Hillary Peterson, Ph.D. will lead an online presentation titled “Invasive Worms in Maine” in a webinar hosted by Merryspring Nature Center on Tuesday, April 18, at 12 p.m.

Jumping worms (Amynthas worms) are an invasive group of worms found in the United States from Maine to South Carolina and west to Wisconsin. Amynthas worms were first collected from a Maine greenhouse in 1899, though an established population of this active and damaging pest was not discovered here until about 2014.

This presentation will cover a history of invasive worms in Maine, details about worm biology and ecology, how to identify different types of worms, and what to do to prevent and report the spread of jumping worms. A brief recap of the latest research into control of jumping worms will also be covered.

Peterson is the Integrated Pest Management Specialist with the Plant Health Programs in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

This program is part of the Winter Online Talk series at Merryspring, sponsored by Renys – A Maine Adventure, and co-sponsored by Allen Insurance & Financial and Camden Riverhouse Hotel.

Access to a computer or smart device is required to attend. Please email info@merryspring.org to register for this program. Zoom links are sent on the mornings of the talks. Talks are not recorded.

Attendance is free for all.

Merryspring is your community nature center offering walking trails, cultivated gardens, wildlife, and ecology and horticulture educational programs all year round. The park is located at the end of Conway Road, just off of Route 1 in Camden behind Hannaford Shopping Plaza. For more information on this program, please contact info@merryspring.org or call 207-236-2239.