Written By Felix Zheng
On November 23rd, the Syosset AYLUS participated in volunteering at the Long Island Native Plant Initiative. We stayed indoors due to the cold weather and focused on preparing for winter. When plants are left outside during winter, they typically enter a state of “dormancy,” meaning they significantly slow down their growth, conserve energy, and often shed their leaves to survive the cold temperatures by storing nutrients in their roots. Many plants become hardened, and water is pumped out of plant cells into the roots. Any remaining sap, which is a sugary solution, often acts as antifreeze. Broadleaf trees, like maples and oaks, shed their thin, flat leaves each fall to reduce water loss. Some tasks we were assigned included sifting seeds from larger plants to collect the smaller seeds for winter storage. Seedlings rely on the carbohydrates stored in seeds for growth during their first few weeks or months until they can reach more light. Larger seeds allow for more carbohydrate storage, which increases seedling survival, especially during winter. To collect these smaller seeds, we used a fine sifting machine to separate them from the leaves and dirt, ensuring the final pile of seeds was pure and ready for storage. Overall, the Syosset organization was very successful in helping the greenhouse prepare for the winter season and, ultimately, in maintaining Long Island’s native plant biodiversity.
Members who participated (All 2 Hours) Felix Zheng , Mia Qiu , Ava Qiu , Justin Lin , Lucas Fu , Miles Chen , Darren Zhang , Aaron Wong , Eric Wu
