Jumping worms have spread to every corner of Vermont. You likely know someone who has them in their garden, mulch, or on the edge of their lawn. These invasive worms rapidly consume organic material, negatively impacting entire ecosystems. Frost kills the adults, but their eggs and cocoons can survive a Vermont winter. Thankfully, heat kills both the worms and cocoons. But there are several places between a compost facility and a garden or yard where jumping worms can be introduced.

This VPRS 2023 session introduced best practices for composters, nursery and garden center operators, landscapers, and individuals. Let's work together to slow the spread!

Panelists:

• Josef Görres, UVM

• Emilie Inoue, VAAFM

• Facilitator: Dan Goossen, CSWD Green Mountain Compost

Video time stamps:

• 00:00 VORS introduction from Natasha Duarte

• 3:20 Introduction to the topic from Dan Goossen, CSWD Green Mountain Compost

• 5:36 Josef Görres, UVM

• 38:49 Dan Goossen shares best practices from Green Mountain Compost

• 52:02 Emilie Inoue, VAAFM

• 56:13 Q&A

• 1:09:30 Jumping worms resources on CAV website

• 1:15:29 more Q&A