In 2024, when Chen Renfan retired, Chen Botao made the decision. He applied for a job transfer to work as a forest ranger at the forest farm.

The younger Chen now serves as the head of the Taizi Mountain Forest Farm. He brought something his father's generation never had: a drone.

"I can drive to a spot close by, and then use the drone to inspect the mountain," he said. Three drones are currently used for mountain patrols.

He has plans for additional technologies, such as fixed cameras at critical points that can instantly detect fire risks.

Chen Botao said that his father's persistence is a crucial source of support for his decision to stay at the forest farm.

"He doesn't know much about forest protection technology, but he strongly supports trying innovations. Having experienced the hardships of manual forest protection, he understands the importance of technology," he said.

Liu Tianhao, a 38-year-old forest ranger, said he has benefited from the technology.

"Patrolling the mountains has gotten a lot easier now. The truck can go up to the mountainside or even to the top, where I can launch the drone to cover a large area. The drone offers a clear bird's-eye view, making it easy to spot any fire risks," he said.

"I remember when I first returned to work as a forest ranger, there was no internet or communication in the forest, and the mountains were both remote and monotonous. I've seen this place evolve from having no equipment at all, relying solely on foot patrols, to now benefiting from improved technology with vehicles and drones. That has greatly increased work efficiency. I believe that as long as we do the simplest tasks well, which is to protect this forest. That's enough."

The younger Chen said: "We're currently short on young talent. Only two, including me, who were born in the 1990s, are here. To ensure the forest farm thrives, we'll focus not only on excelling in forest protection and water conservation but also on expanding orchard and medicinal herb industries. We aim to boost economic benefits to make it more appealing for young people to join us."

Contact the writers at lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn