Author: sHq_LoGiNz

BEIJING, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Known as the “Sea of Death” on land for its shifting dunes and extreme environment where “No one can come out alive once entering,” the Taklamakan Desert is China’s largest and the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert. However, a miracle of ecological resilience has been made. In the latest documentary by China Matters, Australian explorer Jerry Grey and his Chinese wife Ann, embark on an inspiring cycling journey across the desert to witness the “green miracle” rising from the sands.

The seven-minute film, titled “Discovery on the Ride: Jerry’s Taklamakan Trek,” follows the couple as they traverse the G580 highway, a vital artery cutting through the desert’s unyielding heart. Building such a highway was once considered an impossible engineering feat. The construction team had to overcome relentless sand erosion, extreme drought, and surface temperatures soaring above 70°C (158°F). By implementing innovative straw checkerboard barriers and saline-water drip irrigation, Chinese engineers have not only secured the roads but also created vast green belts that shield these lifelines from the encroaching desertification.

Their journey began in Alar City, a modern oasis that serves as a testament to Xinjiang’s unwavering resolve to combat desertification. A key highlight is the couple’s visit to Tarim University, a well-known institution often called the “Academy in the Desert.” Here, they meet with Professor Gai Zhongshuai, a dedicated researcher specializing in the survival secrets of the Huyang (Desert Poplar trees).

These native trees, often called “silent guardians,” are legendary for their endurance—living for a thousand years, standing for another thousand after death, and remaining rot-resistant for a thousand more. “The sheer determination of the researchers and the resilience of these trees are awe-inspiring,” says Jerry Grey. Through Ann’s perspective, the film highlights the deep emotional connection and cultural grit of the Chinese people in protecting their ecological heritage.

Beyond the highways, the documentary showcases how Xinjiang’s systematic reforestation has fostered a “sand economy,” which is turning stabilized dunes into sustainable resources for local communities. As global concerns over climate change and land degradation intensify, the story of the Taklamakan offers a hopeful approach: with science, investment and perseverance, even a deadly desert can be tamed to grow plants.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plsGr7f-9a0

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/australian-vloggers-cultural-journey-green-miracle-in-the-taklamakan-desert-302713082.html

SOURCE China Matters

NORRIS, Tenn., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As spring greens the Tennessee River Valley, the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is calling on residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts to help protect the region’s rivers, lakes, and trails by joining volunteer cleanups and stewardship events throughout March.

With hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands and waterways, protecting the Tennessee River Valley requires cooperation among public agencies, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and local communities. Partners such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, conservation groups, and volunteers play an important role in keeping the watershed healthy and accessible for recreation and wildlife.

Each spring, volunteers gather across the valley to remove trash from shorelines, waterways, and trails. Litter not only detracts from the region’s scenic beauty but can also harm wildlife, degrade natural habitats, and impact water quality throughout the watershed.

Across the region, grassroots groups are stepping up to make a difference. Organizations including Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, the Norris Lake Project, the Tellico River Cleanup, and local Keep America Beautiful affiliates like Johnson City that host volunteer days and educational efforts aimed at protecting waterways and natural landscapes.

“In a region defined by rivers, lakes, and mountain landscapes, stewardship is a shared responsibility,” said Julie Graham, a spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council. “When visitors and residents alike practice simple habits—packing out trash, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural places better than they found them—we protect the waters that sustain our communities, recreation, and wildlife.”

The council also promotes responsible outdoor recreation through the principles of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Tread Lightly! encouraging hikers, paddlers, anglers, cyclists, and boaters to follow the “pack it in, pack it out” ethic and tread responsibly while enjoying the outdoors.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed March as Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month, with this year’s kickoff held today, March 12 in Memphis, Tennessee as part of a statewide effort to inspire local stewardship activities during the commemorative year of America 250.

“If every hiker, biker, angler, and boater takes one small step to care for the outdoors, the Tennessee River Valley watershed will continue to thrive as a destination for recreation, a source of clean drinking water, and a healthy habitat for wildlife,” the council added.

Community members, families, and outdoor groups are encouraged to join local cleanup efforts and help steward the rivers, lakes, and trails of the Tennessee River Valley throughout the spring season. Learn more here.

The TRV Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship, economic vitality, and tourism across the seven-state Tennessee River Valley watershed. The Council works to connect communities and visitors through initiatives that celebrate the region’s diverse landscapes, history, and culture. The Council’s efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

www.exploreTRV.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caring-for-the-waters-that-shape-the-tennessee-river-valley-volunteers-mobilize-for-2026-spring-cleanups-302712898.html

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council

NORRIS, Tenn., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As spring greens the Tennessee River Valley, the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is calling on residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts to help protect the region’s rivers, lakes, and trails by joining volunteer cleanups and stewardship events throughout March.

With hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands and waterways, protecting the Tennessee River Valley requires cooperation among public agencies, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and local communities. Partners such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, conservation groups, and volunteers play an important role in keeping the watershed healthy and accessible for recreation and wildlife.

Each spring, volunteers gather across the valley to remove trash from shorelines, waterways, and trails. Litter not only detracts from the region’s scenic beauty but can also harm wildlife, degrade natural habitats, and impact water quality throughout the watershed.

Across the region, grassroots groups are stepping up to make a difference. Organizations including Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, the Norris Lake Project, the Tellico River Cleanup, and local Keep America Beautiful affiliates like Johnson City that host volunteer days and educational efforts aimed at protecting waterways and natural landscapes.

“In a region defined by rivers, lakes, and mountain landscapes, stewardship is a shared responsibility,” said Julie Graham, a spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council. “When visitors and residents alike practice simple habits—packing out trash, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural places better than they found them—we protect the waters that sustain our communities, recreation, and wildlife.”

The council also promotes responsible outdoor recreation through the principles of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Tread Lightly! encouraging hikers, paddlers, anglers, cyclists, and boaters to follow the “pack it in, pack it out” ethic and tread responsibly while enjoying the outdoors.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed March as Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month, with this year’s kickoff held today, March 12 in Memphis, Tennessee as part of a statewide effort to inspire local stewardship activities during the commemorative year of America 250.

“If every hiker, biker, angler, and boater takes one small step to care for the outdoors, the Tennessee River Valley watershed will continue to thrive as a destination for recreation, a source of clean drinking water, and a healthy habitat for wildlife,” the council added.

Community members, families, and outdoor groups are encouraged to join local cleanup efforts and help steward the rivers, lakes, and trails of the Tennessee River Valley throughout the spring season. Learn more here.

The TRV Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship, economic vitality, and tourism across the seven-state Tennessee River Valley watershed. The Council works to connect communities and visitors through initiatives that celebrate the region’s diverse landscapes, history, and culture. The Council’s efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

www.exploreTRV.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caring-for-the-waters-that-shape-the-tennessee-river-valley-volunteers-mobilize-for-2026-spring-cleanups-302712898.html

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council