Protect the Forest, Save the Trees

#Forests are the lungs of our planet, providing us with clean air, biodiversity, and climate stability. Yet, deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
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AFRICA, MY MOTHERLAND

Africa—the land of untamed beauty, rich traditions, and a spirit that never fades. From the golden dunes of the Sahara to the lush rainforests of the Congo, every inch of this great continent tells a story. It is a land of rhythm, where the beating of drums echoes the heartbeat of its people. A land where the sun kisses the earth with warmth, and the rivers flow like veins carrying life to its people.

Beyond the landscapes, Africa is home to a diverse culture rooted in unity, strength, and resilience. Our ancestors passed down wisdom through folklore, proverbs, and dances that still shape our identities today. In Africa, family is more than blood—it is a bond of togetherness, a deep connection to our heritage. Though modern times bring change, our traditions remain a guiding light, reminding us of who we are and where we come from.

Africa, my motherland—a place of hope, heritage, and endless possibilities.

The groom sent his pregnant bride on a tour to the taiga and left her in the forest. What happened next?

Taya took a long time getting ready and twirled in front of the mirror, critically examining herself. Well, today was a special day! Sergey had invited her to an expensive restaurant, surely he wanted to propose. She also had a surprise for her beloved; she had learned incredible news yesterday—she was two months pregnant. Her beloved would be thrilled!

The girl was already anticipating their soon-to-be wedding, the beautiful dress, and her beloved by her side. Finally, even she, a poor orphanage graduate, was lucky in life. She hadn't settled into her waitress job at the pizzeria when this guy started courting her. Rich, smart, gallant, he gave such bouquets, read Yesenin's poems. She fell in love instantly, enchanted, hanging on his every word. One thing bothered her, though; Sergey was in no hurry to introduce her to his parents and friends, they met secretly and covertly, like thieves... He always said he was too busy, too much work...

But everything went awry! As soon as the young man heard about the pregnancy, he changed completely, began screaming, and blamed Taya for everything:

-'What were you thinking? What children? I have a contract in Spain, my fate is being decided! No problem, I'll arrange it, give you money, you'll go to a trusted doctor, to sort it out within a week!' - he declared sharply.

Taya burst into tears, trying to reach her beloved:

-'Sergey, what are you saying? I can't kill our baby... It's already alive, it feels everything! I thought you loved me and would be happy! And you? Just so you know, I will give birth!' - she burst out like scalded and rushed headlong back to her dorm, jumping over puddles...

Sergey was furious! What a fool, a miserable orphan! He hadn't planned anything serious with her, just got carried away with a pretty waitress from the pizzeria, it happens. Actually, he already had a profitable match, an ambassador's daughter, Anna, and leaving for Spain was possible only after their wedding. What now? What if this poor girl runs off and tells his father? Or someone else? That's the end! Then he accidentally saw an ad in the newspaper: 'Tourist trip to Siberia! Romance, songs by the fire, beauty of the wild taiga forest! Unforgettable weekends!' 'This is my chance!' - thought the guy. The main thing is to plan everything carefully, and leave her there, this orphanage girl, no one will even search for her, she'll disappear in the forest, and good riddance!

The next day, Taya couldn't focus at work, everything slipped from her hands. She had already been scolded twice and threatened with dismissal when suddenly the phone rang. The excited girl picked up, Sergey said:

-'Taya, my love, I was wrong and acted rashly. Let's make up, I propose we go on a super journey this weekend, a tour to the taiga forests! You always dreamed of romance, right?' - he persuaded.

The girl nearly shouted for joy! 'Hooray! He finally came to his senses! I knew he loved me!' - she rejoiced and of course immediately agreed. They had never traveled together, and she longed for it, three whole days together with her beloved.

The beauty of the taiga region struck Taisiya to the core! Huge, powerful cedars, sprawling firs, a sea of cranberries and blackberries, and the clearest, intoxicating air away from the polluted city. She listened with her mouth open to the guide and didn't stray a step from him. The tour was coming to an end, the last route and the way home were left for tomorrow. They spent the night in wooden guesthouses near a small village of ten houses. Sergey was very nervous, his plan was at risk! The stubborn girl wouldn't separate from the group: she happily sang songs with everyone and ate fish she had caught herself, baked on the campfire. The guy realized, it was now or never.

He woke up the already dozing girl, and anxiously began:

-'Sweetheart, help! I lost my documents, probably dropped them at the rest stop! Let's go look! I can't go anywhere without them, it'll take a long time to replace them, there are bank cards, and licenses too!

Taya hesitated:

-'Let's do it tomorrow already, tell the guide, he'll help, we'll get lost ourselves? And it's nighttime outside...

But the wretched villain continued to play on her sympathy:

-'Look, will he turn the whole group around just for me! Honey, it's not far from here, I remember our route well! Besides, I'll take a flashlight, we always stayed on the path and didn't deviate into the depths!

Naive and trusting, the girl agreed and went to rescue her beloved, not even noticing the coil of rope under Sergey's jacket. They walked for a long time, long off the daytime route, Taya was very tired and breathless from the fast pace, she was cold and scared. The forest at night was not at all gentle and friendly, she imagined predators under every bush and jumped at every branch crack...

Taya couldn't take it anymore:

-'Sergey, enough, I can't go any further! There's no sign of your wallet, and how much can you really see with a flashlight! Let's go back, we'll search more tomorrow!

The young man behind her sneered evilly, and quietly said:

-'Well, as you say, you decided it yourself! Be damned, idiot! I hate you!' - and he slammed a heavy log onto her head. The girl moaned and fell to the ground.

To make sure, Sergey dragged the poor girl further from the path, tightly tied her with rope around a tree... The story continues in the comments...

The Hidden Gold Beneath Our Feet: A Forester’s Tale of Mushrooms and Nature's Magic
As a professional forester and wildlife conservationist, I’ve often marveled at the majestic trees and the diverse creatures that roam the forests.
In the quiet shadows, another wonder grows—often unnoticed but just as essential.
Let me share a story with you about one of nature’s most mysterious gifts: mushrooms.
Once upon a time, deep in the misty forests of Obanliku, there was a secret that only the earth knew.
Hidden beneath the shadows of towering trees and between the rocks of fertile mountains, mushrooms thrived—an ancient treasure, quietly waiting to be discovered.
While everyone marveled at the cocoa trees and the grazing cattle, few realized the magic growing just beneath their feet.
One morning, as I wandered through the forest, my attention was drawn to a cluster of mushrooms that seemed to glow in the early sunlight.
These weren't just any mushrooms; their delicate caps shimmered with shades of brown and white, and the way they sprouted in unison made me pause.
"Ah," I thought, "nature's little surprise."
It reminded me of how easily we overlook the small wonders of the world while chasing after the big, shiny rewards.
In many cultures, mushrooms have always held a mystical reputation.
Some see them as food, rich in nutrients and flavor. Others view them as medicine, capable of healing.
But in Obanliku, many don’t pay them much attention, yet these humble fungi play a vital role in the ecosystem.
They break down dead matter, returning nutrients to the soil, feeding the trees and plants that we so often admire.
I recalled —a tale of how the first people of Obanliku discovered that mushrooms could be food and medicine.
One day, during a time of great hunger, a hunter found himself lost in the forest.
With no food to sustain him, he nearly gave up. But as he lay on the forest floor, he noticed a strange, white mushroom beside him.
Weak and desperate, he plucked it and tasted it. To his surprise, it filled him with strength and energy, enough to find his way home.
Since then, mushrooms have been seen as a gift from the forest, helping people in their time of need.
Today, I see mushrooms as a reminder that sometimes, what we need the most isn't the most obvious.
Just as our community strives to rebuild its agricultural wealth and heal the land from bush burning, we must also learn to appreciate the overlooked treasures around us.
Mushrooms may not be as glamorous as cocoa, but in their quiet way, they contribute just as much.
So the next time you find yourself in the forest, take a moment to look down. You never know what hidden wonders might be growing right under your feet.
#crossriverforest #nature #CrossRiver #wildlife
#mushrooms #mushroomhunting