No, I don’t collect my own worms because so far as I know they aren’t found in our local ponds and lakes (I think the water is too warm). Lake Okoboji in Iowa is the closest place I know for sure has them. So I just order a small batch, Carolina is a source, sometimes pet stores have some live ones (for fish food). Once you have them you can keep them pretty easily for lots of activities, including student research. Charlie’s site has lots of info about additional activities, worm care, etc.

So do you collect the worms that you use from ponds around cattails? or does Carolina or other biological supply companies sell this particular species? If you do the field collecting, could you describe your technique?