‘Green miracle’: US teacher returns to China after 26 years to find donation grew into forest

A retired American teacher has reunited with a Chinese farmer 26 years after their initial encounter, returning to the once-barren sandy landscape transformed by his generous donation into a lush green environment.
In 1999, Ronald Sakolsky, now 67, was teaching English in Luoyang, Henan province, central-eastern China, when he discovered Inner Mongolian farmer Yin Yuzhen’s efforts to combat desertification. Inspired by her dedication, he donated US$5,000 to support her mission.
The pair first...