On 8/31/24, members of AYLUS went to Northside Elementary School to help pull out invasive plants that had invaded the park. Students pulled out Mugworts (Artemisia vulgaris) and Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), which were causing harm to the environment. Invasive plants are non-native species that, when introduced to a new ecosystem, spread rapidly and cause harm to the environment by causing harm to the native plants that were already there. These plants often lack natural predators or diseases in their new environment, allowing them to outcompete native species for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, disruption of food webs, and alteration of soil chemistry. Invasive plants can also have significant economic impacts, affecting agriculture and forestry. Controlling and managing invasive species by removing them is crucial for preserving the health of ecosystems. Additionally, students learned about the scents that certain trees had. Including some of which had smelled like black cherry soda and lemon when cut from the stem. Students got to remove invasive species by wearing gloves and pulling it out or by wearing gloves and using scythes to remove the stem of the invasives. Students are becoming a powerful force in the fight against invasive species. Through organized efforts at schools and in communities, students are getting directly involved in removing invasive plants and restoring native habitats. These hands-on experiences provide valuable learning opportunities about local ecosystems, the importance of biodiversity, and the impact of human actions on the environment. Students may participate in removing invasive plants, collecting and planting native species, or monitoring the growth and spread of invasive populations. These projects not only benefit the environment but also empower students to become stewards of their local natural areas and inspire others to take action.
Members that participated include (All 2 hours): Rayya Zheng, Reyna Zheng, Kayla Fu, Lucas Fu, Sofie Chang, Stephen Guo, Evan Guo, Alyssa Huang, Ryan Lin, Geyan Lou