The Outdoor Youth Corps is still rockin in the second to last week of the summer! Below are some pictures of the wide range of community projects the OYC has been working on, and some reflections from the crew. From O'Fallon Park to Greenwood Cemetery, this crew has been restoring beauty, ecology, safety, and peace to green spaces that have been neglected for too long.
Invasive bush honeysuckle’s got the OYC crew up against the wall in O’Fallon Park, but they won’t back down.
Vic Tabor and Jamar Watkins on the scene, you know what I mean? These cousins have this shrub invader shaking in its roots. Times up, OYC putting in work in O’Fallon Park.
Learning from the best at Shaw Nature Reserve, Grey Summit MO. Ecological Restoration Specialist, Mike Saxton, shows the Outdoor Youth Corps the ropes, collecting native seed to restore ecosystems throughout the preserve.
Heads up! Teamwork made the dream work at Greenwood Cemetery in North St. Louis County. Dragging, cutting, pulling, and ripping our way to a better understanding and appreciation for this historical and cultural gem in our community.
Some reflections on the summer so far, from each and every crew member:
I’m back at it again for season 2. This season so far has been a hot one. Meeting at O’Fallon Park at 7:30AM, getting up at 6:30 everyday just to prepare for work is hard. - Victor Tabor
Once again back with the Outdoor Youth Corps, helping and meeting new people each and every day. Also make sure we get the job done. – Jamar Watkins
The OYC is the best crew I have ever had. Me and my team really enjoy working with Nelson. Most of the work is really easy, it just be difficult because of the weather and the environment. – Chris “C-Moe” Edwards
OYC brings smiles to many faces around the area making the neighborhood clean and weedless, picking up trash and maintaining wild life is our specialty. – Dashay Beckley
Fighting insects and picking up trash in the very hot weather. We work hard to help be in a better environment. – Trenell Taylor
While working with the OYC it has been a different experience. We went to the (Danforth Plant) science center and learned about all the different plants and they showed us they planting them. – Demarion White
Throughout the summer I have learned so much and gained so much extra knowledge when it comes to plant persecution. Taking the time to learn from professionals has given me a new insight on how important it is to take care of the habitats around us. – Mr. Percy Brown