Zhoushan, Zhejiang: Green Power Sparks Young Hearts to Protect the “Mythical Bird”

“Do you know how to spot a Chinese crested tern on the beach?” On October 11, in a classroom at Zhoushan Xinmiao Kindergarten, five-year-old Lele pointed excitedly to a picture of the bird, pulling a classmate closer to take a look.

To mark China’s second World Migratory Bird Day, the State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company brought its “Green Power Ark” program to the kindergarten, giving the children a lively and creative science lesson. Through fun quizzes, animated videos, and interactive games, power company volunteers introduced the “mythical bird” — the Chinese crested tern — while planting seeds of environmental awareness in the young minds.

“Black-tipped beak, black crest—remember this trick and you’ll spot it right away!” said volunteer Lu Jialu, showing comparison pictures of the terns. The Chinese crested tern’s beak fades from yellow at the base to black at the tip, while the greater crested tern’s is all yellow. The catchy “ID tip” quickly became the class favorite, with children craning their necks and standing on tiptoe to get a better look.

“This kind of science activity teaches knowledge and responsibility at the same time,” said teacher Wu Hao. From drawing bird migration routes to joining a “bird-friendly labels” quiz, the children not only learned about rare birds like the Chinese crested tern and the Chinese merganser but also developed a budding love for nature.

“In the Wuzhi Islands of Zhoushan, the Chinese crested tern has found a new home,” explained one volunteer. “Our ‘Green Power Ark’—solar panels and battery storage—acts like a huge green power bank, supplying electricity quietly and cleanly to monitoring equipment, without disturbing the birds.”

Launched in 2023, the State Grid’s “Green Power Ark” initiative took root in Zhoushan as a model of ecological protection. By building a solar–diesel–storage microgrid on the Wuzhi Islands, the Zhoushan Power Supply Company ensured the stable power for monitoring systems while minimizing human disturbance to the bird colonies.

During the art session, the children expressed their imagination with crayon drawings of terns. Each colorful piece reflected how green ideas take root and grow. “We want more people to understand that protecting nature starts with each of us,” said Lu Jialu.

“Today I learned how to recognize the ‘mythical bird’!” Lele announced proudly, holding up his drawing. Excitement filled the classroom as the children eagerly shared what they had learned, promising to become “little bird guardians” and teach their families to protect birds too.

The “Green Power Ark” campus program was not only an engaging ecological lesson but also a demonstration of how “educating one child can inspire a family and mobilize a community.” The State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company plans to continue offering creative, hands-on science programs that encourage environmental stewardship and help preserve the blue seas, clear skies, and biodiversity of the Zhoushan Islands.(By Liu Mengnan)