AYLUS Syosset Branch Volunteers at Bethpage State Park on 11/16/24
Reported by: Yuqi Nie
On November 16, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, the AYLUS Syosset branch gathered a large team of nearly 20 dedicated volunteers, along with 4 park staff members, to work on an extensive section of the field at Bethpage State Park. Equipped with protective gloves and an array of gardening tools, including transfer shovels, long shovels, rakes for leaves, spades, and steel heads, the volunteers worked diligently to improve the area.
The event began with volunteers using their tools to remove invasive weeds such as Japanese honeysuckle, wormwood, and various other species, following the park staff’s guidance on which plants needed to be cleared. Once the weeds were uprooted, they were collected and loaded onto the bed of a gardening vehicle for proper disposal.
As park staff delivered mulch, volunteers spread it evenly across the cleared field to prevent weed regrowth in the upcoming spring. During the activity, the group was pleasantly surprised to discover a bird’s nest hidden in the middle of a bush. Constructed with a mix of straws and plastic bags, the nest was a fascinating reminder of how resourceful wildlife can be.
Despite the chilly weather, the volunteers worked hard and enjoyed the camaraderie of working alongside friends and parents, making the experience warm and fulfilling.
Volunteers (each of them worked 2 hours):
- Yuqi Nie
- Shirley Pan
- Cynthia Chen
- Christopher Chen
- Connie Chen
- Alicia Chen
- Alina Chen
- Mason Zhu
- Alex Sha
- Jensen Wei
- Benson Lam
- Junyi Wu
- Lucille Lam
- Haoyu Qiu
- Haodong Wang
- Haohua Wang
- Nichole Huang
- Sonia Huang
- Jianie Huang
Park Technician: Alexa Roldos
