Spring Cleanup in the Lower Dniester National Park: Good Deeds for Nature
The Lower Dniester National Park in southern Odesa greeted spring in a unique way. After several gloomy days, the sun finally broke through the clouds, birds filled the air with their songs, and the first blooms, which had survived the frost, began to flourish. On this day, a large spring cleanup took place, part of a nationwide initiative organized by the charity organization "UAnimals." A journalist from 048.ua was also present at the event.
The charity "UAnimals" arranged transportation for volunteers from Odesa and provided them with necessary tools and refreshments. Participants included residents of the village of Nadlymanske, students from the local lyceum, park staff, and 12 volunteers from Odesa. Despite the snowfall the day before, the participants were determined to achieve their goal.
"When you intend to do good, even the weather becomes your ally," shared one of the volunteers.
Before starting the cleanup, participants received a brief but crucial briefing. An emergency services worker explained the dangerous finds to watch out for in natural areas, how to respond to suspicious objects, and how to keep themselves and others safe. This allowed volunteers to be cautious and mindful during the cleanup.
The route stretched along the shores of the Karagol Bay, where plans are underway to create an ecological trail. Volunteers walked slowly, collecting trash — glass, plastic, tires, and other debris. In just a few hours, they managed to gather over a ton of waste.
People of all ages participated in the cleanup. One of the youngest participants was eight-year-old Sviatoslav, who 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 and saw many birds — swallows, a pheasant. I would tell people who litter to be kinder to nature, and if they forgot, to go back and throw it in the bin."
His mother, Karina, shared that their family recently moved to Odesa from Kharkiv. Before settling here, they also volunteered in Lviv:
"My son has been helping since he was five. I searched for volunteer activities myself to get involved in something useful. It’s important for children to see and feel that they can change something."
After a long day of work, volunteers enjoyed a small treat — fragrant Dniester tea "from Uncle Vasya," brewed according to a special recipe, cookies, and warm conversations against the backdrop of beautiful spring scenery. Park staff, along with Serhiy Kurochkin, a candidate of biological sciences and ornithologist, conducted a mini-excursion to the water for anyone interested, sharing insights about local flora and fauna.
This event was part of a larger initiative: on April 12, 247 volunteers participated in cleanups across five national parks in Ukraine, collecting a total of 16 tons of garbage. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent saved homes for wild animals and a chance for the restoration of natural habitats. This day by the bay serves as a reminder that caring for nature is not just about grand projects but about the individual actions of each of us. Even an eight-year-old child can set an example for adults.
