TKU and Luodong Forestry District Office (LFDO) have collaborated on a project to transform Lanyang Campus (LC) into an ecological park of indigenous plants. LFDO would provide Lanyang Campus thousands of seedlings and Prof. Wang Ming-jen of the Information and Communications Technology Management Department of LC will oversee the growing of these trees. There are four stages of tree planting, with the first one completed in November last year already. In this stage, approx. 3,000 azalea cultivars were planted and now are in full blossoms. The second stage of planting will be marked with a ceremony attended by TKU Founder, Dr. Clement Chang, TKU President, Dr. Flora Chang and some local (Ilan County) dignitaries on March 10. The ceremony will also celebrate the unveiling of a sculpture entitled “Hsuehshanl Tunnel”, a gift from the renowned sculptor, Yang Ying-feng. His sculpture is also named as “Rising Sun Above Hsuehshan Tunnel, Love of Lanyang And Devotion to Tamkang” and stands right next to Clement Chang International Conference Hall of LC.

In the second stage of planting, rare and indigenous Taiwanese trees will be planted— they are five types conifer trees, five types broadleaf trees and four types of ancient trees already exited in the ice age. In the third stage various types of cheery trees that include Taiwan Cherry and Japanese Joshino Cherry Blossoms will be planted. The fourth stage of planting involves plants that are vital to attracting Taiwan’s unique Broad-tailed swallowtail butterflies. When these plants are in full growth and butterflies come, other animals or insets will come along as well. In this way, a vibrant ecological environment will be born and LC will be put on the map of Taiwan’s key places for natural wonders.

Some sport events and performances by students associations were also arranged. Student clubs and sport teams from nearby universities and colleges have been invited to put out performances and play in friendly basketball, volleyball and table tennis matches. Even some environmental clubs from local community will participate in some events. LFDO has also arranged specialists to show TKU guests how to take care of the seedlings. They will give out seedlings of Taiwan Cherry to whoever attends. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )