Earthworms form herds and make "group decisions'

By Matt Walker
Editor, Earth News

The earthworms use touch to communicate and influence each other's behaviour, according to research published in the journal Ethology.

By doing so the worms collectively decide to travel in the same direction as part of a single herd.

The striking behaviour, found in the earthworm Eisenia fetida, is the first time that any type of worm, or annelid, has been shown to form active herds.

"Our results modify the current view that earthworms are animals lacking in social behaviour," says Ms Lara Zirbes, a PhD student at the University of Liege in Gembloux in Belgium.

read more at BBC Earth News...

Edmonton Composting Facility Video

Click to see inside the Edmonton Composting Facility.

Meet, Greet and Learn Gatherings

Due to volunteer demand for learning and networking opportunities we are soon starting a series of “events” where you can get together as master composters, learn something new, and be energized.

I am going to list some potential topics below, but please give some feedback as to what you might like to focus on.

Topics:

• How to talk to your neighbours, family etc about composting? Tips etc.

• Suggestions on how to get rid of “stuff” from downsizing activity… Details from the organizations involved.

• Permaculture – what is it? How does it fit into our master composter activity?

• New resources needed?

EWMC Fun with Rick Mercer

CBC's Rick Mercer gets his hands dirty at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. Enjoy!

Season's Greetings!

Happy Holidays from the MCRP team!