Written By Felix Zheng
On November 16, the Syosset AYLUS organization visited the Long Island Native Plant Initiative to help out at the greenhouse. Since the weather was chilly, we worked indoors and focused on sifting seeds from plants. We were down to just two buckets of seeds left to sift. Sifting removes chaff and other non-seed material, which can improve storage and reduce the risk of spreading disease. Clean seeds are also easier to assess for viability, and using fresh seeds can lead to better germination. Seeds that are bought may have been stored for a long time or in improper conditions. We also helped with sifting potting mix, which creates a finer, softer, and airier mix that allows for better root development. Aerated soil helps with air and water movement, which is important for plant growth. In addition, another group of volunteers worked with cotton plants, collecting cotton for the winter. They also helped sift out larger leaves using specialized grainers, starting with the smallest grainer to sift out the finer particles, and using larger grainers to remove the bigger leaves. We also had tasks such as organization seeds that were in small envelopes by organization where which seeds goes to which envelope to make sure they end up together. Overall, the Syosset AYLUS organization was very successful in helping the Long Island Native Plant Initiative greenhouse prepare for winter, ultimately supporting biodiversity in the greenhouse and across Long Island.
Members who participated: (All 2 Hours) Felix Zheng , Mia Qiu , Ava Qiu , Kayla Fu , Lucas Fu , Courtney Huang , Tyler Huang , Justyn Lam , Anderson Dong , Aiden Dong , Adriana Dong , Aaron Wong
