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 7,000 trees in various locations within the Mahoning Valley - with
a focus on native trees and diversity of species.
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YSU Legacy Forests is a project of 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, Arbor Day Foundation, First Energy Corp., Boardman Subaru, Evergreen Environmental LLC, Mahoning County Land Bank, Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.
TREES PLANTED: 7,000+
...since our inaugural planting on Hine Street in the city of Youngstown in Fall 2020 through our most recent planting in November 2024 at the Wildlife Sanctuary 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 17 years.
OUR NEXT PLANTING
WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 12 - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Mill Creek MetroParks, Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary) For GPS, use 1402 W Calla Rd, Youngstown, OH 44514.
DIRECTIONS: Turn west on W Calla Rd off of Sharrott Rd. Go to the end of the road, about 0.4 miles. Park at the Duck Hunting Club on your right, either in the gravel lot or on the grass. After parking, hike about 0.4 miles to the planting site - there will be directional signs.
WHAT: Planting 1750 trees (1370 containers / 380 bare root)
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 calacatherine2@gmail.com or 330-207-3103. Please provide your name, email and cell phone number.
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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.
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THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!
