On August 29, 2024, the Syosset AYLUS organization visited the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, where we planted a variety of plants. Today, we were given different tasks and sorted into groups to complete them more efficiently and quickly. Some of the tasks included seed cleaning, where we used graters and tools to remove seeds and collect them for future use. We were accompanied by Pam, one of the workers in charge at the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, and Maggie, Pam’s assistant, who helped us understand how to perform the tasks correctly. Other tasks we were assigned included up-potting grasses and gray goldenrod. We had a large batch of gray goldenrod to work with, so we focused on that. Gray goldenrod offers several benefits. It is an excellent supporter of pollinators, providing essential nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects when many other plants have finished flowering. It also has a history of use in herbal medicine; gray goldenrod, like other goldenrods, has been used in teas and tinctures for its potential anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Additionally, gray goldenrod is relatively low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal watering and care. Seed cleaning is crucial for several reasons enhancing seed quality by removing damaged, diseased, or low-quality seeds, we improve the overall quality of the seed batch, ensuring better growth and yield. Facilitating Storage Clean seeds are easier to store and handle, and are less likely to attract pests or mold, which helps maintain their viability over time. Ensuring Accurate Planting: Clean seeds allow for more precise planting rates and spacing, optimizing crop performance and reducing wastage. Overall, the Syosset AYLUS organization worked well together in planting native plants and maintaining the greenhouse at the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, contributing to the care of native plants.
Members who participated: Felix Zheng (2hrs) , Xuanming Liu (4hrs) , Xuanyu Liu (4hrs) , Justin Lin (2hrs) , Ranveer Kathpal (4hrs) , Aaron Wong (2hrs) , Kyle Bao (2hrs) , Darren Gao (4hrs) , Anson Ye (4hrs) , Vincent Ye (4hrs) , Rachel Zhang (2hrs) , Michelle Huang (3hrs) , Michael Qiao (4hrs) , Geyan Lou (3hrs) , Mia Qiu (2hrs) , Ava Qiu (2hrs) 
