The Sturgeon Bay Compost Site will remain closed for the removal of mulch and compost as it deals with the infestation of Jumping Worms. Last Thursday, the City of Sturgeon Bay shut down the site after a resident noticed a worm in some mulch. The Door County Invasive Species Team and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources investigated and subsequently confirmed the presence of the Asian Jumping Worm.  They have not decided on the next steps to be taken by the city.  Municipal Services Director Mike Barker said last Thursday that the entire state is dealing with the problem.

According to the DNR website, the Asian Jumping Worms are non-native, invasive earthworms that present challenges to homeowners, gardeners, and forest managers. The worms can deplete the soil of nutrients and quickly transform it into dry, granular pellets with a texture like discarded coffee grounds. The Sturgeon Bay Compost Site will remain open for the drop off of brush and lawn waste.