Adopt a tree, pull weeds; stewardship of nature on the rise

Across the country, more people are participating in hands-on conservation activities that go beyond collecting rubbish, reflecting a broader shift from environmental awareness to environmental stewardship.

One example is the removal of invasive species.

In May last year, volunteers in Changsha, Hunan province, joined agricultural experts in identifying and removing Solidago canadensis, commonly known as Canadian goldenrod, an invasive plant that threatens native ecosystems. The activity began with field lessons on how to distinguish the species from similar native plants before volunteers spread out across affected areas to remove it by hand, according to a report by The Paper.

Organizers said the goal was not only to control the invasive plant, but also to help participants better understand local biodiversity and translate environmental knowledge into practical action.

Similar activities have happened in coastal provinces.

Along China's eastern shoreline, local governments and volunteers have helped restore wetlands by removing Spartina alterniflora, or smooth cordgrass, another invasive species that has damaged tidal ecosystems.

Public participation is also extending to the protection of China's natural heritage.

Earlier this year, Beijing launched its largest public adoption program in recent years for ancient and notable trees, making 450 ancient trees available for adoption across the capital.

Among those who took up the offer was urban planner Mu Zihui, who adopted an ancient pine on Miaofeng Mountain in Beijing's Mentougou district. "I was genuinely excited when I learned people could adopt ancient trees," she told Beijing Daily.

She said the tree held special meaning because it is locally known as the "Hero Tree", having sheltered Chinese soldiers during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), while its symbolism of protection reminded her of her father, a retired police officer.

The program reflects a broader trend. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, provinces and municipalities including Sichuan, Fujian, Tianjin and Chongqing have established volunteer programs to help monitor ancient and notable trees.

Volunteers assist with routine inspections, report signs of disease or damage and raise public awareness about the cultural and ecological value of centuries-old trees, making conservation an increasingly shared responsibility between professionals and local communities.

These activities share one important characteristic: they are accessible. Most require no professional background and can be completed over a weekend, making them attractive to families, students and young professionals seeking meaningful ways to spend their free time.

The growing enthusiasm is reflected in national figures. According to reports released before World Environment Day on June 5, China now has more than 35 million registered environmental volunteers.

Participants are from all walks of life — students, office workers and retirees — many of whom describe environmental volunteering not as an obligation but as a rewarding part of everyday life, according to a People's Daily report.

Together, these activities suggest a broader transformation. Whether removing invasive plants, monitoring ancient trees or cleaning mountain trails, conservation is increasingly becoming something people can participate in directly one weekend at a time.