In 2025, Sichuan Province planted over 85 million trees through voluntary tree-planting activities, with participation exceeding 24.75 million person-times. A total of 5.23 million mu of afforestation and reforestation was completed throughout the year, and 7.409 million mu of degraded grassland was restored and rehabilitated.

Newly designated notable trees in 2025

Protection of ancient and notable trees was a highlight of the official report. In 2025, 149 new first-grade ancient trees and one new notable tree were added—compared to 2024, when 290 first-grade ancient trees and one notable tree were added—the number of newly recognized notable trees has remained in the single digits for two consecutive years.

The newly designated notable tree is located in Yanjing Street Community, Yanjing Town, Jingyan County, Leshan City. It is an osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) planted in 1910 and carries specific historical significance.

Why are there many more ancient trees than notable trees? According to an official from the Department of Ecological Conservation and Restoration at the Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the 'Regulations on the Protection of Ancient and Notable Trees' stipulate that trees aged over 100 years may be classified as ancient trees, excluding those in commercial forests grown primarily for timber production.

Notable trees, however, must possess significant historical, cultural, scientific, landscape, or commemorative value, making their recognition criteria far more stringent. In 2025, five trees were nominated province-wide for notable status; after comprehensive multidimensional evaluation, only the osmanthus in Leshan was approved. The total number of notable trees in the province now stands at 98, still below 100.

Newly designated notable trees in 2025

As dual natural and historical heritage assets, ancient and notable trees in Sichuan continue to receive enhanced protection. In 2025, the province secured 33.15 million yuan in central government funding, primarily allocated for emergency rescue and restoration of endangered ancient trees, including the Cuiyun Corridor ancient cypresses. Additionally, the Jiange section of the Jianmen Shu Road Site – Cuiyun Corridor Ancient Cypress Grove and the Tianshi Ginkgo at Tianshi Cave in Mount Qingcheng have been included in the first national list of 'Nationally Protected Sites – Ancient and Notable Trees' for coordinated conservation.

【本文部分内容由AI辅助生成，特此声明。The author(s) generated part of the content in this work with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), which is hereby declared.】