On July 11th, 2020, the Raritan Valley Branch kick-started Eco Project #1 at the local Butterfly Park and its neighboring Great Oak Park. Especially due to the pandemic, local parks and nature trails have received less attention than needed. After an unusual tropical storm the day before, Butterfly Park and Great Oak Park were in extra need of service, with walking paths covered in twigs, branches, and leaves. Equipped with masks and gloves, spaced 6 feet part, members of the Raritan Valley Branch conducted the project. As brainstormed and planned, the project was done in simulation of nature’s way. Litter, such as Styrofoam cups, balloon pieces, and plastic wrapping that pose a potential threat to the environment, were picked up. Plant debris, such as twigs, branches, and leaves that block the walking path, were trimmed and moved to areas where they could be decomposed into nutrients for plants. Plants with overgrowing stems and branches that disturb the park appearance were repositioned for a neater park view while remaining as food for butterflies and other organisms in the park ecosystem. Aiming to restore nature to its original state, the Raritan Valley Branch hopes to contribute to a more friendly environment for both humans and nature through the Eco Projects.
Volunteers: Amy Xu (1.5 hrs), Tarun Sivakumar (1.5 hrs), Kevin Xu (1.5 hrs), Jessica Hong (1.5 hrs), Benjamin Hong (1.5 hrs)
