AYLUS Oakland Gardens Beautifies Kissena Park (04/13/2025)

On April 13th, 2025, AYLUS Oakland Gardens held its 143rd event at Kissena Park. The event lasted for 3 hours, starting at 9am and ending at 12pm. During this event, we worked with Park Rangers including Roxana and Ada in order to help remove invasive species, spread mulch, as well as plant new plants.

At the start of the event, we separated into different groups based on age. Each group worked in a different garden bed in the park. First, we were taught to remove the entire weed to prevent it from regrowing as well as how to tell which plants were weeds. We then used shovels, pitchforks, and spades to remove the weeds from the soil. Once we did that, we shook the plants to remove the soil and put the weeds into bags. Roxana told us that it is important to remove these weeds because they steal nutrients from other plants. Many of these weeds are invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and mugwort. Many of these plants were too big to be removed by a single person, so we had to work together to remove some weeds. Roxana told us that the bags of weeds are going to be taken to a landfill in Cunningham Park to be disposed of.

Once we pulled out the weeds, we were given pots of plants and told to plant them. We were taught to dig a hole twice the size of the pot, turn the pot upside down, and tap the bottom to get the plant out. Then, we turn the plant right side up again, put it in the hole, and fill the soil around it to secure it. Some examples of the plants that we planted include yarrow, gaura, and phlox, all of which were taken from a greenhouse in Forest Hills Park.

After planting the plants, a truck soon arrived with mulch. We used shovels to put the mulch into wheelbarrows which transported the mulch to the various garden beds. We used shovels and other tools to spread out the mulch and brooms to sweep any excess mulch back into the garden beds. Mulch is important not only for its aesthetic benefit but also to suppress weeds and maintain moisture for the new plants that we planted.

Through this event, we learned about the importance of collaboration and teamwork. We have worked with Roxana, Ada, and the other Park Rangers on various occasions in the past and we thank Roxana, Ada, and the rest of the Park Rangers for allowing us to work with them again. We eagerly look forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with them. We also thank our parent advisory team and volunteers. Your work helps make the parks healthier and more beautiful.

Our Volunteers: