ALYUS Great Neck Branch at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site.
On May 16th, 2026, members of the Great Neck ALYUS Branch showed up to the Walt Whitman Birthplace House to remove an infestation of English Ivy. Working along with other volunteers, ALYUS members helped clear the yard of the noxious species and preserve the beauty of the historical site. The Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site is the birthplace of the famous American poet and author Walt Whitman. The area, however, was overtaken by the growth of English Ivy, an invasive species to much of the US. This plant can harm natural plants and trees, while also being a large eyesore for visitors. In order to clear the ivy, ALYUS members had to put in the hard work and effort to pull out the plant manually.
ALYUS members and other volunteers during this event were able to clear a large patch of ivy near the house where Walt Whitman was born. Using rakes, shovels, and their own hands, members had to cut through the sprawling and tangled vines of the plant, while also being careful to preserve the leaf litter. By the end, ALYUS members and the other volunteers were able to fill multiple bags worth of English Ivy and restore the area to its natural beauty. Despite the small number of members present, ALYUS continued to show dedication to their community. By putting in the time and effort, members demonstrated their integrity and commitment to supporting others around them–and as a token of thanks, volunteers were invited to take a tour of the Walt Whitman House at the end of the event.
Reported by : Kyle Zheng
Members here today:
Kyle Zheng – 2.5 Hours
Annabella Kang – 2.5 Hours