40 ASEZ volunteers gathered at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, NY to remove invasive plants. These included black and pale swallowwort, autumn olive, garlic mustard, and honeysuckle. In particular, these invasive species threaten the park’s wetlands and wildlife by crowding out local plants and animals.
To address this, staff from Beaver Lake Nature Center and the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation Department joined in. Together, they split into three teams. Each team was led by a staff member and a conservation expert. Meanwhile, the groups worked on different trails throughout the park. By the end of the day, volunteers collected 16 bags of invasive plants. Ultimately, this marked a big step toward protecting the park’s natural balance.
Why Removing Invasive Plants Matters
Beaver Lake Nature Center is a 670-acre park near Syracuse. It features a 200-acre glacial lake and over nine miles of trails. It is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and community events like weddings and birthday celebrations. The park is home to many species, including beavers, herons, and bald eagles. Keeping the park healthy ensures families, students, and nature lovers can enjoy and learn from it for years to come.
Invasive plants threaten local ecosystems by overtaking habitats, displacing native species, and disrupting the food chain. ASEZ volunteers are helping to restore balance at Beaver Lake by removing these harmful species.
Naomi Peters, a Syracuse University student who volunteered, said, “I didn’t realize how much of an impact invasive plants could have until today. It felt empowering to be part of a team that’s actively protecting our local environment.”
Brian Kelley, the Onondaga County Parks Commissioner, praised the volunteers, saying, “What you are doing here today is a great example of stewardship and a wonderful way to give back to the community.”
To view more volunteer events in New York, please visit the activities page.
