CHICAGO—A wave of student volunteers took initiative this past weekend to enhance the beauty and health of the Chicago riverwalk, making the city proud with their efforts.

On Sunday, these dedicated students gathered along the South Halsted Riverwalk, diligently working to clear the area of debris.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

During the cleanup, several students shared their passion for environmental conservation with ABC7, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding Chicago’s ecosystems.

“Our goal is to ensure that the Riverwalk becomes a safe and pleasant environment for everyone,” remarked Katherine Anderson, a senior at Illinois State University.

The event saw a strong turnout, with numerous student volunteers converging on the South Halsted Riverwalk, united by their mission to tidy up the space.

This environmental initiative was spearheaded by Asez, the student volunteer group associated with the World Mission Society Church of God. The group is part of a global blue carbon initiative aimed at curbing plastic pollution before it reaches our waterways.

“I grew up in the city of Chicago, and I always saw the river with heavily damaged plastic, or even there’s sometimes needles that flow into the river,” UIC senior student Emiliano Guzman said.

Students gathered along the riverwalk with rakes, and picking utensils.

“We see that there’s so much trash and debris,” Anderson said. “So we really want to make this ecosystem a really beautiful places especially because the trash that accumulates here ends up in Lake Michigan.”

Through their efforts, they look to prevent long term environmental damage, and also ensure that Chicago’s ecosystems are protected.

“Small actions that me make today, it’s going to make a big difference in the future,” Anderson said.