On 06/22/24, the AYLUS Syosset members went to volunteer at a native plant gardening greenhouse known as Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI), where their goal is to grow native plants. We were accompanied by many fellow Syosset members and parents who helped grow native plants in this greenhouse and specialize in gardening. We were able to be successful in planting these native plants on Long Island. Some examples of the native plants that we planted were the Little Bluestem, which are small grasses that can have a big impact. Some of these impacts are restoration of native vegetation in agricultural or pasture areas; this is important because it kills all non-native pasture grasses prior to planting native warm season grasses. Overall, this plant is great for the environment due to its amazing benefits for getting rid of invasive plants. Another plant we planted at the Long Island Native Initiative is the Rhus Copallina (RHCO Winged Sumac). Some benefits of this plant is that it’s stored as winter food for many upland gamebirds, songbirds, and large and small mammals. It’s also used in medicine for metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar regulation etc. In the end, the Syosset members of AYLUS were very successful in planting these native plants with the help of advisors, parents and Pam. We will continue to plant these native plants with our gardening and planting skills for the Long Island Native Plant Initiative for the best of Long Island.
Syosset Members who participated included:
Cynthia Chen (2 Hrs), Christopher Chen (2 Hrs), Connie Chen (2 Hrs), Ethan Chen (2 Hrs), Felix Zheng (4 Hrs), Justin Lin (4 Hrs), Anson Ye (4h), Vincent Ye (4 Hrs), Erick Wu (4 Hrs)
