Onondaga Earth Corps




ABOUT THE ONONDAGA EARTH CORPS

Onondaga Earth Corps (OEC) was formed in 2005, as a partnership between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County (CCE) and the Southside Neighborhood Action Group (SNAG). That year, OEC youth helped lead the largest volunteer tree planting in response to the 1998 Labor Day Storm.

The Earth Corps continues to plant and care for trees with other youth and adult groups and has taken on the development and care of the South Side Garden. Both the neighborhood and the youth benefit as the corps members develop knowledge and practical skills in plant biology and care while developing job and life skills.

THE VISION

• Help youth understand the relationship between people and the urban ecosystem


• Engage youth in hands-on community and environment service learning projects


• Train youth for future jobs and careers in environmental fields


• Empower youth by developing their leadership abilities that help them analyze situations, solve problems and implement strategies to improve their communities

THE NEED
Onondaga County is a dynamic metropolitan area with a wealth of natural and human resources that possess economic promise, and speak to the legacy of our cultural heritage. As our region strives for economic growth, our impact on the environment will need to be managed so that the area can retain its natural beauty and wonder, and offer rewards and opportunities for all. As our region becomes a leader in environmental restoration, our greatest resource, youth, will need to be trained for the next decade of career opportunities.

THE RESPONSE: OEC!
OEC uses the same corps model that has been used successfully and effectively throughout the United States since the 1930's to address critical environmental and human service needs. Today the corps is being utilized more and more with increasing effectiveness to:

• Develop the skills of America's emerging workforce


• Provide critically needed human services


• Revitalize community green infrastructure


• Respond to natural disasters, and


• Carry out other community needs in both urban and rural areas

OEC develops youths' job and life skills, environmental and civic awareness, and prepares them for stable careers in conservation, restoration, land management and other fields.