The Lower Dniester National Park, located in southern Odesa region, welcomed visitors in a unique way on the eve of Easter. After several days of poor weather, the sun broke through the clouds, birds sang, and spring flowers, embraced by recent frosts, reached for the light. On this day, a spring cleanup took place — part of a nationwide event organized by the charity organization "UAnimals." A journalist from 048.ua also attended the event.
The charity fund "UAnimals" provided volunteers with transport from Odesa, equipment, and snacks. Participants included residents of the village of Nadlymanske, local high school students, park staff, and 12 volunteers from Odesa. Despite the snowy weather the day before, everyone who came believed that their goal would be achieved.
"When you intend to do good — even nature becomes your ally," said one of the volunteers.
Before starting the cleanup, participants listened to an important briefing. An emergency services worker shared information about hazardous finds in natural areas, how to react to suspicious objects, and how to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Thanks to this, volunteers set out on their route well-informed and cautious at every step.
The route ran along the banks 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, they managed to gather over a ton of garbage.
People of all ages participated in the cleanup, including eight-year-old Sviatoslav. The boy independently collected two bags of trash and shared his impressions:
"Today I want to help nature and see some living creatures. I found a lot of trash, saw many birds — swallows, 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 bin."
His mother, Karina, shared that the family recently moved to Odesa from their hometown of Kharkiv. Before settling here, they also volunteered in Lviv:
"My son has been helping since he was five. I looked for volunteer events myself — I wanted to contribute to a worthy cause. It’s important for children to see and feel that they can make a difference."
After a long day's work, volunteers were treated to some refreshments — fragrant Dniester tea "from Uncle Vasya," brewed with reeds following a special recipe, cookies, and warm conversations against the backdrop of stunning spring scenery. Park staff, along with Serhii Kurochkin, a candidate of biological sciences and ornithologist, conducted a mini-excursion to the water for anyone interested. The specialists talked about the local flora and fauna.
The event at the Lower Dniester Park was part of a larger initiative — on April 12, 247 volunteers engaged in cleanups in five national parks across Ukraine. A total of 16 tons of trash was collected. These tons are not just numbers, but saved homes for wild animals and a chance for the restoration of natural areas. This day by the bay served as a reminder: caring for nature is not only about large projects. It’s about the concrete actions of each of us. Even an eight-year-old child can set an example for adults.