On 11/11/23, members of AYLUS Syosset went to Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, Long Island, to help the Stewardship Saturday volunteers in clearing land for future nature and planting projects. The day before, the stewards used a rotating cutter machine to uplift and uproot a large patch of invasive plants called mugwort in an area near and outside the range of the golf course. AYLUS Syosset members have worked in this exact area multiple times, as there are multiple species of invasive plants that reside in the area. It is also vital that visitors who come to Bethpage stay clear of the areas reserved for the wildlife.
Today AYLUS members used rakes and shovels to clear the path that was a result of the removed mugwort. Members raked at the decaying plant matter and the bits of roots that were sticking out. Members worked to create a patch of land that was clean, uniform, level and smooth. This way, since most of the debris and mugwort roots have been removed, volunteers can later on help to repopulate this area by planting native species that deserve space.
Members that participated include (everyone 3h):
Alyssa Huang, Rachel Zhang, Alexander Lin, Suiwai Li, Margaret Zhang
