Part 2: The “iron rose” guarding the vast wilderness

Each patrol marks a journey where the Hà Nhì woman channels her sense of duty and love for the wilderness. Resiliently crossing forests, wading through streams, grasping territorial developments, and mobilizing villagers to protect the woods, Mì Nò contributes her modest footsteps to preserve the green canopy of the vast wilderness and maintain peace for hamlets along the westernmost frontier.

Hardships in preserving the green canopy

Regardless of blazing sun or sudden forest downpours, Mì Nò and her colleagues trek across mountains and traverse woodlands two to three times a week, covering dozens of kilometers to patrol and monitor assigned forest areas. Certain expeditions stretch from dawn to dusk, with nights spent deep in the wilderness, accompanied only by the sounds of the wind and flowing streams. Winding forest trails, steep inclines, and slippery sections make every step arduous, yet for Mì Nò, this has become a familiar daily routine.

Much like her male counterparts, on every patrol trek Mì Nò shoulders dozens of kilograms of provisions, food supplies, and essential gear. While the hefty rucksack weighs upon her slender shoulders, her steps remain resolute over steep slopes and muddy paths. During moments of physical exhaustion when her legs feel drained, merely thinking of the forests entrusted to her care gives Mì Nò renewed confidence to press ahead.

Sudden squalls occasionally descend during patrols, with dark clouds sweeping down, heavy rains pouring, and tree branches threatening to fracture at any moment. Scorching summer days are equally punishing. In temperatures approaching 40°C, the deeper one penetrates the forest, the steeper the slopes become. After only 15 minutes of climbing, shirts are drenched in sweat; along vertical inclines, rangers must pause every ten paces to catch their breath. These trials have turned into a familiar part of staying attached to and safeguarding the woodlands. Though every excursion carries latent hazards, Mì Nò presses forward quietly, knowing that ahead lie forests requiring protection - the very greenery to which she has dedicated her heart and youth.

Pờ Mì Nò shared that frequent treks make the forest routine second nature. Heavy rain, steep grades, slippery mud, or overnight stays in the woods bring hardship, yet she never hesitates. Simply looking at the forests remaining green and towering amid the wilderness brings her joy and renewed drive, representing the greatest reward for a forest guardian. Returning from a patrol knowing the forest remains peaceful makes every exertion worthwhile.

Trần Văn Hoàn, a fellow ranger at the Sín Thầu Forest Ranger Post, remarked that Pờ Mì Nò is remarkably diligent and responsible in her duties. Trekking through the woods alongside her peers, she completes assigned missions without minding hardship, regardless of long distances, sheer cliffs, or severe weather. As an indigenous Hà Nhì born and raised locally, Mì Nò understands the forest and the villagers, creating favorable conditions for legal outreach and community mobilization to protect nature. Her enthusiasm and high sense of responsibility remain her most valued traits; though forest protection can be grueling, the young woman consistently retains her vigor and dedication to the profession.

Behind the footsteps safeguarding the forest

Pờ Mì Nò is the mother of two young sons, aged six and two. Because the ranger profession entails frequent forest deployments far from home and extended patrol missions, she relies on a steadfast home front to focus on her duties. Notably, her husband is also a forestry cadre, enabling him to comprehend the hardships of the vocation. Supported by the empathy and encouragement of her husband and extended family, Mì Nò finds a solid anchor to surmount days away from home and walk firmly along forest paths.

Pờ Mì Nò emotionally recounted that because both husband and wife work in forestry, they understand and share each other’s burdens deeply. On days when she patrols around the clock, missing her young children is inevitable. Fortunately, her husband encourages her and shoulders domestic chores so she can work with peace of mind, while grandparents on both sides assist in looking after the children, providing an invaluable pillar of support.

Consistently standing by his wife with encouragement and care, Nguyễn Việt Thành understands the demands of the forestry profession better than anyone. Working in the same field, he realizes that long patrols away from home, steep mountain slopes, and overnight forest stays are never easy. Behind every journey Mì Nò undertakes in her green uniform lies his quiet partnership, from caring for the children and keeping the household in order to offering simple words of motivation.

Nguyễn Việt Thành shared that with both serving as rangers, he recognizes the demanding nature of the work. He constantly urges his wife to persevere, sharing household chores and childcare so that whenever she leaves for the woods, he arranges care for their children.

As dusk settles over the westernmost frontier, mountain forests submerge into deep shades of green, and hamlets emerge faintly beneath mountain ridges. Along familiar trails, Pờ Mì Nò’s footsteps quietly continue after every patrol. Beyond protecting woodlands through her own strides, the Hà Nhì woman quietly ignites a love for nature among the people and community, helping everyone realize that protecting the forest preserves life, peace, and the homeland itself.