From October to November 2025, the Million Tree Project successfully completed its Autumn Forest Survey in Inner Mongolia after 14 days of fieldwork. The survey focused on newly planted forests as well as near-mature forests which were between 2013 and 2025, using random sampling methods. A total of 22 forest plots were surveyed, with an average tree survival rate reaching 74.53 %.
Three local residents were employed to help with the fieldwork across forest sites in Horqin Zuoyi Houqi. The team measured the trees with standard forestry indicators, including tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and basal diameter. More than 2,800 trees were sampled and measured in total.
Marking sample trees during field measurements (Photo by Kai Wang)
Poplar trees planted in 2018 (Photo by Kai Wang)
Poplar trees planted in 2014 (Photo by Kai Wang)
By contrast, newly planted forests aged one to three years remain in a relatively vulnerable stage of development. These forests are rather more likely affected by alternating periods of drought and flooding, which continue to pose challenges to their survival and growth. In addition, risks from weed competition, waterlogging, and soil salinization remain high, particularly in low-lying areas.
Soil salinization observed in low-lying areas (Photo by Kai Wang)