Sketch of Archilife Study Tour, August 2017
2017年8月份見識之旅縮影 ![]() For the study tour of August 26, 2017, Ms. Lu Ming-yun led 25 ARF interns and their parents on a tour to visit Nantou's Endemic Species Research Institute and experience farming in Puli. It was clear and sunny on the day of the tour, and the interns and their parents were on time for the departure. At the start of the day's activities, team leader Ms. Lu Ming-yun reminded everyone about things to note and what to observe, and provided the interns some general background knowledge. ![]() The morning's itinerary began with a visit to the Endemic Species Research Institute, which aims to promote local ecological education so as to draw greater attention to the concept of wildlife conservation. Introducing "the worship of Tree Deity" in the early days, the tour guide began by explaining the interdependent relationship between humanity and nature since time immemorial, and emphasized that environmental conservation is important as the pursuit of economic development has resulted in environmental destruction and near extinction of many species. Moving into a cave encased by tree roots, the tour guide introduced the different types of roots by illustrations, explaining that different roots are evolved to adapt to different environments. The tour guide also explained how water travels up from the root, and which part of the root to handle first when transplanting a tree in order not to affect the roots' ability to draw water. Next, the tour guide explained the different types of forest, and characteristics of flora and fauna, according to their altitudes, reflecting the rich diversity of Taiwan's ecological resources despite its subtropical location. Finally, in the spider exhibition area, interns learned about the different types of spider and their ecology from the extensive collection of specimens and display boards. Besides trapping preys and attracting mates with their webs, spiders are also good at disguising and blending in with the environment to hide from their predators. Some spiders living in the wetland can even glide over water surfaces and submerge themselves in water to avoid their predators, contrary to what everyone had imagined. ![]() Lunch was local specialties at a water bamboo farm in Puli. After lunch, the farm owner explained that water bamboo is not really bamboo but the stem of the rice grass(Zizania latifolia), which swells into what is known as water bamboo when infected by the fungus, Ustilago esculenta. Everyone then donned waders and learned how to identify ripe water bamboo and walk properly in the water field. The farm owner also introduced the characteristics of duckweed and its functions, and birds nesting on the water bamboo plants and other symbiotic organisms. The hands-on experience provided the interns deeper understanding of farm ecology. At this point, the day's itinerary came to an end. Everyone returned to home after taking a group photo and looked forward to the next study tour. |