On August 31, a large group of AYLUS volunteers met up at Planting Fields Arboretum State Park from 9:30 to 12:00. The volunteers split up into two groups each with their own respective tasks.
The first group was tasked with spreading mulch around where the English ivy had been growing and in the area adjacent to it. The mulch not only helped the soil retain its moisture but additionally helped keep weeds and ivy from growing back. Since the mulch couldn’t be directly deposited into the designated area, it was dumped on the side where a group of members with wheelbarrows and pitchforks would assist in moving it over. The mulch needed to be spread as level as possible, so four AYLUS members carried rakes to plow and spread out the mulch to cover as much ground as possible.
The other group was tasked in planting Camellias and Japanese Maple trees where the English ivy had been removed. Groups of two to three people used shovels to dig holes in the ground so the saplings could be planted. Camellias are a special type of flower, and can grow up to 25 ft tall. They also have very long life spans (up to 100 years) and long bloom seasons as well. These flowers ensure that the work of ALYUS volunteers will be seen and appreciated by locals and park goers for years. The work of spreading mulch and planting flowers greatly improves the environment, as now the park can continue to look amazing for everyone to come.
Report By Jake Wu
Volunteers: Jonathan Fan (2.5 hrs), Jake Wu (3 hrs)
