On March 29th, 2024 from 10 AM to 2 PM, AYLUS Rosyln volunteered at the Long Island Native Plant Initiative. It was a sunny but windy day but our members were up for the task.
Our members were split up to accomplish different tasks, we split into two groups with one group removing the seeds from switch grass. Another group scarified the seeds to make it easier for them to grow. The team who needed to remove the seeds got bundles of switchgrass and rubbed them against a grate which would allow small objects such as the seeds through. These seeds would fall on tarps which would later be collected. Removing the seeds was therapeutic but we had mountains of switchgrass to deal with. The other team would rub the seeds to scarify them by slightly damaging the hull, making it easier for the seeds to grow. Afterwards we went outside to label the plants and once again we were split. This time one group would created labels that were needed and another group would label the plants. The two groups worked together labeling plants. Me and Zihan were given the task to sort the old labels. We all worked incredibly hard and managed to finish everything in due time. Once we were finished sorting labels we would help create labels.
LINPI was a great experience and as we worked, we were educated in the importance of native plants. It was very interesting to learn about why Long Island is an unique ecosystem. It was also very awarding to see our mountains of seeds, the product of our hard work. Members who participated: Hunter Chen (4 Hours), Kacie Li (4 hours), Kayden Li (4 hours), Simon Long (4 Hours), Letao Tao (4 Hours), Zihan Wang (4 Hours), Emma Wei (4 Hours), Wilbur Wei (4 Hours), Chloe Wu (4 Hours), Michael Zhang (4 Hours), Lily Zhang (4 Hours).
Reporter: Hunter Chen
