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- [Mark] This is Mark
Isselhardt, Maple Specialist

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with the University of Vermont Extension

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and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.

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Gardeners know that
earthworms can be beneficial

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for growing vegetables and flowers

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by helping with the soil aeration

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and producing fertilizer
through their castings.

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Sugar makers may not know that earthworms

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and the relatively newer
invaders called crazy snakeworms

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pose a significant threat
to their sugar bush.

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Worms in the Northeastern U.S. are exotic

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and some can be invasive,

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meaning that they become established

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and disrupt the native species present.

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Earthworms can affect
changes in the forest soil

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making it difficult for native plants,

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such as sugar maple, to survive.

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The worms can disrupt the lifecycle

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of certain plant species
browsed by animals,

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which leaves the remaining tree seedlings

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the only food source available.

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Long-term risks for our
native hardwood forests

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are a concern for foresters

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and natural resources professionals alike.

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There are no recommendations

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for removing established worm populations

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and research into the changes

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in forest ecosystems is ongoing.

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Recommendations are focused
on preventing these organisms

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from being established in the first place.

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Another important consideration
is to avoid bringing soil

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or other organic material
from other properties

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and thereby starting new infestations.

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This is Mark Isselhardt, Maple Specialist

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with the University of Vermont Extension

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and this has been another
Vermont Maple Minute.