Gao Qingwang, a retired worker of Huangfu Mountain Forest Farm in Chuzhou City, east China’s Anhui province, has always regarded trees as his life. Four generations of his family have devoted themselves to afforestation for more than 60 years. Thanks to their insistence and dedication, the 40-square-kilometer barren mountain has become spectacular pine forest in eastern China.

The mountain was desolate when his grandfather moved family there and the weeds were higher than the height of people, 69-year-old Gao recalled.

For days, Gao carried saplings and walked more than 5 kilometers to reach the tree planting sites. He would often have a simple lunch with spring water in the harsh environment. In the dry season, Gao often had to live on the mountain for the fear of wildfires. The loneliness was even deeper when the cold wind was blowing in winter. But for him, the mountain is like home.

Gao Hong, the eldest daughter of Gao Qingwang, has been working on the farm for more than 23 years. She walks an average of more than 30,000 steps a day, regardless of the season.

As the only female forest ranger in this area, she and her husband are committed to guarding this forest for the coming generations.