Our Mission

Great Lakes Worm Watch is committed to increasing scientific literacy and public understanding of the role of exotic species in ecosystems change.

We provide the tools and resources for citizens to actively contribute to the development of a database documenting the distributions of exotic earthworms and their impacts across the region as well as training and resources for educators to help build understanding of the methods and results of scientific research about exotic earthworms and forest ecosystems ecology.

As provided to the Cornell Citizen Science survey effort (Oct 31, 2006)

Mission/Goal Statement:

Great Lakes Worm Watch is committed to increasing public understanding and appreciation of the role of exotic earthworms in ecosystems change across the region.

Objective Statements:

The scientific objectives of Great Lakes Worm Watch are to 

1. Document the distributions and spread of exotic earthworms in the Great Lakes region.
2. Increase knowledge on the impacts of exotic earthworms in the Great Lakes region.

The conservation objectives of Great Lakes Worm Watch are to 

1. Engage educators and the public in efforts to prevent further spread of exotic earthworms
2. Identify currently earthworm-free habitats and support policy and management efforts to protect these areas.

The educational objectives of Great Lakes Worm Watch are to 

1. Inform educators and the public about the role of exotic earthworms in ecosystems change.
2. Increase scientific skills and literacy among citizen scientists.
3. Provide the tools and resources for citizens, educators and students to actively contribute to the development of a database documenting the distributions of exotic earthworms and their impacts across the region.
4. Train educators and establish partnerships with other organizations to increase the use of research methods and results to increase appreciation and understanding about exotic earthworms and forest ecosystems ecology.