A.V. Emelianov
Students of the Science division of the Institute of Mathematics, Science and IT at Tambov State University were happy to help Tambov forestry station in one of its reforestation programmes. It is not the first time that ecology students have participated in forest planting, as their future profession is linked with environment preservation and rehabilitation. Over the past six years teachers and students of the Science division have helped in pine reforestation on the area of more than 250 hectares (2.5 km2). The 2016 event took place on the site that suffered from the forest fire of 2014, in Tambov region, around the village of Tulinovka.
In several days the team of 40 members – students and teachers – led by the head of the department of Chemistry and Environmental Security A.N. Zavershinsky and member of the Russian Geographical Society B.E. Petukhov, planted around 2,500 pine seedlings that were prepared in the nurseries of Tambov forestry station.
Other events followed. Students of ecology and biology also took part in planting a memorial forest, the so called ‘Forest of Victory’, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War II. Here they planted more than 1,000 trees.
Forest planting is hard physical job requiring skills and professionalism. Yet, the students showed such great enthusiasm and care that deserved praise of forestry specialists. Overall, it was a highly beneficial experience for all parties, as the students could lay their hands on the practical aspects of what might be their future job.