Shaping Our Parks – Shaping Our Future
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits at Tree Trust’s recent summer celebration. A tradition at the conclusion of our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), we gathered to highlight the achievements of participants. Young people and their families – along with Tree Trust staff, project partners, and funders – congregated to champion a job well done. As summer fades, the work of our participants will continue to transform lives and landscapes throughout the coming seasons. Youth move forward with new skills and confidence, knowing they can complete tasks and meet challenges. The projects completed by our summer crews will beautify our communities for years to come.
Tree Trust’s Summer Youth Employment Program Highlights
- 12 Projects Completed
- 174 Youth Served
Northland Park – Baseball Dugouts
One SYEP crew constructed two baseball dugouts at Northland Park in Stillwater, Minnesota. From laying the concrete base to constructing the benches and structures, this team really knocked it out of the park. Crew member Jameson garnered an appreciation for completing challenging tasks. “I’ve learned to be more independent, and I’ve learned to be more helpful. I have a lot of stamina now and Tree Trust has taught me a lot about landscaping and using equipment.” Crew member Konstantin wrote and delivered a heartfelt speech to his crew members about what he learned in his seven years as an SYEP participant. “Tree Trust has taught us that the things that we learned are more important than the money we received for the job. When I think of Tree Trust, I don’t think of any one person. I think of a community of workers and a family.”
Cobblestone Park – Concrete Retaining Walls
In Apple Valley, Minnesota, SYEP youth beautified Cobblestone Park by installing two concrete retaining walls. This ambitious project taught crew members to practice time management and develop stamina. Often working in full sun, young people dug and leveled trenches before installing heavy concrete bricks one at a time. Retaining walls add to the aesthetic of the park’s landscape and mitigate the effects of erosion. This project made a real difference to maintaining the beauty of this park.
South Valley Park – Archery Targets
South Valley Park in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, has a brand new, 12-target archery course. Our SYEP crew constructed and painted each individual wood target. This new archery course will offer an exciting opportunity for people to enjoy the outdoors and practice their skills. It is the only public course of this size in the Twin Cities metro area. In addition to construction, youth removed invasive species, like burdock, from the landscape.
Building Confidence, One Project at a Time
Tree Trust is grateful to everyone who helped make our 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program a success! At the celebration, keynote speaker Tim Johnstad, an IEP Motivational Speaker and HR, DEI & Talent Acquisition Professional, encouraged young people to push pash challenges to achieve success. Tim, like many of our youth participants, had an Individualized Education Plan or (IEP) in school. He worked hard to become a leader in his field. Tim stated, “Everyone here received a certificate of completion. While we often get trophies, awards, and certificates, this one stands out. Let it be a reminder of your capabilities—the hard work you’ve put in and your ability to overcome challenges. When you face difficulties, remember you can do this.”
For more information about Tree Trust’s Career Pathways Programs, please visit our website.
