Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of the residents of Wenaletai Kushi Village in Xinjiang to combat desertification and transform their environment through a combination of ecological and economic strategies [1][8]. Group 1: Desertification Combat Efforts - The village is surrounded by the Taklamakan Desert, with over 20 square kilometers of land affected by desertification, prompting a "home defense battle" against encroaching sand [1][3]. - The first secretary of the Kashgar region's forestry bureau, Dai Zhigang, has been actively leading sand prevention and control efforts since 2023, guiding villagers in land leveling and large-scale afforestation [3][6]. - The initial sand control methods were adapted from surrounding areas, leading to a combined strategy of "biological sand control + engineering sand fixation" [6]. Group 2: Implementation and Results - The villagers have successfully created over 2,800 acres of artificial protective forest and established more than 500 acres of grass grids since March 2024 [6]. - The village has also begun experimenting with planting economic crops such as "desert ginseng" (Cistanche deserticola) in the newly established forests, with the first harvest occurring this year [8][10]. - A total of 920 acres have been planned for experimental forestry, including various economic crops like apricots, pistachios, and other plants, aiming to enhance economic benefits from the desert [10]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The sand industry in the village is projected to create stable employment for 29 individuals and temporary jobs for 640 people by the first half of 2025, generating an additional income of 544,000 yuan [10]. - The transformation from "sand encroachment" to "sand reclamation" and ultimately to "gold mining from sand" reflects the villagers' hard work and innovative spirit in improving their living conditions [10].

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights the delayed blooming of osmanthus flowers in regions like Shanghai and Zhejiang due to higher than usual temperatures this year, with blooms occurring over 20 days later than last year [3][7][10] - In Shanghai's Qingpu District, the first signs of osmanthus flowers are noted, with a subtle fragrance in the air, indicating the beginning of the blooming season [1] - In Hangzhou, the osmanthus flowers have just started to bloom, with most still in bud form, but conditions are expected to improve for a fuller bloom in the coming weeks [4][7] Group 2 - The article discusses the sensitivity of osmanthus flowers to temperature and humidity, noting that they typically require temperatures below 24°C to bloom effectively [8] - In Hefei, osmanthus flowers are experiencing a second bloom due to a recent drop in temperature, which has allowed previously interrupted blooms to resume [11][13] - The article also mentions the optimal viewing periods for other natural phenomena, such as the autumn foliage in Hebei and the golden poplar trees in Ningxia, indicating a broader seasonal trend in nature [14][19]

Core Viewpoint - The "Three-North" project aims to combat desertification and enhance ecological security in northern China, with significant progress made in the past two years, including the implementation of 415 projects covering 1.64 million acres, marking the most substantial investment and completion in the project's history [6][7][8]. Group 1: Project Implementation and Achievements - The "Three-North" project has completed 415 projects and achieved a construction task of 1.64 million acres in the last two years [6]. - This period is noted for the highest investment and completion rates in the history of the "Three-North" project [6]. - The project focuses on ecological restoration, particularly through the cultivation of drought-resistant tree species like Populus euphratica (Hu Yang) [7][8]. Group 2: Research and Development - The research team led by Professor Li Zhijun has developed successful techniques for the cultivation and transplantation of Hu Yang seedlings, achieving a survival rate of over 99% [9]. - The team has collected over 4,000 samples of Hu Yang genetic resources and established a database for conservation and research purposes [8][9]. - Advanced techniques in seedling management have reduced the time for Hu Yang seedlings to grow to transplantable size from 2-3 years to just 4 months [9]. Group 3: Local Initiatives and Innovations - In Inner Mongolia, the "deep planting and shallow burying" technique has increased seedling survival rates from 50% to 90%, while also reducing water usage by over 50% [11][12]. - The integration of economic tree species like Larix gmelinii and Pinus sylvestris has been explored to enhance both ecological and economic benefits in desertified areas [12]. - The transformation of barren land into productive orchards, as demonstrated by Zhang Binggui in Shaanxi, showcases the potential for agricultural development in previously unproductive areas [16][18].