Gao Qingfang trims the shrubs with a shear. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

Residents of Shengshan town, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, now enjoy over 700 lush flower beds and an over 5,700-square-metre verdant greenbelt, thanks to a special team of elderly rangers led by Gao Qingfang.

Gao Qingfang, a 74-year-old retired cadre forestry worker, pointed out Shengshan town's poor landscaping over a decade ago. He thereafter formed a ranger team with other nine committed retirees from the local seniors association.

Instructed by Gao Qingfang and subsidized by the local government, the team's work, starting from simple weeding and cleaning, has expanded to trimming, planting, and pest removal. 

The team's schedule requires that members work from 5 am to 10 am and for another three hours in the afternoon. They work from Monday to Saturday, weather permitting, which is rather intense for the members who have an average age over 60. Nonetheless, the town rangers remain committed to their work.

"I'm used to it," Gao Qingfang said, "Contributing to my hometown means a lot to me and I won't stop until my body no longer allows it."