300 youth and ten-thousand trees in 15 years. That’s the impact of the Onondaga Earth Corps, which is holding an anniversary celebration and annual fundraiser this weekend.
The organization empowers young people by getting them involved in urban forestry and green infrastructure, while also working on personal development and education. Program graduate turned Crew Leader Tay Stenson says the program’s rich connection with the local community is the heart of its success.
“So to actually see people doing it, I feel is what speaks to the youth because it’s nothing like seeing your peers out and doing something productive especially if you may be in an area in which you’re not used to seeing these efforts happen.”
Executive Director Greg Michel it’s a unique, grassroots program.
“Really locally based, focused on empowering young people from neighborhoods that have suffered from disinvestment. We’re trying to bring that investment back through young people, civic engagement and environmental work. A lot of folks come here just as a first opportunity and for them we’re helping to connect them with other training programs that can be the next step in their career path so could be education, could be a job.”
Tay Stenson says the Earth Corps changed his outlook.
“You get to see your community from a different perspective, even myself, trees were just trees to me, I really didn’t know too much about them. I look at community as more than just a place where I reside. I now look at the little things and try to empower the people to revitalize the neighborhood, to appreciate what it is that we have.”
The Onondaga Earth Corps 15th anniversary celebration and fundraiser takes place Saturday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at St. Lucy’s Auditorium on Gifford Street.
