On Wednesday the 9th of September Annabelle and Janelle from the Enviro Group led a group of 8 students, led by the Enviro Group, participated in the great kiwi earthworm survey. This is an awesome citizen science project that aims to discover more about the health of NZ soil through its Earthworms!  

The group spent period 5 and afterschool doing the survey, getting a bit dirty and muddy.“I had such a great time with other students. I really enjoyed looking for the earthworms. One sad thing about it was that we didn't find many, but I still enjoyed my time with my friends.” “The Great Kiwi Earthworm Survey was fun.” 

We found on average 4 worms per spade square along the margins of the field by the Pixie stream. This is extremely low when healthy soils could have up to 16, however, any data is better than no data. The second surveyed site was at the side of the Village where there is more organic matter and we found a spectacular 22 worms per spade square!  

The data has been sent to Scientist at agResearch NZ, to help them make new discoveries about the health of NZ soil. The Rutherford Enviro group will continue to monitor the Earthworm population at Rutherford College. We hope to make the Great Kiwi Earthworm survey an annual event! 

If you are interested in learning more about this citizen science project, please check out the website www.agresearch.co.nz/our-research/the-great-kiwi-earthworm-survey. 

Even better come talk to the Enviro group team on Thursday lunch time S1. All are welcome, no commitment required.

by Annette Goulding