(BEIJING, April 5) -- The arrival of spring has kick-started forestation work around the National Stadium, commonly referred to as the "Bird's Nest". The project began on April 4 and, when finished, will include 2,742 newly planted trees and 77,000 sq m of new grass.

The National Stadium will host the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics and football competitions. After the Olympic Games, the stadium will become a center for sports, cultural and creative activities,. Its post-Games use is currently undergoing extensive planning.