The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is requesting $74,982 to provide public understanding to the research results and methods related to the impacts of European earthworm invations in the hardwood forests of Minnesota. Dispite commonly held beliefs that earthworms are beneficial to ecosystems, research results indicate that the invation of European earthworms into previously worm-free hardwood forests has a serious effect on both plants and animals. This project provides training and support for non-formal educators to initiate and maintain monitoring and survey activities related to exotic earthworm invasions in their communities.
