here.

Click here for a list of materials you may need to conduct earthworm surveys and hints on where to get them!

What if the site I survey has no earthworms?

We want to know! While earthworm invasions are common across the Great Lakes region, there are still many earthworm-free areas. The more remote the site, the higher the probability is that it may be earthworm-free. Identifying earthworm free sites is very important because these sites can serve as “controls” for scientists studying the impacts of earthworm invasion. Once identified, strategies can be developed to protect earthworm-free habitats by preventing earthworm invasions. To view or download instructions for documenting an earthworm-free area click here.

What habitats are we interested in getting data from?

In addition to earthworm occurrences, we are interested in getting data about the habitats in which you sampled for earthworms. Great Lakes Worm Watch would like data from all habitat types, especially natural ecosystems including forests, woodlands, and prairies. However, data from habitats dominated by human activity are also of value, such as farm fields, pastures, and parks. Depending on your level of interest and expertise, you can choose to conduct a general or detailed habitat survey. You can use the instructions and data sheets we have developed to make the data easily transferable to our database! To view or download instructions for conducting habitat surveys click here.

What other kinds of data are we interested in getting?

In addition to earthworm and habitat data, Great Lakes Worm Watch is also interested in getting data about the soil conditions at sites in which you sampled for earthworms. You can use the instructions and data sheets we have developed to make the data easily transferable to our database! To view or download instructions for conducting soil surveys click here.

How can I get involved in ongoing monitoring efforts?

A range of opportunities exist at Nature Centers, Environmental Learning Centers and School Forests across the region for you to get involved in ongoing monitoring efforts. Learn more about exotic earthworms, forest ecology, native plants and soil biology by connecting with one of our Great Lakes Worm Watch project partners. To learn more click here.

How can I start a study or monitoring program of my own?

We provide instructions and data sheets for conducting your own earthworm, habitat and soil surveys in the “Conduct your Own Surveys” section of the website. Go there first and get an idea of what you would like to do. If you feel you need more help in designing a study, you can contact us with particular questions. To view or download instructions for conducting soil surveys click here.

How can we become a Great Lakes Worm Watch partner organization?

Great Lakes Worm Watch is always looking for new partners interested in establishing an earthworm monitoring program or hosting training workshops for educators and natural resource professionals in their area. Contact us if your organization is interesting in becoming a Great Lakes Worm Watch partner organization.