The Lower Dniester National Nature Park, located in southern Odessa, showcases its beauty during springtime, especially before Easter. After days of rain, the sun broke through the clouds, birds sang, and the first flowers began to bloom after the frosts. On this day, a spring cleanup took place as part of a nationwide initiative organized by the charity "UAnimals". The event was also attended by a journalist from 048.ua.

The charity "UAnimals" provided volunteers with transportation from Odessa, necessary equipment, and refreshments. Participants included residents of the village of Nadlymanske, students from the local lyceum, park staff, and 12 volunteers from Odessa. Despite the snowy weather the day before, everyone who came was hopeful for success.

One volunteer remarked, "When you intend to do good, even nature becomes your ally."

Before the cleanup commenced, participants received an important briefing. An employee from the State Emergency Service explained the dangerous finds to watch out for in natural areas and how to act if suspicious items were discovered. This way, volunteers were informed and cautious as they proceeded.

The cleanup route stretched along the shores of the Karagol Bay, where an eco-trail is planned for the future. Volunteers moved slowly, collecting glass, plastic, tires, and other traces of human negligence. In just 3-4 hours, over a ton of waste was gathered.

Among the volunteers was an eight-year-old named Sviatoslav, who collected two bags of trash by himself and shared his thoughts:

"Today, I want to help nature and see some living creatures. I found a lot of trash and saw many birds – swallows and a pheasant. I would tell people who litter to be kinder to nature, and if they forgot, to turn back and throw it in the trash."

His mother, Karina, mentioned that the family recently moved to Odessa from Kharkiv. Before settling here, they volunteered in Lviv:

"My son has been helping since he was five. I looked for volunteer activities myself because I wanted to contribute to a good cause. It's important for children to see and feel that they can make a difference."

After their hard work, volunteers were treated to a delightful surprise – aromatic Dniester tea "from Uncle Vasya" brewed from reeds, cookies, and warm conversations against the backdrop of stunning spring scenery. Park staff, along with Serhiy Kurochkin, a candidate of biological sciences and ornithologist, conducted a mini-excursion to the water for those interested, telling them about the local flora and fauna.

This event at Lower Dniester Park was part of a larger initiative: on April 12, 247 volunteers participated in cleanups in five national parks across Ukraine. A total of 16 tons of waste was collected. This day served as a reminder: caring for nature is not just about large projects; it's about the concrete actions of each of us. Even an eight-year-old can set an example for adults.