Porto-Franco City

The Lower Dniester National Park, located in the south of Odesa, welcomed its guests in a special way just before Easter. After days of gloomy weather, the sun broke through the clouds, birds sang, and the first flowers, recently affected by frost, reached for the light. On this day, a spring cleanup event took place as part of a nationwide initiative organized by the charity organization "UAnimals".

The charity provided volunteers with transportation from Odesa, equipment, and refreshments. Participants included local residents from the village of Nadlymanske, students from a local lyceum, park staff, and 12 volunteers from "UAnimals" in Odesa. Despite the snowy weather the day before, those who came believed that the goal would be achieved.

One volunteer noted, "When you intend to do good, even nature becomes an ally."

Before the cleanup started, participants listened to a brief but crucial briefing. A representative from the State Emergency Service explained the dangerous findings to be wary of in natural areas and how to act upon discovering suspicious items, ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

The route stretched along the shores of the Karagol Bay, where an eco-trail is planned for the future. Volunteers walked slowly, collecting glass, plastic, tires, and other traces of human negligence. In just 3-4 hours, they managed to gather over a ton of trash.

Among the participants was eight-year-old Sviatoslav, who collected two bags of trash on his own. He shared his impressions: "Today I want to help nature and see some living creatures. I found a lot of trash and saw many birds — swallows, a pheasant. I would tell people who litter to be kinder to nature, and if they forgot — then come back and throw it in the bin."

His mother, Karina, mentioned that their family had recently moved to Odesa from Kharkiv. She stated that her son has been volunteering since he was five: "I sought out volunteer opportunities myself — I wanted him to be involved in something meaningful. It’s important for children to see and feel that they can make a difference."

After the hard work, volunteers were treated to a small refreshment — fragrant Dniester tea "from Uncle Vasya," brewed from reeds following a special recipe, cookies, and warm conversations against the backdrop of splendid spring scenery. Park employees, along with biologist and ornithologist Serhiy Kurochkin, offered a mini-excursion for anyone interested, discussing local flora and fauna.

This event at the Lower Dniester Park was part of a larger initiative — on April 12, 247 volunteers engaged in cleanup activities in five national parks across Ukraine, collectively collecting 16 tons of trash. These tons are not just numbers but represent saved homes for wild animals and a chance to restore natural areas. This day by the bay served as a reminder that caring for nature is not just about large projects, but about the specific actions of each of us. Even an eight-year-old child can set an example for adults.