Worm gets the plant — Earthworms, though popular with gardeners and fishermen, don't benefit the health of hardwood forests, according to a recent study. Cynthia Hale, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, found that invasive European earthworms, which moved into hardwood ecosystems in the northern United States, are causing the widespread loss of forest plant species, affecting the stability of the entire ecosystem. Minnesota's hardwood forests contain a thick forest floor that serves as a perfect rooting medium for many species of forest herbs and tree seedlings. When earthworms invade a forested area, they consume the forest floor, and herbaceous plant diversity and tree seedling density decrease dramatically, Hale explained. The study found that in heavily impacted stands only one species of native herbs and virtually no tree seedlings remain. "We're sharing the study results now," said Hale, "so ecologists become aware of the issue, realize that the presence of earthworms is an important criterion when evaluating an area and begin to understand what their presence means."

Big Sur forest gets bigger — The southern edge of Los Padres National Forest in the Big Sur area of California has expanded by 784 acres as the result of land acquisition confirmed by President Clinton Sunday at a fund-raising event for the League of Conservation Voters. The parcel of former ranchland is habitat for endangered steelhead trout and the Smith’s blue butterfly. The U.S. Forest Service purchased the parcel for $4.55 million from the Trust for Public Land, which had bought it from a local family. The acquisition ensures public access to the Big Sur coastline.

NWF Network — The National Wildlife Federation has launched a new web site for nature enthusiasts. The site is updated daily with conservation news from the NWF and other sources. NWF Network also offers visitors a chance to share information about their favorite places to observe wildlife and provides a forum to discuss topics such as backyard wildlife habitat, saving endangered species, protecting wilderness areas and traveling to the world's wild places.

Grisham’s green acres — John Grisham, the prolific, legal-eagle author of thrillers such as “The Firm” and “The Pelican Brief,” will give nearly 1,000 acres in conservation easements to the Piedmont Environmental Council. The land is near Grisham’s horse farm in southern Albemarle County, Virginia.