Et cetera : Maple 7 leaving its footprint in Youngstown, Ohio

A Maple 7 member helps with landscaping in Youngstown, Ohio.

AmeriCorps members from the Vinton campus are impacting communities all over; this group is in Ohio.

By: Ashley Carmichael

Since March, Maple 7 has been working with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) in Youngstown, OH to help develop the Iron Roots Urban Farm. While in town they have also lent a hand at several Community Days, as well as participated in other service projects including an animal baby shower and a Jazz Prevention Health Set.

While working at the Farm, Maple 7 has cleared over 6000 square ft. of property by picking up litter and glass, removing brush, chain sawing and digging up stumps. They have also constructed tables for the Greenhouse, approximately 50 raised garden beds, and a Hoop House.

Community Days are mostly spent working with YNDC’s Fight the Blight project to board up vacant houses with boards painted to look like doors and windows, and clearing vacant lots contributing to neighborhood beautification. These days are also a great chance to work with community members.

The YNDC is a citywide multifaceted neighborhood development organization launched to catalyze strategic reinvestment in neighborhoods throughout the city. Their mission is to improve the quality of life in Youngstown.