七月，东北林业大学（简称东林）绿意盎然，微风吹过校园，时光悄然流转。

7月10日，这所学府迎来了其建校74周年的纪念日。

在此，祝愿东林74岁生日快乐！

人们或许认为东林的“宝藏”仅在于那满目的葱茏、别致的红楼建筑，抑或是中国（哈尔滨）森林博物馆中讲述的生命故事。

campus sightings of squirrels and deer?

Moreover, there are many unique aspects of Donglin that are hard to find elsewhere, offering unexpected delights.

For instance, imagine attending classes amidst forests, understanding life within a museum, or running freely in wooded areas.

On this campus, where every window frames greenery and every turn reveals trees, nature is woven into the fabric of daily learning and life.

However, Donglin's true treasures extend far beyond the visual and the immediate.

These treasures are embedded in its mission to serve the nation, reflected in its motto "Learn from Heaven and Earth, Cultivate Virtue in Harmony with Nature."

They are present in classrooms, forest farms, laboratories, research stations, and on the front lines of various sectors.

Crucially, these treasures also reside in the youthful spirit of generations of Donglin students, who are rooted in their foundations and striving for growth.

Donglin's origins are deeply intertwined with national needs.

The purpose for which a university is established often dictates its future trajectory.

In 1952, the predecessor of Northeast Forestry University, the Northeast Forestry Institute, was founded to meet the demands of New China's forestry development.

From its beginnings in forestry education, Donglin has evolved into a key university under the national "Project 211," and was subsequently included in the "Double First-Class" initiative in 2017 and again in 2022.

Every advancement made by Donglin has been in sync with national development and in support of the green cause.

The university boasts a campus spanning 136 hectares, complemented by teaching and research bases like the Mao'ershan Experimental Forest Farm and the Liangshui Experimental Forest Farm, which collectively cover an area of 33,000 hectares.

From the campus grounds to the forest farms, from the shade of trees near academic buildings to the sample plots deep within the woods, Donglin transforms its exceptional natural environment into an everyday space for growth.

Here, the sounds of birds, the shadows of trees, and the changing seasons are not mere backdrops but integral components of every Donglin individual's campus experience.

For those at Donglin, forests are not distant places but rather living classrooms.

Ecology is not an abstract concept but a profound responsibility.

The aspiration to "adorn the mountains and rivers with brocade, and paint the land with colors" is not just a slogan but the guiding principle that directs generations of teachers and students toward serving the nation's natural landscapes.

The fundamental essence of Donglin lies in the warmth of its commitment to moral education and nurturing talent.

Donglin's treasures are first and foremost found in its dedication to educating people.

The university's motto, "Learn from Heaven and Earth, Cultivate Virtue in Harmony with Nature," instills in young scholars the importance of learning from the natural world, fostering reverence for nature, and respecting its laws.

It also guides them in their pursuit of knowledge, the cultivation of character, and the achievement of self-fulfillment through social service.

In recent years, the university has integrated moral and intellectual education into its classrooms, activities, practical experiences, and daily life.

This approach promotes the effective implementation of a holistic educational framework encompassing moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education.

Ideological and political courses are now conducted in natural settings like forests, on campus, and within museums.

Environmental education has become an engaging learning experience accessible to all students.

Platforms such as the one-stop student community, the "Qingma Project," the "Zhixing Forum," the "Chengdong Forum," the "Donglin Culture Grand Lecture Hall," and "Donglin Teachers' Say" empower young people to solidify their direction through discussions, practical work, and reflection.

At Donglin, education is not merely a theoretical concept confined to textbooks; it is manifested in every class, every practical activity, every volunteer service, and every journey of growth shared between students and faculty.

The university cultivates not only individuals with professional expertise but also aspiring citizens imbued with patriotism, a deep understanding of ecological civilization, practical skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Donglin's strength is more "hardcore" than one might imagine.

Many first encounter Donglin because of its connection to "forests."

However, upon closer acquaintance, it becomes evident that the "forest" at Donglin has blossomed into a diverse and interconnected academic ecosystem.

The university's strengths lie in its forestry-related disciplines, such as Forestry and Forest Products Engineering, which are recognized as world-class disciplines.

Additionally, Biology, Ecology, Landscape Architecture, and Agricultural and Forestry Economic Management are considered leading disciplines within China.

Currently, Donglin comprises 22 colleges offering 71 undergraduate programs, with 26 designated as national first-class undergraduate programs. This comprehensive academic structure provides robust support for ecological civilization initiatives and regional socio-economic development.

The university hosts national-level research platforms, including the National Key Laboratory of Tree Genetic Improvement and the National Key Laboratory of Utilization of Woody Oil Resources.

It also features key laboratories focusing on areas like Forest Plant Ecology, Biomass Material Science and Technology, Restoration and Reconstruction of Saline-Alkali Vegetation in Northeast China, and Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems.

At Donglin, research subjects can range from trees, wetlands, permafrost, and wildlife to biomass materials, intelligent equipment, carbon neutrality, and ecological big data.

This demonstrates that while the forest serves as an entry point, the future possibilities are vast.

Donglin's classrooms extend across the nation.

Another significant treasure of Donglin is its ability to translate knowledge into practical application in real-world settings and on the ground.

Mao'ershan and Liangshui are not merely experimental forest farms but Donglin's most expansive educational arenas.

New students embark on their first practical university courses at these ecological bases.

Within this natural learning environment, students gain an appreciation for the beauty of forests, the elegance of ecosystems, and the value of labor.

They also develop a profound understanding of the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" in tangible surroundings.

The university integrates ecological civilization practices as a vital component of student development.

Leveraging resources such as forest farms, the China (Harbin) Forest Museum, and the Fur Animal Specimen Museum, Donglin provides immersive practical experiences.

This extends the learning environment from traditional classrooms into the depths of forests, industrial sites, and rural areas, making it one of Donglin's most distinctive features.

While many universities incorporate nature into their textbooks, Donglin literally lays out textbooks within the forests.

Students can explore biodiversity at the China (Harbin) Forest Museum or understand the principles of wildlife resource conservation and utilization through the exhibits at the Fur Animal Specimen Museum.

Donglin's commitment to grassroots engagement is equally robust.

Through national and university-level "Science and Technology Backyard" initiatives, graduate students are encouraged to immerse themselves in agricultural and rural settings.

They conduct research addressing practical issues in industries such as edible fungi, berries, and Eleutherococcus senticosus, thereby applying their knowledge directly to real-world challenges.

In response to the demand for talent in forestry regions, the university implements the "Support Forestry Plan," enabling numerous Donglin students to contribute to grassroots units within the forestry and grassland sector, dedicating themselves to areas where they are most needed.

This exemplifies Donglin's philosophy of practical learning: true scholarship must extend into forests, villages, and industries, and must be capable of solving real problems and contributing to genuine development.

Donglin's youthful energy flourishes through passion.

The campus life at Donglin is itself a treasure trove.

Beyond the classroom, students' youthful endeavors unfold through competitions, clubs, sports, performances, and volunteer services.

For six consecutive years, the university has ranked first nationally among agricultural and forestry institutions in terms of undergraduate student competition achievements.

The NEFU-China team has achieved multiple gold medals at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition.

Donglin students are consistently visible in competitions like the Smart Car Challenge, robotics competitions, metallographic skill contests, and the "Challenge Cup" series, showcasing their courage and initiative.

The "President's Cup" series of events captures the vibrant rhythm of youth through running, jumping, competing, and cheering.

Campus marathons trace routes along forest ecological trails, winding through shaded paths and embodying the passion of the Donglin community.

These forest ecological trails connect physical activity with nature, symbolizing not just the distance covered but also the Donglin way of embracing forests and a healthy lifestyle.

Original theatrical productions like "Juanzi" and "Hen Niang," and performance pieces such as the situational dance "Donglin People on the Desert," bring alumni stories, ecological consciousness, and campus memories to the stage, amplifying the Donglin spirit through artistic expression.

Student organizations like the Green Messenger Volunteer Association, the Bird Watching Association, and the Forest Museum Volunteer Association actively engage in environmental protection, science popularization, and volunteer services as part of their regular activities.

They share life stories at the Forest Museum and protect every plant and tree on campus. These seemingly ordinary actions represent how Donglin students translate their academic learning into social contribution.

At the Asian Winter Games, Donglin's "Little Green Leaves" demonstrated the responsibility and commitment of Chinese university youth through their professional services.

At Donglin, youth is not monochromatic but rather a vibrant spectrum, much like a diverse forest.

Every passion deserves recognition, and every endeavor leads toward a broader future.

Donglin's future leads toward the vastness of the country and beyond.

The appeal of a "treasure university" extends beyond the present into the future.

Donglin aligns talent cultivation with national strategies, industry demands, and regional development.

It fosters integration between industry and education, and between science and education, enabling students to acquire skills through real projects, authentic scenarios, and genuine needs.

The university has established numerous off-campus innovation and practice bases and graduate research stations.

It engages corporate mentors, strengthens career guidance, and promotes programs such as paid internships, enterprise incubation camps, and skill development initiatives to support students' high-quality employment and long-term career growth.

Here, some graduates dedicate themselves to grassroots forestry work, safeguarding the ecological security barrier in northern China.

Others join research institutions and key laboratories to explore cutting-edge green technologies.

Many enter enterprises and industrial sectors to facilitate the commercialization of scientific achievements.

Still others participate in international exchange platforms, sharing the Donglin story with a global audience.

What Donglin provides students is more than just a diploma.

It offers professional confidence, a value compass, and the capacity for future growth.

It turns out that Donglin's treasures are multifaceted.

It is a university built within forests, dedicated to serving national strategies.

It possesses not only an aesthetically pleasing campus but also robust academic programs, complemented by unique institutions like the China (Harbin) Forest Museum and the Fur Animal Specimen Museum, as well as distinctive features such as the forest ecological running track, all contributing to its unique identity.

It offers a culture of warmth and substantial practical experiences.

It nurtures youth amidst greenery and roots aspirations in the nation's landscapes.

Over its 74-year history, from a single tree to a vast forest, Donglin has consistently advanced alongside the nation and championed the green cause.

Today's Northeast Forestry University, with green as its defining color, effort as its growth rings, and innovation as its branches, continues to craft its narrative for the new era.

May everyone who encounters Donglin find within its embrace the vastness of the forest, the vibrancy of youth, and the boundless potential of the future.

Happy 74th anniversary to Northeast Forestry University!

Authors: Shi Yifu, Li Xiangmei, Wang Simiao