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Zhang Lianlian and her husband began reforestation in arid mountains in the 1980s, planted more than 200 thousand trees, and involved children, grandchildren, and villagers
More than 200 thousand trees planted over more than 30 years changed the landscape of Leipingta village, in Shaanxi province, China. The work was led by Zhang Lianlian and her husband, Wang Yaowu, and today involves three generations of the family, in an area that transformed from arid mountains to more than 2,000 mu of forest, equivalent to 133 hectares.
The effort began in an arid region hit by sandstorms
The village of Leipingta, in Ansai district, Yan’an city, is located on the Loess Plateau. Before reforestation, the region had little vegetation, suffered from severe soil erosion, and was plagued by sandstorms.
In the 1980s, Zhang Lianlian had just married and arrived in the village. Together with her husband, she leased more than 400 mu of arid mountains to settle and start planting trees.
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In 1981, inspired by her father, who had worked in the forestry sector, Zhang decided to change the region’s environment. She convinced Wang Yaowu to participate in the work, which would become a decades-long dedication.
More than 200 thousand trees were planted by the couple
Over more than 30 years, Zhang Lianlian and her husband planted more than 2,000 mu of forest, an area equivalent to approximately 133 hectares. The work resulted in more than 200 thousand trees.
The scale of the effort is also evident in the details of the routine. According to the consulted material, Zhang wore out between 200 and 300 pairs of shoes and more than 100 hoes during the years dedicated to planting.
In front of the family’s house, today it is possible to see green forests stretching across the landscape. Trees that started as small seedlings have grown to the point where two people can barely encircle them.
Three generations have taken care of the forest
Reforestation ceased to be just an initiative of the couple. Over the years, Zhang Lianlian began to guide children, grandchildren, and village residents in planting trees and caring for the recovered area.
The village of Leipingta is described as covered by more than 1,750 mu of forest, the result of more than four decades of work by three generations of Zhang’s family, now over 70 years old.
Even after decades of work, she continues to care for the trees. On May 29, Zhang was recorded straightening a fallen young pine. On May 30, she and her husband embraced a tung tree planted over 30 years ago.
Forest also began to generate income for residents
In addition to environmental recovery, the forest began to support local economic activities. Zhang’s family uses forest resources to develop farming under the canopy, including free-range chickens and ecological chickens.
These activities are seen as a way to increase the income of the local population. For Zhang Lianlian, the change in the landscape has also become part of the family’s life. “Clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets; planting trees and creating forests will certainly lead to a better life,” she said.
This article was prepared based on information from Xinhua News Agency, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
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