On a chilly fall day at Tam O’Shanter Park in Canton, Ohio, more than two dozen employee volunteers from Marathon Petroleum’s nearby refinery spent the day planting close to 1,000 trees.

The recent plant was made possible through a $20,000 donation to Stark Parks from Marathon Petroleum’s Ohio Refining Division.

“We were really excited about this opportunity because it’s something all of us, including the greater community, will be able to enjoy for many years to come,” said Abbie Gurdy, HES Professional at Marathon Petroleum’s Canton refinery. “It not only helps to beautify the park but promote the use of natural resources and environmental stewardship in Ohio.”

Formerly a golf course, the 213-acre park is being restored to its natural state. Returning the land to its original habitat will improve water quality through native vegetation planting, restore important biological communities, and reduce non-native species. The park provides much-needed open space in an area dominated by commercial and residential development.

“We love Marathon’s support,” said Talula Waiter, Natural Resources Manager with Stark Parks. “We have a small staff, and it would have taken them over a week to get done what Marathon volunteers did in six hours.”

The Canton refinery team reached out to the park system for volunteer opportunities as a part of its community investment strategy. To learn more, visit the Community Investment page on our website.