We work across the county on a variety of projects involving introduced species. A summary of our work in 2025 is below. Scroll to the end of the page for some quick ID videos!

Stiltgrass

Stiltgrass is in an early introduction stage in Windham County, which present the opportunity to prevent it’s widespread establishment if we take prompt action. Keep in mind that grass ID can be tricky! A great comparison guide between stiltgrass and whitegrass (a native species) can be found here. If you have any doubt on the identification, contact us! If you think you have found stilt-grass on your property, please contact the district at sullivan.wcnrcd@gmail.com or 802-212-9458. View our quick ID video here.

 

WCNRCD is part of the Southeast Vermont Cooperative Invasive Species Management Association (CISMA). As part of this group, we provide site visits, free of charge, to landowners with invasive management questions and concerns. To learn more about the CISMA, visit their website. Below, you'll find some helpful resources for identifying common invasives in Vermont.

 

Identification Videos on YouTube

Japanese Knotweed Treatment

How to Dispose of Invasive Plants Once Cut or Pulled:

Invasive Plant Disposal Guide

Composting and Invasive Species:

Compost Guide Invasives

Composting Plant Materials:

Grass, Leaves, and Wood - Department of Environmental Conservation

Fact Sheet on Stiltgrass:

Stiltgrassinfosheet.pdf

Common Windham County Invasives Fact Sheet:

Invasives general.pdf

Early Detection Invasives:

EDRR invasives.pdf

 

Jumping Worms

Did you know all earthworm species are non-native to Vermont? While many species of worms have been established for decades or centuries, a new invasion by jumping worms has begun throughout the region. This has quickly become a major challenge, particularly for gardeners. While there are no effective control methods developed at this time, we have a pretty good idea on how to prevent the introduction of jumping worms.

 

How do you stop the spread? 

There are currently no viable jumping earthworm control methods, although research is continuing and we can prevent their spread:

• Do not buy or use jumping worms for bait, vermicomposting, or gardening.
• When purchasing bulk mulch or compost, use a reputable producer that has heat-treated the material to a temperature of 130°F for at least three days to destroy the cocoons or purchase bagged mulch.
• Check your property for jumping earthworms using a mustard pour (it won’t harm your plants!). Mix a gallon of water with 1/3 cup of ground yellow mustard seed and pour slowly into the soil. This will drive any worms to the surface where you can easily remove them.
• Cocoons are sensitive to heat and can be destroyed with clear plastic solarization; in late spring or summer, cover moistened soil with a sheet of transparent polyethylene fortwo/three weeks or until the soil temperature exceeds 104°F for at least three days.
• Be careful when sharing and moving plants; always check for worms and know where your plantings come from; buy bare root stock when possible.
• If you have a small population of jumping worms, handpick and destroy them by bagging them and throwing them in the trash, or place them in a bag and leave out in the sun for at least 10 minutes; then throw the bag away.
• Research is currently being conducted on invasive worms at the University of Wisconsin and several practices do show some promise of control. Abrasive materials such as biochar(ground up charcoal) and diatomaceous earth (fossilized diatoms) may show some promise in killing adult jumping worms. Incorporate one of these products into the infested soil to a depth where the worms are located; worms that come in contact with the materials will be adversely affected.
• If you have jumping worms, report it (www.nyimapinvasives.org) and avoid moving plants or soil from your yard.

The district hosted a webinar on jumping worms, which you can view on our youtube page.