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Jumping Worm Conference

Event date/time: 
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 9:00am to 11:45am
Thursday, January 27, 2022 - 9:00am to 11:45am
Event Type: 
Online
Price: 
$25 for individual days
$40 if registering for BOTH days on 1/26 and 1/27

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

How to Participate: 

Pre-registration required. The link to the webinar(s) will be included in your confirming email.

Contact's name: 
Ellen Weeks
Contact's email: 
Contact's phone on day of event: 
413-545-0895
This event will be recorded: 
No