Essential Ecosystem Engineers: Worms

[Ally Lyske]

Join us to learn about all things WORMS!

From invasive jumping worms to red wrigglers improving our garden soil, learn from our two special guest facilitators.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/B88jzsUhmX5aLncS7

Sullivan Dyment is a Toronto-based researcher, writer, visual artist, and environmental advocate. He specializes in urban resiliency and soil stewardship. Currently completing a Master of Environmental Studies at York University, Sul’s work focuses on the intersection of invasive species management and community-led conservation. He is a certified pollinator steward, coordinates the gardens at his building and has his own pollinator and food gardens at home.

The Subterranean Shift and Jumping Worms

Sullivan will guide gardeners through the critical transition from traditional soil understanding to the modern reality of the jumping worm crisis. This part of the presentation pulls back the curtain on their quiet arrival in Ontario, illustrating how these invaders aren't just "different worms," but biological combatants that actively destroy healthy soil. Sullivan will empower us to recognize that containment is a human behaviour challenge. By understanding this, we will move from ecological grief into a position of power. Instead of risking any role in unintentional spread, we spearhead the fight. This section is about arming ourselves with the biosecurity protocols and the "activist mindset" needed to protect the native ecosystems we’ve worked so hard to restore. We aren't just gardeners anymore; we are the first line of defense..

Joe Durand is a prominent urban agriculture advocate, educator, social worker and founding board member of Green Thumbs Growing Kids. He currently helps gardens set up compost systems and specializes in teaching about soil food web with Compost Toronto. He frequently collaborates with local community initiatives, including West Neighbourhood House, the Milky Way Garden and Anishnawbe Nibi Gitigaan. 

Red Wrigglers, Soil Heath and Gardens

Joe will be discussing the role of red wrigglers, a specific type of earthworm, in composting and soil microbiology. He will provide microscopes so we can take a closer look into the compost the Milky Way gardeners have created. We’ll discuss topics such as compost tea, the use of commercial fertilizers, soil health and its critical role in our ecosystem.

PWYC: the workshop is pay what you can. We suggest a donation of $1-20. We can accept cash and e-transfers.

This location is wheelchair accessible, and there is a community centre accessible washroom nearby.

This location is wheelchair accessible, and there is a community centre accessible washroom nearby. 

Cheers,

Ally

she/her
cell 647-786-6714