06/02/2026
This year, Let’s Go Compost was able to expand into so many new cities and states, including North Dakota! Through our growing library program, Washburn Public Library in Washburn, North Dakota received a worm farm kit to support hands-on public education around composting, soil health, and food waste reduction.
Since launching the bin in March, the library has been sharing weekly updates with the community as residents followed along with the journey of their new red wiggler worms. What started as a simple worm bin quickly became an interactive learning experience for kids and families!
In the first week, the worms adjusted to their new home and enjoyed meals of spinach, carrots, banana peels, and coffee grounds. By week two, the worms had already begun producing cocoons, with library staff teaching visitors about the role these tiny but mighty epigeic invertebrates play in turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
As the weeks continued, the library documented lessons in balancing moisture levels with shredded cardboard, discovered volunteer tomato sprouts emerging from the compost, hosted a special storytime featuring our book, The Wild West of Waste, and incorporated educational graphics from the book into the space!
By week five, the biggest milestone arrived: baby worms!
What began as one worm bin became a living science lesson, a literacy connection, a gardening conversation, and a community engagement tool helping local families better understand natural cycles, decomposition, and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. 🫶🪱
