Beijing Forestry University (BFU) led the capital's Arbor Day celebrations by co-organizing the Youth Volunteer Forest Tree-planting Initiative at Jiufeng National Forest Park on March 12. Over 50 student volunteers from BFU, China Agricultural University, Central University of Finance and Economics, and China University of Mining and Technology participated in ecological education and planting activities, reinforcing Beijing's green development goals.

Ecological Education in Action

BFU doctoral students from the School of Landscape Architecture hosted a workshop at Jiufeng International Plum Garden, explaining the cultural significance of plum blossoms in Chinese horticultural history and their role in urban ecological restoration. Volunteers engaged in discussions on modern applications of plum, including stress-resistant breeding and flowering period regulation.

Hands-On Green Practices

Participants planted trees under professional guidance, learning techniques such as soil preparation, sapling positioning, and irrigation. Since its launch in 2003, the Youth Volunteer Forest Tree-planting Initiative has mobilized 13,000 students across Beijing, establishing itself as a flagship sustainability initiative.

Expert Insights on Tree Planting

Professor Jia Liming, Dean of the College of Forestry, shared science-based tips in an interview with Xuexi Qiangguo. He said that planting can provide therapeutic benefits like stress reduction to us.

Q&A with Green Experts

Curious about trees? Get your questions answered:

● How can youth actively engage in community tree-planting initiatives?

● What makes tree planting a stress-relieving activity?

● Do forestry students become tree-care specialists?

● Can't keep saplings alive? Practical tips for plant care novices. 

Go to the BFU Official Wechat or Xuexi Qiangguo to watch the video!

Delocking Green Mistery

● Is forestry just about digging holes?

● Why do your plants never last long?

● Do plants have distinct 'personalities'?

Join our tree-whisperer squad to decode nature's secrets!

Go to the BFU Official Wechat or Xuexi Qiangguo to watch the video!

Fun Bonus

● What's your tree's MBTI?

● BFU students reveal plant personality types!

Go to the BFU Official Wechat or Xuexi Qiangguo to watch the video!

Campus as a Living Green Laboratory, BFU's campus exemplifies ecological stewardship: 44.65% green coverage with 200+ tree species, 4,000+ trees including rare varieties like ginkgo and white birch, and several iconic landscapes: Forest Heart, Ginkgo Avenue, and Tree Hollow Garden, etc.

Recognized as a National Afforestation Model Unit and Beijing's Garden-Style Campus, BFU continues to integrate green practices into its identity. Trees are not just subjects of study, they embody BFU's ecological mission, and have long been an essential part of the lifeblood passed down through generations of BFU students and faculty. This Arbor Day, BFU reinforced its role as the pioneer of China's green development, bridging academic excellence with public environmental engagement.

Written by Zhao Pengfei, Li Tianxi
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang