On Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, the AYLUS Great Neck Branch volunteered at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Despite the scorching heat, our main goal was to remove Phragmites, an invasive plant species. Phragmites is a non-native, highly aggressive, perennial wetland grass that rapidly outcompetes native vegetation.
Due to the vast amount of work, we divided into two groups. One group focused on cutting down the Phragmites, while the other group collected the cut plants, bagged them, and loaded them onto the car for easier cleanup. Our teamwork was outstanding, with everyone diligently completing their tasks. By the end of our effort, we had filled over five bags with the invasive plants, which was an excellent accomplishment.
A critical concern during our work was the presence of poison ivy, an allergenic plant native to Asia and North America. Contact with poison ivy can cause itching, a red rash, and blisters, making it essential to exercise caution around it.
After completing our tasks, we enjoyed a refreshing treat of watermelon, which was a delightful way to end the day.
Reported by: Fanxi Xia
