WELCOME
The YSU Legacy Forests Project was created in 2020 to engage YSU students, faculty and local community members in environmental volunteerism.
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Our mission is to plant micro forests around the Youngstown, 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!
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Since its first planting in November 2020, the YSU Legacy Forests program has planted 5,750 trees in various locations within the Mahoning Valley - with a focus on native trees and diversity of species.
The project is affiliated with Youngstown State University and supported by Mill Creek MetroParks, Arbor Day Foundation, Mahoning County Land Bank, YSU Foundation, First Energy Corp., Boardman Subaru and private donations from YSU alumni and friends.
TREES PLANTED: 5,750+
...since our inaugural planting on Hine Street in the city of Youngstown in Fall 2020 through our most recent planting in November 2023 at the Collier Preserve in Mill Creek MetroParks. Click below to read more about our planting events, education outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Youngstown State University has been a proud member of the Tree Campus USA program for the past 13 years.
OUR LATEST PLANTING
On November 16, 2023, Youngstown State University students and community members planted 1600 trees at Mill Creek MetroParks Collier Preserve. The 1600 trees represented 19 different species. They were sorted into buckets of 50 each and distributed to 84 volunteers. Tree tubes were used to shelter the seedlings after planting. Volunteers worked in teams of three persons: a digger, a planter and a tree-tube installer. Student and community team work resulted in a successful - and fun - planting!
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In 2023, YSU Legacy Forests was proud to partner with Mill Creek MetroParks, the Arbor Day Foundation, First Energy Corp., and Boardman Subaru in helping to mitigate climate change.
YSU student teamwork on display!
