Amy Stewart Reading
Author Amy Stewart discusses her nonfiction work, The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms. Stewart, an avid gardener, notes that she first became interested in earthworms during a move when she discovered the species of earthworms on her new land differed from those on her old land. She also points out that Charles Darwin’s final book had explored the topic of earthworms. Stewart also discusses the strategy of employing earthworms in the garden composting process, and explains how these worms have the remarkable ability to survive exposure to the chemical DDT.
Biologist Sam James, whom Amy Stewart interviewed for her book, is also on hand to discuss the lifestyle diversity and different species of earthworms. Not only does James discuss earthworms, but he also shows various species that he has brought in for the bookstore audience to view. James goes on to discuss the different habitats and locations of native species. He explains that earthworms in the Iowa City area and northwards are considered non-native and have only existed in this region since settlement of Asians or Europeans, while areas south of Iowa City inhabit “native” earthworms. James goes on to outline the difficulties of studying earthworms in their native habitat, and shares techniques that biologists use to gather information about these creatures.
Amy Stewart steps in to further explain the use of earthworms for composting purposes. She explains the steps to take and ideal conditions under which to employ earthworms as composting agents.
In: "Live from Prairie Lights" Audio Archive | Nonfiction
Authors: Amy Stewart
Date Recorded: April 07, 2004
Works Read: The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms, by Amy Stewart
Program: Live From Prairie Lights
Format: reading
Contributors: Introduction by host Julie Englander. Biologist Sam James is a guest contributor.
Topics: gardening, earthworms, composting