In 2013, an invasive species of worm, (Amynthas sp.), commonly referred to as the jumping worm, was discovered in Wisconsin. Since, the worm has been found in over thirty US states, including NJ. The worms live close to the soil surface and alter soil structure, increasing the difficulty for seed germination amongst native plants and causing soil erosion. To get a better idea of the distribution of the worm within the state, the NJ Forest Service is asking individuals who find a jumping worm or who see signs of a Jumping Worm invasion to send pictures to our forest health email at foresthealth@DEP.nj.gov.
