The public is invited to the monthly meeti ngs of the Lake-to-Prairie chapter of the Wild Ones\, a national not-for-p rofit organization that promotes the use of native plants in landscapes.\n
Invasive Jumping Worms in Illinois
\nSpeaker : Chris Evans
\nThis new invasive species was first identified in Il linois in 2015 but has since been found across the state. \;Jumping wo rms\, native to East Asia\, are voracious consumers of organic material\, which can affect soil quality. They breed quickly and eggs survive Illinoi s winters. There are concerns about the effects these worms will have on f orests and other natural spaces as well as agricultural and landscaped are as. Populations of jumping worms have the potential to change the soil str ucture\, deplete available nutrients\, damage plant roots\, and alter wate r holding capacity of the soil.
\nThis presentation will review what we know about jumping worms\, their potential impacts to natural ecosyste ms and managed landscapes\, and what can and should be done about them.
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\nChris Evans is an Extension Forestry and Research Sp ecialist with the University of Illinois. He specializes in invasive speci es and forest health issues. Chris also serves as the Interim State Coordi nator of the Illinois Master Naturalist Program and is president of the So uthern Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society.
\n\nThis program will take place online\;
you will receive an email confirmation with the link when you register.&nb
sp\;Click that link at the start time to join us.
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