The project selected was entitled "Full Circle Black Locust" which illustrates how paying attention to the triple-bottom-line can really pay off. The black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a heavy, durable hard wood that is also extremely rot resistant. Posts have been known to last 100 years in the ground. This amazing tree is considered an invasive species in Michigan actively being eradicated in many park lands. Instead of burn piles or chipping, SEEDS is having trunks milled for lumber and saving sections appropriate for poles - which are increasingly popular with organic farmers.

Says SEEDS Director of Youth Development, Bill Watson, "Not only are we creating jobs that help young people understand exactly what it takes to turn a tree into lumber and how to turn lumber into a boardwalk, we are replacing the need to purchase lumber that was kiln-dried, dipped in a toxic chemical bath and shipped from the west coast." From tree to finished product all within 100 miles. 

"Your project was a strong representation of what Corps are all about - engaging young people in meaningful service projects to provide a positive impact in their communities." -Robert L. Spath, Interim Chief Executive Officer

During 2011, with the help of the National Park Service and many other conservancy professionals as well as dozens of Youth Corps Members, we have placed nearly 50,000 board feet of lumber and distributed 1200 fence poles.
The public can see black locust lumber for themselves at several locations in the region including the observation deck at Green Point and the recently opened Fox Den trail behind the GT Conservation District offices.