The volunteers gathered at the New Acropolis school in Chicago to celebrate Mother Earth day. The event began with an exploration of Earth as a living being with a short talk highlighting the physical and spiritual connections between the planet and its inhabitants.

Following the discussion, participants took to the Ravenswood Corridor, to a green area along the city’s railway line, for a hands-on cleanup effort. Over several hours, they collected approximately 500 kilograms of trash, relocated one garden snake, and reflected on the values of generosity, care, and conscious responsibility.

The initiative, part of an annual Earth Day tradition, left behind cleaner streets—and many sore muscles, but smiling faces.