July 23, 2026
Department of Forest Resources researcher Lee Frelich was recently featured on MPR’s All Things Considered with host Clay Masters to discuss the growing presence and impact of invasive jumping worms in Minnesota.
In the interview, Frelich explained how these earthworms differ from European earthworms: they strip topsoil of critical nutrients, kill plants, and accelerate soil erosion. As the lead researcher on the University of Minnesota’s Jumping Worms Project, Frelich shared how residents can identify and prevent further spread of jumping worms.
Listen to the full segment: “Invasive jumping worms are spreading in Minnesota”.