Youngsters and nature-lovers will hopefully learn more from their next visit to Dongyan Mountain in Taoyuan County. From June 30, Dongyan Mountain's visitor's center will be transformed into a "Nature Education Center" with an emphasis on helping visitors to make a connection with nature.
Eight more recreational forest parks will follow in opening nature education centers in coming years, the Council of Agriculture's (COA) Forestry Bureau said.
"Whereas previously we had a visitors' center providing simple guided tours, we will now have a school in the woods," said Chou Ju (
Chou said more than 50 percent of the visitors at the new centers are expected to be youngsters, who will learn everything from botanical knowledge to "eco-sensitivity" through a series of hands-on activities.
"The outdoor education phenomenon is a global trend. Compared to other countries, Taiwan has had a late start," Chou said.
Chang Tai (張岱), the chief conservation and recreation technician at the bureau, said the change in focus would require only a "software makeover" and minimal new infrastructure in the parks.
"It is against the spirit of nature education centers to take up more space with buildings and roads than is necessary," Chang said.
As with the previous guided tours, the new classes and activities at the recreational parks are free, with the exception of overnight stays and corporate events.
"It is possible that farther down the road we can subsidize our work with children by hosting company retreats," Chang said.
The nation's forest parks attract 3 million visitors a year.
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