On the eve of Arbor Day 2025, Wu Mengqi, a passionate student from the Weifang Institute of Science and Technology, set off on a 1,500-kilometer adventure to the Minqin Desertification Control Demonstration Zone in Gansu Province. Inspired by a digital livestream from the new farmers' collective "Ten Qin Tian," she joined a vibrant youth phalanx dedicated to reviving the fragile ecosystem in the Chinese mainland.
Boarding a westbound train with a volunteer recruitment notice in hand, Wu immersed herself in the mission. After professional training, she meticulously planted each Haloxylon sapling in pits dug 50 centimeters deep and filled with 20 centimeters of moist sand to ensure survival. Every planting became a heartfelt ritual, underscored by banners proclaiming "The responsibility of today rests on our youth," and other inspiring slogans that celebrated nature and human resilience.
The clashing of shovels against sand, the hum of water trucks, and the spirited cheers of volunteers blended into a unique, youthful symphony amidst the dunes. News footage later captured the Haloxylon forest stretching across the desert—a living testament to how dedication and teamwork can turn barren land green.
Reflecting on her journey, Wu shared, "I once felt powerless, but seeing the saplings I planted last year reach half a meter showed me that every small effort matters." Now back on campus, she is planning to launch an ecological club to continue her mission of environmental revival.
This inspiring endeavor is also a key part of the Weifang Institute's "Volunteer Service+" education system, which has integrated over 24,000 volunteer activities with more than 500,000 participants, blending practical education with impactful social service.
Like a scene out of an epic adventure movie, Wu’s mission reminds us that youth have the power to transform challenges into opportunities—turning the harshest deserts into vibrant symbols of hope. 🌱💪
Reference(s):
Gen-Z Student’s 1,500-Kilometer Mission to Turn Gansu Desert Green
cctv.com
