Reported by: Yuqi Nie
On December 7, 2024, volunteers from the AYLUS Syosset Branch, Yuqi Nie and Jonathan Bao, along with their parents, participated in an environmental stewardship event at the Jones Beach State Park Energy & Nature Center. Under the guidance of volunteer coordinator Michael, the group engaged in invasive species removal and pollinator garden maintenance from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Activities Undertaken:
- Seed Collection: Volunteers gathered seeds from native plants such as Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflower, and Hyssop. These seeds will be distributed to visitors at the Energy & Nature Center to promote native plant cultivation.
- Invasive Species Removal: The team identified and removed invasive species, including mugwort and mutton worm, to protect the local ecosystem.
- Community Engagement: Participants joined other volunteers, primarily adults, in a group activity where each person held a letter to spell the name “George,” honoring the former volunteer coordinator who served for decades. A group photo was taken and sent to George as a tribute.
Environmental Conditions:
The event took place in a coastal area facing the ocean, with temperatures around 2.5°C (36.5°F). Despite the cold, volunteers remained enthusiastic, understanding the importance of their work in supporting local biodiversity.
Volunteer Contributions:
Each participant dedicated 2.5 hours to the project, collectively contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the park’s natural habitats.
This initiative reflects the AYLUS Syosset Branch’s commitment to environmental conservation and community service, fostering a deeper connection between volunteers and their local environment.
Volunteer List and Hours:
Yuqi Nie (2.5 hours), Jonathan Bao(2.5 hours)
