On 6/6/2026, Aylus volunteers went to the Energy and Nature Center in Jones Beach from 9:30am to 12:00am (2.5 hours).
Today, the volunteers’ goal was to clear out as many mugworts as possible while trying not to affect wanted native plants. They’re piled up, subsequently put into huge plastic bags, and removed. With everyone’s help, so many mugworts were pulled out that it took rather a long time to collect them.
Other volunteers were removing tall dead plants with scissors. They were no longer needed as hibernating bugs on them started to wake and spread.
Since it’s merely impossible to remove the complex stem system of mugworts, the park staff decided to cover the cleared area with a specific fabric to prevent mugworts from growing. Next, they’re going to solarize the area. The sun’s radiant heat is trapped under clear plastic to “cook” and eradicate unwanted mugwort and dormant seeds. In autumn, native plant seedlings are planted to prepare for next spring.
Members who participated include:
Felicia Liu(2.5h),
Annabella Kang(2.5h),
Yingxiang Liu(2.5h),
Yuya Liu(2.5h),
Katherine Zeng(2.5h),
Tina Li(2.5h),
Alice Wang(2.5h)
Reporter: Felicia Liu
