Monday, july 1, 2024

The YSU Legacy Forest Program will return to Mill Creek MetroParks on Thursday, Nov. 14, to install a microforest of 1,600 trees as part of its continuing effort to reduce greenhouse gasses. Since its inception in 2020, the program’s goal is to plant one tree for every incoming YSU freshmen student.

Volunteers will work from noon to 4 p.m. Sign up now by emailing your name and phone number to cacala@ysu.edu. You will receive a follow up email closer to the planting date with directions to the site and parking instructions.

District Governor Elayne Bozick encourages participation in this event. Troy Rhoades says First Energy is donating most of the trees and will send 40 employees to work alongside YSU students, employees, and faculty. It will take many volunteers to plant these bare-root and larger root ball trees.

Trees are important in the pollinator ecosystem. Here is an explanation by the Arbor Day Foundation: 

“Bees and other pollinators rank at the top of the list of important insects, moving pollen from flower to flower to ensure pollination and the resulting production of many of our most important fruits and vegetables. Our supermarket shelves and dining room tables would look dramatically different if not for pollinators — especially bees. But in many areas, parasites, a lack of forage, and other factors are threatening bee health and survival. Trees’ flowers are a critical source of forage for bees, providing nutrient-rich pollen and nectar that bees use for food and to make honey.”

ADF cites maple, serviceberry, linden, hawthorn and tulip trees as beneficial. Many native species trees also are good sources of food for pollinators.