Written by Christina Mink
On March 18, 2023, AYLUS Oyster Bay enthusiastically volunteered alongside Saturday Stewards and JBENC Pollinator Garden at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. Their mission was to support the flourishing of resident plants in the area, contributing to the creation of a more eco-friendly and sustainable environment.
Before 2020, the west end of Jones Beach faced a decline in popularity due to shifting ocean currents, causing the coastline to move further away from the parking lots and making beach access more challenging. Responding to the ecological challenges, New York State transformed the area into a haven for native plants, replacing parking lots with green spaces and establishing the Energy and Nature Center.
At the heart of the Energy and Nature Center lies an innovative building dedicated to testing new eco-friendly methods of energy production. The center’s unique design harnesses sunlight to generate energy by funneling it 400 feet underground and back up again. While this approach effectively produces pollution-free energy, it comes with high operational costs. However, scientists hold the hope that with advancements, this energy-efficient model may one day be affordable enough to be implemented in people’s homes, akin to solar panels. Beyond energy conservation, the center seeks to highlight the intrinsic connection between energy and nature, recognizing the critical interdependence of both in maintaining a healthy environment. The goal is to demonstrate that energy production can coexist harmoniously with nature, devoid of harmful impacts on the ecosystem.
Within the vicinity of the Energy and Nature Center, native plant species, such as Broomsedge Bluestem, Seaside Goldenrod, Little Bluestem, and Purple Coneflower, play a vital role in Jones Beach’s ecosystem. These plants act as essential resources for bees and butterflies, enabling them to pollinate and fertilize other plants, sustaining the cycle of life within the environment. To encourage the growth of these plants, AYLUS volunteers diligently cleared away dead debris from plants that had succumbed to winter conditions. This process allowed sunlight to reach dormant underground seeds more efficiently, facilitating their growth in the upcoming spring season. Moreover, the volunteers thoughtfully moved the dead debris to a compost pile, ensuring that nothing went to waste and that the environment was nurtured with sustainability in mind.
Through their collaborative efforts, AYLUS Oyster Bay and the Saturday Stewards at JBENC Pollinator Garden demonstrated their commitment to cultivating a harmonious coexistence between humans, energy production, and the environment. By fostering the growth of native plants, they directly contributed to the preservation of Jones Beach’s ecosystem and the vital role it plays in supporting wildlife and pollinators.
As ambassadors of environmental conservation, AYLUS volunteers exemplify the power of collective action in shaping a greener and more sustainable future for our planet. Their dedication to nurturing nature’s harmony at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to take part in preserving the delicate balance between energy and nature for the benefit of present and future generations.
Gratitude to the following young volunteers, totaling 10.5 volunteer hours collectively.
Christina Mink (3hrs), Johnny Chen (2.5hrs), Helen Chen (2.5hrs), Bill You (2.5hrs)
