Mahoning SWCD Supports YSU Legacy Forests Project

Mahoning County, OH – Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff joined students and community volunteers at Mill Creek Metroparks’ Fordyce Wildlife Sanctuary in Beaver Township, for the Youngstown State University (YSU) Legacy Forests Tree Planting, an effort that added 1,750 new trees to the Mahoning Valley landscape. Staff members were on site helping participants plant trees and demonstrating proper tree-planting techniques to ensure long-term success.

The large-scale volunteer event brought people together in a shared mission to improve air quality, strengthen wildlife habitat, and build a more resilient environment for future generations. Organizers extended a heartfelt thanks to everyone who spent the day digging, planting, and contributing to the region’s environmental health.

The YSU Legacy Forests Project is led by Youngstown State University and supported by Mill Creek MetroParks, FirstEnergy Corp., Boardman Subaru, the Arbor Day Foundation, Mahoning County Land Bank, Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District, Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, and private donations from YSU alumni and friends.

Participants and organizers alike celebrated the effort as another meaningful step toward a greener, healthier Mahoning Valley.