In 2024, the Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation marked its 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, "Companionship, Protection, and Heritage" have guided Hsin Tung Yang’s mission—supporting those in need, safeguarding our land, and passing down a shared commitment to environmental respect. For years, the Foundation has spent summers leading children from Xingfu Children's Home, foundation partners, and corporate allies in coastal beach cleanups, collecting waste to protect marine ecosystems. To celebrate this 40-year milestone, the Foundation introduced a fresh perspective to its "Sustainable Local Journey," turning from the ocean toward the forest to rediscover the natural world.

This year marked our first expedition into shallow mountain forest ecosystems, taking participants to the Alipang Ecological Leisure Farm on Taiwan's north coast. Combining pond wetlands and secondary forests, this rich environment offered the children an educational and inspiring woodland adventure. Dragonflies, frogs, and waterbirds thrive across Alipang's wetland habitats, while masked palm civets, pangolins, and rare Taipei grass frogs inhabit the low-elevation forest. Clear streams teem with fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects, forming an interconnected food web and natural cycle. Serving as a living textbook, the landscape provided participants with real-world lessons on how forests purify air, conserve water, and prevent soil erosion, while wetlands retain floodwaters to protect surrounding communities.

Alipang's biodiversity was restored through dedicated effort. Once degraded by tea plantation expansion and human development, the land was gradually revived by devoted volunteers who helped the forest regenerate. We wanted the children to witness that while nature can be damaged, it has the capacity to recover when given care and restoration. Through observation, experience, and reflection, the children learned active observation in the fields, respect in the wetlands, and environmental responsibility in the forest.

This journey through the foothill forest was more than an outdoor outing; it was a meaningful dialogue with nature and an opportunity for personal growth. Marking 40 years of service, the Foundation returned to its core purpose: supporting youth and sowing seeds of hope in the forest. The Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation believes that nurturing curiosity and care for the land in childhood will help grow a forest of environmental stewards for tomorrow. We hope this experience leaves a lasting impression on the children, inspiring future actions to protect our shared planet.

Nature Insights with Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation

Q1: Is moss actually slippery?

A1: People often warn, "Be careful, moss is slippery!" However, this is a common misconception. Slipping on wet surfaces is typically caused by slick algae or biofilms, rather than true bryophytes (mosses). Next time you are outdoors, take a closer look at the small plants beneath your feet—they are essential members of wetland ecosystems.

Q2: What is a shallow mountain (foothill) forest?

A2: "Shallow mountains" generally refer to hills or mountain areas below 800 to 1,000 meters in elevation. Serving as a transitional zone between urban areas and deep mountain wilderness, they often incorporate human activities such as farming, bamboo groves, and pastures. Because of their gentle terrain and accessibility, shallow mountain areas offer unique value for sustainable development and ecological education. Alipang Ecological Leisure Farm is located within the shallow mountain forest area of Shimen District, New Taipei City.

Sources:

• Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government — Defining Shallow Mountains and Promoting Environmental Education in Neishuangxi and Neigouxi | Friendly Seed: https://www.friendlyseed.com.tw/service/20/portfolio/441

• Taiwan Environmental Information Association (TEIA) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqsS6arubNf/Nature Insights with Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation

• Q1: Is moss actually slippery?

• A1: People often warn, "Be careful, moss is slippery!" However, this is a common misconception. Slipping on wet surfaces is typically caused by slick algae or biofilms, rather than true bryophytes (mosses). Next time you are outdoors, take a closer look at the small plants beneath your feet—they are essential members of wetland ecosystems.

• Q2: What is a shallow mountain (foothill) forest?

• A2: "Shallow mountains" generally refer to hills or mountain areas below 800 to 1,000 meters in elevation. Serving as a transitional zone between urban areas and deep mountain wilderness, they often incorporate human activities such as farming, bamboo groves, and pastures. Because of their gentle terrain and accessibility, shallow mountain areas offer unique value for sustainable development and ecological education. Alipang Ecological Leisure Farm is located within the shallow mountain forest area of Shimen District, New Taipei City.

• Sources:

• Geotechnical Engineering Office, Public Works Department, Taipei City Government — Defining Shallow Mountains and Promoting Environmental Education in Neishuangxi and Neigouxi | Friendly Seed: https://www.friendlyseed.com.tw/service/20/portfolio/441

• Taiwan Environmental Information Association (TEIA) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqsS6arubNf/https://www.instagram.com/p/CqsS6arubNf/