Retired U.S. teacher reunites with Yin Yuzhen to plant three trees, renewing a 26-year friendship

(ECNS) -- Ronald Sakolsky, a retired U.S. teacher, stood once again in China's Mu Us Desert on Monday, planting three saplings alongside environmentalist Yin Yuzhen and her husband Bai Wanxiang.

The moment renewed a friendship forged 26 years ago when Sakolsky donated $5,000 to help Yin battle desertification and planted a tree with her.

That single act has since grown into a forest of more than 50,000 trees, transforming barren sand into green cover. "It's a miracle," Sakolsky said, gazing at the forest. Yin recalled the years of struggle against shifting dunes, saying the return of her old friend symbolized how persistence and cooperation can change landscapes.