On the eve of Arbor Day 2025, Wu Mengqi, a spirited student from the Weifang Institute of Science and Technology, embarked on an epic 1,500km journey to the Minqin Desertification Control Demonstration Zone in Gansu Province. Amid the vast sands of the Chinese mainland, she set out to plant hope and transform the barren landscape into a thriving green oasis.
A year ago, Wu caught a captivating livestream by the new farmers' collective "Ten Qin Tian." The footage showed volunteers planting Haloxylon trees amid the harsh desert, and those resilient green shoots sparked her determination. Inspired by this digital encounter, she knew it was time to join a vibrant community of young eco-warriors.
This March, armed with a volunteer recruitment notice from the Minqin County Forest Plantation Public Welfare Development Center, Wu boarded a westbound train. Upon arrival, she received professional training and diligently planted each Haloxylon sapling in pits dug 50 centimeters deep and backfilled with 20 centimeters of moist sand—each careful motion a pledge to combat desertification.
The scene was nothing short of a youthful symphony—shovels clashing against the sand, the roar of water trucks, and the rallying chants of volunteers echoing across the dunes. Slogans like "The responsibility of today rests on our youth" fluttered alongside banners, reflecting a deep commitment to protecting nature.
Despite the dust on her protective goggles, Wu's eyes shone with hope. She recalled how the saplings she planted last year had grown to half a meter tall, a small yet powerful reminder that change begins with a single act. Her journey isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about sowing seeds for a greener, more sustainable future.
Back on campus, Wu is planning to launch an ecological club to carry forward her mission. This initiative is part of the Weifang Institute of Science and Technology's "Volunteer Service+" education system, which has already seen over 24,000 volunteer activities, engaged more than 500,000 participants, and logged 2.6 million service hours. It’s a vivid example of how practical education and social service can drive real change.
Wu Mengqi's story reminds us that when youth unite with purpose, even the harshest deserts can bloom. For tech-savvy, socially conscious young adults, her journey is a call to action: blend digital inspiration with hands-on effort, and let each seed you plant cultivate a brighter, greener tomorrow! 🌱🚀
Reference(s):
Gen-Z Student’s 1,500-Kilometer Mission to Turn Gansu Desert Green
cctv.com
