Yanggu County, Shandong Enhances Ecological Foundation of Rural Revitalization

LIAOCHENG, China, Apr. 21, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

To preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Grand Canal, and in alignment with the development of the Bamboo Scenic Corridor along its banks, Yanggu County in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, launched the construction of Shouzhu Garden in Dongjie Village, Zhangqiu Town, and Cuizhu Garden in Yuezhuang Village, Acheng Town in 2024. These gardens are designed to feature a wide variety of ornamental plants and landscaping elements.

Seventeen kilometers from Zhangqiu Town, villagers in Yanji Village, Shouzhang Town are busy planting saplings in the local walnut groves. First established in the 1950s and once spanning several hundred mu, the walnut orchard was a symbol of pride for the village. However, due to declining profitability, much of the grove was lost over time. Today, 56 mu remain, preserving 527 walnut trees. According to the Yanggu County Forestry Bureau, this surviving grove has been recognized as a protected population of valuable tree species in Liaocheng and officially designated as a “Reserve Resource of Ancient and Famous Trees” in Yanggu County.

Protecting ancient trees goes beyond simple preservation. In Wangying Village, Zhangqiu Town, one maclura tricuspidata tree with a history of over 1,000 years has been enclosed with protective fencing funded by the local government, offering structural safety without compromising its natural setting. Nearby, a surveillance camera provides real-time remote monitoring. According to Zhao Xianmin of the Yanggu County Forestry Integrated Service Center, there are 114 ancient and famous trees across the county. To safeguard these natural legacies, the county has implemented ongoing monitoring and tracking systems, strengthened daily inspections, and carried out scientifically planned rescue and revitalization efforts.

It’s not just ancient trees that preserve the memories of home — pocket parks and newly planted saplings in front yards and back gardens also carry that sense of nostalgia. Despite recent fluctuations in temperature, many residents have taken the initiative to protect young trees with burlap covers, reflecting a growing culture of environmental stewardship.

Yanggu County has also intensified efforts to green overlooked village spaces. Through targeted enhancement of roads, ponds, and vacant lots, the county adheres to the principle of “planting greenery wherever possible.” In 2024 alone, Yanggu completed 398.6 mu of afforestation, expanded and improved farmland shelterbelts across 12,000 mu, upgraded landscaping in 55 villages, and organized the voluntary planting of over 1.3 million trees. Aligned with the protection of the ancient canal, historical towns, and traditional dwellings, Yanggu is also promoting nature-based education and cultural heritage activities to foster a sense of ecological responsibility and environmental awareness. Looking ahead to 2025, the county aims to complete an additional 360 mu of afforestation, green and beautify 76 more villages, and continue its voluntary tree-planting efforts with over 1.3 million trees.

Source: Information Office of Yanggu County People’s Government