You've no doubt heard that earthworms are good for the garden. They not only provide nitrogen, but also aerate your soil and thereby reduce compaction, a major impediment to plant health. But here are some facts about earthworms that may surprise you.... First of all, despite their value in our gardens, earthworms are damaging forests in North America. They are upsetting the ecosystem, as this article on the earthworm menace explains. The same article does, however, end by suggesting that earthworms "might eventually find a peaceful equilibrium in North American forests."

Earthworms upsetting the ecosystem? "But how can that be?" you may ask. "Aren't they native to that same ecosystem?" This is the second surprise: no, most earthworm species currently in North America are not native. Many, though, probably have been here for a long time, having come over with early European settlers.

Finally, for a humorous take on the matter, this link on the invasion of the earthworms is worth a look for the funny drawings alone!