This Earth Day, a Story Comes to Life in Humboldt Park
🦋 A Boy, a Book, and a Butterfly
At MaNaBu Movement, we believe that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and capable of making a difference.
Not someday. Right now.
That’s why we create real-world experiences that help kids step into their voice, their creativity, and their role as changemakers in their communities.
And this Earth Day, that mission takes root in a very special way.
🌍 A Citywide Celebration 40 Years in the Making
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, in partnership with The Walt Disney Birthplace, MaNaBu Movement will proudly support the Chicago Park District, BUILD Inc, Friends of the Parks, and the Humboldt Park Earth Day Committee to mark the 40th anniversary of Chicago’s Earth Day cleanups.
Over 500 volunteers will come together to green, clean, and care for Humboldt Park – one of the city’s most cherished public spaces. It’s part of a decades-long tradition of community-led stewardship and celebration.
This year’s Earth Day in Humboldt Park will also include:
- A community resource fair showcasing local businesses and youth-serving organizations
- Volunteer projects focused on beautifying green spaces and public pathways
- A showcase of youth artists and performers honoring the cultural vibrancy of the neighborhood
It’s a day of care, culture, and connection – powered by community.
Where Storytelling Meets Stewardship: The MaNaBu StoryWalk
Amid the rakes, mulch, and music, something new will take shape under the trees:
A storybook-inspired adventure for the youngest park visitors.
Introducing the MaNaBu StoryWalk – a walking journey designed for children ages 5–8, created in collaboration with The Walt Disney Birthplace.
Set in the year 1906, the StoryWalk follows a boy named Walt, who wanders into the park with a book about the Earth. When his older brother Roy sets out to find him, a group of real-life children joins the search – armed only with the book’s clues and their imagination.
As they explore the lagoon trail, the kids notice trees, butterflies, birds, and breeze. They meet three curious companions – Ma, Na, and Bu – who help them unlock the story.
And in the end, it’s not just Walt they discover.
They uncover something within themselves:
🌱 A sense of wonder
🦋 A connection to the planet
💬 And the confidence to speak up, explore, and lead.
💚 Why We’re Doing This
Too many children grow up believing they have to wait to be seen, heard, or valued.
At MaNaBu, we’re here to change that.
By blending storytelling, community connection, and joyful action, we help young people build the mindset, language, and trust they need to lead boldly and early.
This Earth Day, we’re not just cleaning up a park.
We’re planting new stories.
We’re raising new voices.
We’re helping a new generation feel at home in the world—and ready to shape it.
📍 Join Us
🗓️ Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
📍 Location: Humboldt Park Boathouse, Chicago
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
🎒 Who’s Invited: Everyone! The StoryWalk is specially designed for children ages 5–8.
🌐 Sign Up: Earth Day | Chicago Park District
Whether you’re planting trees, guiding a group of young readers, or simply pausing to hear a child’s answer to a butterfly’s question – you’re part of something real.
✨ Come walk with us.
🌎 Let’s imagine a better world – together.
