Worm War Chronicals

Worm War Chronicles follows Katherine Brooks’ firsthand battle against invasive Asian jumping worms in McHenry County, Illinois. Blending humor, real field observations, gardening chaos, and environmental awareness, this ongoing series documents the strange reality of protecting soil, medicinal plants, and ecosystems from one of the fastest-spreading invasive species in the Midwest. Part journal, part investigation, part late-night worm hunt.

Field Notes from the Worm War #4: Memorial Day Weekend in Worm Vegas

It rained earlier that morning. By evening, temperatures had climbed into the 80s after weeks of much cooler weather. The ground was thick and warm. Gross! The humidity hung over everything like a wet blanket and reminded me exactly why I left Louisiana. Michelle and the babies went to sleep despite the popping firecrackers. Everyone is celebrating. Grilling. Drinking beer and participating in normal human Memorial Day activities. Not me. I’m outside wearing a headlamp, hunti

Bayou Girl

May 303 min read

The Curious Case of Invasive Jumping Worms in Illinois

I thought I knew what hard looked like. Eight days without power in the middle of a Louisiana summer after Hurricane Ida will do that to you. That was the year we decided to leave. Start over. Find something quieter. More manageable.I had no idea I was about to go to war with something far worse. Not a storm ------> WORMS. Invasive jumping worms in Illinois are becoming a serious problem for gardeners, farmers, and ecosystems. Before moving to Woodstock Illinois, my only expe

Bayou Girl

May 195 min read