The Land Bank’s reforestation efforts recently received a boost from a trio of UD students. The three environmental biology students, participants in the university’s Prairie Internship, brought their energy and enthusiasm to the Trees to Twigs program in Dayton’s Carillon neighborhood, near the UD Arena.
Before planting could begin on a lot vacated by the Land Bank’s demolition of an abandoned, dilapidated house, the interns cleared invasive honeysuckle shrubs and picked up wind-blown litter. One neighbor was so appreciative of their work on a cold day, she brought them a warm-up of hot tea.
“The students have enjoyed contributing their efforts to the community,” said Leah Ceperley, UD’s sustainability planning manager. “I try to introduce them to a variety of folks in the field of environmental biology so they can experience the work and learn from the experiences and vision of others, as they craft their own paths forward.”
The students were also among the volunteers – including staff and residents from the nearby opioid addiction rehabilitation center, OneFifteen – who helped to plant 90 hazelnut seedlings.
The Land Bank’s partnership with the Prairie Internship program was forged through a connection with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which helps to sponsor the Trees to Twigs program.
