A global pandemic didn’t stop a group of SUNY ESF students from helping out in their community this fall.
In October 2020, students, faculty, and staff lent a hand to the Thornden Park Association to help with basic maintenance and landscaping on the park’s grounds located a mile and a half east of the Syracuse campus.
The students’ efforts help keep the park beautiful and interesting for the people who walk through every day and use it for recreation, as well as help preserve the trees and the historical nature of the park.
Masked up and ready to work, the students made quick work cutting and removing fallen tree limbs, clearing brush, and pruning trees near the park’s lily pond and herb garden.
Along with the Saturdays of Service groups, student groups such as ESF-FORCES, AXS, and Friends of Oakwood have also all contributed more than 343 hours of socially distanced and properly attired community service, said Sarah Houck, coordinator of student involvement and leadership.