WELCOME
The YSU Legacy Forests Project was created in 2020 to engage YSU students, faculty and local community members in environmental volunteerism.
Our mission is to plant micro-forests around the Mahoning Valley, Ohio region each year while increasing awareness of climate warming and its consequences. We aim to plant one tree for every incoming YSU freshman, and in this way, encourage YSU students to get involved in their climate future!
Since its first planting in November 2020, the YSU Legacy Forests program has planted 9,043 trees in various locations within the Mahoning Valley - with
a focus on native trees and diversity of species.
YSU Legacy Forests is a project affiliated with Youngstown State University and is fully funded through private donations and grants from YSU alumni, friends, foundations, and area businesses. Program partners include Mill Creek MetroParks, FirstEnergy Corp., Arbor Day Foundation, Boardman Subaru, Evergreen Environmental LLC, Mahoning County Land Bank, Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.
Youngstown State University has been a proud member of the Tree Campus USA program for the past 17 years.
OUR NEXT PLANTING
WHEN: November 12, 2026 (tentative)
WHERE: Fordyce Park, Mill Creek MetroParks
DIRECTIONS: 1402 W. Calla Road, Youngstown, OH 44514
WHAT: Annual tree planting
WHY: Reduce harmful greenhouse gases by planting micro-forests in the Mahoning Valley and encourage awareness of climate warming and its consequences.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: To volunteer or request more information, contact Catherine Cala at cacala@ysu.edu or 330-207-3103. Please provide your name, email and cell phone number.
VOLUNTEER NOTES: Parking is limited so volunteers are encouraged to carpool. Volunteers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, footwear and work gloves. Please bring a shovel or spade labeled with your name, if possible.
THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!
