- [Mark] This is Mark Isselhardt, Maple Specialist
with the University of Vermont Extension
and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.
Gardeners know that earthworms can be beneficial
for growing vegetables and flowers
by helping with the soil aeration
and producing fertilizer through their castings.
Sugar makers may not know that earthworms
and the relatively newer invaders called crazy snakeworms
pose a significant threat to their sugar bush.
Worms in the Northeastern U.S. are exotic
and some can be invasive,
meaning that they become established
and disrupt the native species present.
Earthworms can affect changes in the forest soil
making it difficult for native plants,
such as sugar maple, to survive.
The worms can disrupt the lifecycle
of certain plant species browsed by animals,
which leaves the remaining tree seedlings
the only food source available.
Long-term risks for our native hardwood forests
are a concern for foresters
and natural resources professionals alike.
There are no recommendations
for removing established worm populations
and research into the changes
in forest ecosystems is ongoing.
Recommendations are focused on preventing these organisms
from being established in the first place.
Another important consideration is to avoid bringing soil
or other organic material from other properties
and thereby starting new infestations.
This is Mark Isselhardt, Maple Specialist
with the University of Vermont Extension
and this has been another Vermont Maple Minute.