Members of AYLUS Syosset, Dix Hills and Great Neck South participated in plant-seed harvesting at the Brentwood LINPI (Long Island Native Plants Initiative) Greenhouse. Members helped sort out the many stacks of pots to help with future planting projects. Members used wooden blocks to shake and remove the seeds of plants like that of the stiff goldenrod and switchgrass, all of which are plants native to New York State. Plants were placed on top of a mesh lid which was used to siphon out the seeds, which were then compiled into large bags and stored to use for later seasons. These plant seeds will be used to grow their flower counterparts later in the year. Goldenrod covers a wide variety of opportunities of medicinal uses. It is also a crucial plant as it provides a sustainable source of food–pollen and nectar– and shelter for over 100 individual butterfly, moth, and bee species. Switchgrass acts as a protector of crop soil and sustains ideal conditions of the soil, perfect for the local wildlife. There was also a demonstration of a separation tool used to separate switchgrass seeds from their stems efficiently.
Members participated include:
Alyssa Huang (3 h), Nichole Huang (2.5h), Jessica Albrecht (2.5 h).
