On August 22, 2026, the AYLUS Great Neck Branch returned to Bayard Cutting Arboretum to help remove invasive plants along the River Walk. Some of the invasive species we worked on included English ivy, mugwort, invasive honeysuckle, and Japanese knotweed. During the event, we used different methods to remove the invasive plants, including pulling, cutting, and digging. Some plants could be pulled out by hand, while others had stronger roots or thicker stems that required tools. We worked carefully to remove as much of the plants and their roots as possible to reduce their likelihood of growing back.
Some of the invasive plants were tangled around other vegetation, which made removing them more difficult. We had to be careful not to damage the native plants growing nearby. Everyone worked together to clear different sections of the River Walk and helped one another when plants were especially difficult to remove.
Although removing the invasive species required patience and physical effort, it was rewarding to see the progress we made. By the end of the session, the areas we worked on looked cleaner and more open. This experience showed us how invasive plants can affect the local environment and how teamwork and consistent effort can help protect natural areas like Bayard Cutting Arboretum.
Reporter: Annabella Kang
Participants:
Lukang He (2.5 hours)
Annabella Kang (2.5 hours)
Yuya Liu (2.5 hours)
Yingxiang Liu (2.5 hours)
Felicia Liu (2.5 hours)
