Each year on March 12, China celebrates Arbor Day, also known as the National Tree Planting Day, a day dedicated to hope and greenery.

What is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is dedicated to tree planting and forestation, with a focus on environmental protection. Established in 1979, China's National Tree Planting Day aims to enhance the ecological environment, increase forest coverage, and raise environmental awareness through nationwide tree-planting activities.

Why is tree planting important?

Environmental protection: Trees act as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, thus purifying the air and regulating the climate.

Biodiversity preservation: Trees provide essential habitats for various animals and plants, promoting the preservation of biodiversity.

Soil and water conservation: Tree root systems effectively prevent soil erosion, conserve water and soil, and reduce the risk of flooding.

Scenic beauty and well-being benefits: A green and leafy environment enhances scenic beauty, improves quality of life and promotes physical and mental well-being.

How can you participate?

As an international student, you can engage in Arbor Day activities in the following ways:

• Campus tree planting: Many universities and schools organize tree planting activities. You can join these activities, plant a tree with your peers, and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with improving the environment.
• Community volunteer activities: Participate in local community-led tree planting and conservation campaigns, working alongside residents to protect the environment.
• Attend environmental lectures: Attend environmental lectures and workshops to learn more about eco-friendly practices and sustainable development.
• Online promotion: Use social media platforms to share the significance of Arbor Day and your personal experiences of working to improve the environment, encouraging others to engage in environmental protection efforts.

Vocabulary:

植树节

zhí shù jié

Arbor Day or National Tree Planting Day in China

绿色

lǜ sè

green

森林

sēn lín

forest

生态环境

shēng tài huán jìng

ecological environment

二氧化碳

èr yǎng huà tàn

carbon dioxide

氧气

yǎng qì

oxygen

净化

jìng huà

purify

树木为各种动植物提供了栖息地，促进了生物多样性的保护。

shù mù wèi gè zhǒng dòng zhí wù tí gòng le qī xī dì, cù jìn le shēng wù duō yàng xìng de bǎo hù.

Trees provide essential habitats for a wide range of animals and plants, fostering the preservation of biodiversity.

亲手种树不仅有助于保护环境，还能感受劳动带来的快乐和成就感。

qīn shǒu zhòng shù bù jǐn yǒu zhù yú bǎo hù huán jìng, hái néng gǎn shòu láo dòng dài lái de kuài lè hé chéng jiù gǎn.

Planting trees by hand not only helps protect the environment but also brings a sense of joy and accomplishment that comes from hard work.