Written By: Jason Chen
On July 19, AYLUS Dix Hills collaborated with Island Harvest, a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and reducing food waste in our community. The event aimed to enhance the productivity and sustainability of Island Harvest’s farm by performing various tasks, including hoeing soil, mulching, covering plants with hay, shoveling wood chips, protecting berries with wood chips, and cutting and cleaning plants and vegetables such as basil. This report provides an overview of the volunteer event, outlining the activities carried out and the positive impact achieved.
The volunteer event brought together a group of enthusiastic individuals who dedicated their time and effort to support Island Harvest’s mission.
A section of the farm was designated for hoeing soil to prepare it for planting. Volunteers used hoes and shovels to break up the ground, remove weeds, and create a loose and fertile bed for future crops. This activity was crucial for ensuring optimal growing conditions and maximizing crop yield.
The group of volunteers focused on mulching various areas of the farm. Mulch, typically composed of organic materials such as straw or wood chips, was spread around the base of plants to suppress weed growth, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and enhance overall soil health. The volunteers worked diligently to ensure an even distribution of mulch across the designated areas.
To protect delicate plants from extreme weather conditions and promote growth, volunteers covered them with hay. The hay acted as a natural barrier, shielding the plants from excessive sun, wind, or frost. By ensuring the plants’ well-being, the volunteers contributed to the overall success of Island Harvest’s farm.
Volunteers were assigned the task of shoveling wood chips and distributing them in designated areas of the farm. Wood chips offer several benefits, including weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. By spreading the wood chips, the volunteers helped create a healthier and more productive environment for the plants.
A specific focus was placed on protecting berry plants by covering the soil surrounding them with wood chips. This protective layer served as a barrier, preventing weed growth, conserving moisture, and reducing soil erosion. The volunteers carefully applied the wood chips, ensuring the berry plants received the necessary protection for optimal growth and fruit production.
Volunteers engaged in cutting and cleaning various plants and vegetables, including basil. They harvested mature plants, trimmed excess foliage, and removed any damaged or diseased parts. By carrying out these tasks, the volunteers helped maintain the farm’s cleanliness and ensured that only healthy produce would be distributed to those in need.
The volunteer event organized by Island Harvest successfully brought together dedicated individuals who selflessly contributed their time and energy to improve the productivity and sustainability of the farm. Their efforts ensured healthier crops, reduced food waste, and ultimately helped alleviate hunger in the community. The event served as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of volunteering in creating a more sustainable and equitable society.
Volunteers: Jason Chen (4.5 hours), Ivan Wu (4 hours), Matthew Wu (4 hours), Kevin Lyn (4 hours), Nadia Khan (4 hours).
