For over four decades, Song Hengchun and his family have dedicated their lives to maintaining the cleanliness of the Zhaozhuang reservoir in Dongzhaozhuang village, Yiyuan county, Shandong province. The reservoir, constructed in the 1960s, plays a vital role in irrigating local farms and sustaining surrounding communities. In the 1980s, Song, then 30 years old, left his urban job to return to his hometown and take on the responsibility of safeguarding the reservoir. His commitment soon became a family affair, with his wife and later his son joining him in this noble endeavor. Together, they conduct regular inspections of the water quality and, during flood seasons, navigate the reservoir by boat to remove debris and trash. In 2014, Song was officially appointed as the river chief, a role that further solidified his dedication to the reservoir. This past June, his son succeeded him as river chief, ensuring the family’s legacy of environmental stewardship continues for generations.
