Rooted in Action: Celebrating Our 5th Annual Earth Day at Rid-All — A Day of Growth, Connection, and Deep Gratitude

There was something truly special in the air a t our Earth Day celebration at Rid-All Green Partnership. Nearly 100 volunteers came together — a beautiful blend of extended family and new faces, all came together by a shared love for our planet and a desire to nurture it. The energy was vibrant, and the sense of community was unmistakable. It was a day where every hand in the soil and every seed planted spoke volumes about the power of collective action and hope.

We were honored to welcome guests from the Plain Dealer, TV20, Nestlé, and the Cleveland Metroparks, as well as Councilman Richard Starr. He presented us with an official proclamation recognizing our ongoing dedication to environmental justice and community well-being. That moment — standing together, receiving such meaningful acknowledgment — was deeply humbling and affirming of the work we pour our hearts into every day.

A true highlight of the day was celebrating the life and legacy of the incomparable Dr. Greenhand with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His decades-long devotion to urban agriculture, youth education, and community empowerment has left an indelible mark on so many. Honoring him amidst a space that embodies his values was a full-circle moment of gratitude and reverence.

For those who are just discovering Rid-All, it’s hard to imagine the history hidden beneath the lush greenery. This land, once a neglected dumping ground scarred by fire and abandonment in Cleveland’s Kinsman neighborhood, has been lovingly transformed. Today, it flourishes as a vibrant urban farm, a classroom without walls, and a powerful symbol of what’s possible when a community reclaims and reimagines its future. It’s a story of renewal, healing, and resilience — the very essence of what Earth Day stands for.

Throughout the day, volunteers split into groups and got to work. Some pulled weeds, clearing the way for fresh growth. Others spread wood chips, enriching the soil and softening the paths we walk together. And many gently planted seeds — small but mighty acts of hope for the seasons ahead. As hands worked the earth, hearts opened. Knowledge was shared, laughter echoed, and strangers became friends. It wasn’t just about planting vegetables; it was about planting roots, dreams, and a deepened connection to this sacred ground.

As the sun began to dip and the day drew to a close, we came together one last time to reflect. There was a quiet joy, a shared sense of purpose, and a lingering warmth that had little to do with the weather. Earth Day at Rid-All is more than an event — it’s a homecoming, a celebration of what we can achieve when we show up for the earth, for each other, and for the generations to come.

We are so grateful to each and every person who showed up, dug in, and helped make this day unforgettable. And we can’t wait to do it all again next year — with even more love, more hands, and more heart.