Not seeing as many earthworms after rain events

Kimberly Porter writes:

I live near Westchester Lagoon in Anchorage. Two years ago I couldn’t stand to take the stroller out after it rained because it seemed impossible to avoid running over the dozens and dozens of worms on the trail. Last year I noticed fewer worms, and this year I walk along the same route after a rainstorm and see only one or two — sometimes none. I don’t know if this reflects a natural population cycle or if it could be climate-related (or another explanation entirely).

Derek Sikes writes:

Interesting. Unfortunately we don't have enough information to know the cause of these changes in local earthworm populations.

Comment by LEO Editors:

This is only the second post on earthworms in Alaska that we have received in LEO Network. The first is attached, a post from Luke Williams in Haines who wondered about the phenology of earthworms after he observed one in Haines in January of 2015. There have been some 17 species of earthworms that have been documented in Alaska. Most are invasive transplanted in a multitude of ways from Outside. They improve the soil for some species and make it worse for others, so opinions on whether earthworms are good or bad depends on the location and who you ask. LEO Network has reached out to some area earthworm experts, Matt Bowser with the USFWS and Derek Sikes the curator with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum. Kimberly Porter has presented a really interesting measure for earthworms (stroller navigation) and we also invite other LEO Network members to share their observations about earthworms. Members may also be interested in examples of citizen science efforts that are available around the world. See the attached website for "Earthworm Watch" which is based in the UK, and WormWatch based in Canada. Mike Brubaker