In 2023, student interns worked with the Onondaga Earth Corps (OEC) to create maps of OEC’s impact on the Syracuse urban tree canopy and celebrate the organization’s 20th year anniversary. OEC runs a youth development program that engages Syracuse youth in urban forestry and stewardship projects, preparing them for careers in environmental fields. Over the past 20 years, the organization has planted over 10,000 trees. Their work benefits the Syracuse community and environment.

Community Geography interns produced maps highlighting where OEC has planted trees along with other demographic, economic, and environmental variables. Furthermore, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, students produced an original StoryMap that incorporates archival, interview, and geographic data highlighting the organization’s impact. The StoryMap was debuted at OEC’s Earth Core Encore, a celebration of their 20th anniversary and annual fundraiser.