December 17, 2021

A Cone-petition


A Cone-petition
Pinecones are more than just cute holiday decorations. Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

A pinecone collecting competition was held in the Uvelsky district of the Chelyabinsk region.  Altogether, participants from the competition broke records by collecting almost ten bags of pinecones in just eight hours, which doubles the total collected in previous years.

But participants competed in this event for more than just the thrill of competition or the glory of victory; pinecones play an important role in the restoration process of forests and by collecting them, the citizens were able to do their part in keeping Russia green. The competition aspect was just a fun added bonus to increase incentive, and it worked!

After the pinecones are processed in a special pinecone drier and stratified, about four kilograms of seeds can be produced from one ton of pinecones. This process is especially important with all the forest loss that has occurred in recent years due to forest fires in Russia. To make up for this, the head of the Uvelsky Department of Forestry, Ivan Romashenko says that the plan is to restore seventy hectares of forest annually. That's a lot of pinecones! 

You Might Also Like

Fire in the Forest
  • September 01, 2019

Fire in the Forest

In the public mind, Russian forests have always been an unlimited resource. Not any longer.
Shashlik Responsibly
  • May 05, 2021

Shashlik Responsibly

Grilled meat on a stick and fire safety have never been good friends, but Russian officials are trying to change that relationship. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955