On Sunday from 9:30 to 12:00, the Roslyn AYLUS branch helped Bethpage State Park clear a patch of land giving way to native grasslands.
On March 3rd, 2024, members of AYLUS were moved to an area by a biking trail. We were tasked with clearing the area to create space for a native grassland similar to the Hempstead Plains from long ago. The day was ripe and hot, our members were eager to start. To start the task we were given rakes and clippers to clear the debris from the removal of invasive plants prior. We raked, striking the earth until our rakes met the nutrient-rich black earth crucial for restoring the plains to their former glory. We accumulated the topsoil and debris into a pile that would be removed later on. The members armed with clippers removed the remaining weeds, stumps, and obstructions that would be unpleasant for the people with rakes. While the members with shovels would remove the larger stumps that proved too hard for the clippers to remove. Afterwards with the area cleared we had several holes from the stumps that we filled in with dirt. We were left with several piles of debris, soil, and litter. We all worked vigorously to lift these piles into the trucks which would dispose of them.
Overall the task was physically grueling but enjoyable nonetheless, the ability to see the fruits of your labor was morale-boosting. This gave us a great opportunity to appreciate the natural environment, understand it’s balance and how invasive species quickly upset this balance.
Members who participated include: Hunter Chen (2.5 Hours) and Brian Xiong (2.5 Hours)
Reporter: Hunter Chen
