Spending time in nature is a balm for busy minds — and in 2026, that’s something most of us could use more of. Nature, in return, benefits from a little care too. With that in mind, on April 18 we gathered for a meaningful day outdoors at Naujininkų parkas.
This park has a story worth telling. Not long ago, it was a neglected space, overlooked and underused. Thanks to the efforts of local residents who came together and pushed for change, it has been gradually transformed into a community-driven project. Today, it is developing into a space for nature and education, and we were happy to play a small part in helping it grow.
We started the day by splitting into smaller groups, each guided by a coordinator, and got to work across the park. Some of us focused on building, decorating, and installing birdhouses and insect hotels, adding small but meaningful shelters for wildlife. Others worked on removing invasive plants, helping protect the local ecosystem. There were also teams cleaning up branches and debris left behind after winter, while others made sure newly planted trees and greenery were properly watered and cared for.
At first glance, it might have looked like a typical clean-up effort. There were bags for leaves and grass, rakes, watering cans, and tools spread across the area. But what really stood out was not the equipment, it was the people. A well-coordinated, positive group came together with a shared intention to help the park wake up after winter. There were even two very happy dogs running around, which made the whole day feel even more complete.
In just a few hours, the difference was visible. The park felt brighter, cleaner, more welcoming and ready to continue its transformation into a vibrant community space.
We wrapped up the day with a cosy picnic, sharing food, conversations, and a sense of accomplishment. It was the perfect ending to a day spent doing something simple but meaningful together.
A big thank you to everyone who joined and brought their time, energy, and good mood. It truly made an impact. This is definitely not the last time we’ll do something like this. More to come.
