General Information

A Place to Learn, A Place to Grow, An Urban Oasis

The Village Eco Development Center is becoming the centerpiece of the community, a haven where all are welcome and where visitors can learn how to create a healthy environment and socially just society.

The Village Eco Development Center is used to grow organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers which will be available to the community through a local farmer's market. In addition, local families will be able to become "members" of the The Village Eco Development Center's Farm. Local families will have the opportunity to join and receive seasonal produce at affordable prices.

To help feed the farm, a special insect garden is being created to attract butterflies and other pollinators. To help feed visitors, picnic tables are available. For the enjoyment of all, a fenced area houses small animals such as rabbits and chickens.



Enivronmental Educational & Horticultural Institute
The Village Eco Development Center operates its program in conjunction with Sankofa, listed below are its aims:

Teaches at-risk youth and young adults (ages 16-24) sustainable living skills and marketable skills in horticulture, urban forestry, watershed and environmental protection.

Provides local residents with practical organic farming knowledge and skills

Promotes better unsderstanding of the interconnections between food, land, and community well-being

Nurtures the human spirit through programs and public outreach both on and off farm

Conducts environmental education field trips for K-12 students

Building parternerships with local schools to include hands-on learning in the garden and the classroom

Multicultural summer day camp for chiildren ages 8-13

Fostering community pride and identity through community events such as Fall Harvest and Spring Festivals

Offering "From the Garden to the Table" cooking classes using fresh produce to promote healthy nutrition and demonstrate the cuisine of different ethnic groups and cultures.

Find out more
The services of The Village Eco Development Center are designed to serve all interested school age youth and adults of the Mahoning & Shananango Valley communities with a particular focus on the residents of Youngstown & Warren, Ohio and Sharon, PA. To learn how you can get involved, please contact us via the contact page or email us at EcoVillage@TheSankofa.org.