Aylus Great Neck Branch Volunteer in LINPI on 2/21/2026 (59th)
On 2/21/2026, Aylus volunteers went to a greenhouse in LINPI for collecting and planting seeds from 9:30am to 12:00am (2.5 hours) this is because there’s still some snow and it is wet outside, and we don’t have a lot of options. That’s why we’re still at LINPI today and not going to a different state park.
After putting on gloves, Aylus volunteers started to plant seeds. Following the staff’s directions are important because different seeds have different needs when planting. For example, when planting prunus maritima(beach plum) seeds, you need to punch a shallow hole before putting the seed in. Then the seeds are covered with extra soil. On the other hand, for smaller and lighter seeds like gray goldenrods, a small pinch of the seed is gently speeded and covered with a thin layer of soil.
After finishing planting a couple of trays with different types of seeds, Aylus volunteers started to seed-wash seeds of Indian grass like last week. What we were doing is to basically strain the seeds out and collect them in a plastic box.
For the last half hour, Aylus volunteers are picking out the small stems and dried leaves from the box of seeds that was just collected. This is really a job that requires a lot of patience because there are just too many stems that blend in with the seeds. Finally, all of the seeds picked out are put into a fabric bag.
Seeds that are collected and plants that are planted are eventually sold or transported to other state parks, which helps the environment a lot and is worth the effort.
Members who participated include: Yuya Liu (2.5h),Felicia Liu (2.5h),Lukang He (2.5h),Sumeng Liu (2.5h),Zachary Chen (2.5h),Brian Lin (2.5h)
Reporter: Felicia Liu
