Biysk's 'Garden of Remembrance' rises from hurricane-devastated land through community effort
A new 'Garden of Remembrance' has taken root near Biysk, where volunteers joined forces to replant a forest devastated by a 2022 hurricane. The effort brought together city officials, prosecutors, and local workers to restore 1.6 hectares of barren land with thousands of pine seedlings. The reforestation project targeted Section 72, Plot No. 6, a stretch of land left stripped of trees after a powerful storm two years ago. Located 3 kilometres from the Sorokino turnoff, the site now hosts 3,200 pine seedlings, carefully chosen for their resilience in Biysk’s climate. The young trees, cultivated at the Borovka Forest Seed Center, were purchased for 2 million rubles and selected for their closed root systems, improving their chances of survival in the new soil.
On planting day, over 50 volunteers—including municipal employees, prosecutors from the city’s office, and staff from Lespromexport LLC—worked together to cover part of the area. In just one day, they managed to plant 5% of the total 33.5 hectares earmarked for reforestation. The initiative aims to gradually restore the wider forest, with the newly planted pines marking the first step in a long-term recovery plan.
The newly established 'Garden of Remembrance' now stands as a visible result of community collaboration. With 3,200 seedlings in place and further planting planned, the project seeks to revive the damaged landscape. Officials have confirmed that additional phases will follow to cover the remaining allocated land.
