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The first thematic education centre featuring trees set up by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Aberdeen Country Park Tree Centre, was officially opened today (April 26).
The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Miss Cheung Siu-hing, said at the opening ceremony that the Aberdeen Country Park, designated in 1977, was one of the oldest country parks in Hong Kong. With its close proximity to residential estates, the park was popular among morning hikers and nearby residents.
"The newly opened tree centre was formerly a country park visitor centre. To further promote tree conservation, AFCD has converted it into a tree education centre.
"The centre presents many interesting aspects of trees with display panels, information kiosks and an interactive games area. We hope the centre will raise public understanding of tree conservation and enhance their awareness of the importance of preserving forests and vegetation," Miss Cheung said.
The centre features a large banyan tree model showing tree parts and anatomy including trunk, bark, roots, leaves, flowers and fruits. Visitors may learn more from the display panels about the function and value of trees, vegetation preservation, the relationship between trees and insects, as well as the changes that trees go through over the four seasons. The interactive games area provides fun games for visitors such as riddles and matching quizzes. Information on more than 100 species of wildflowers in Hong Kong is also available at the information kiosks.
The AFCD is committed to promoting tree conservation. In addition to hill fire prevention and afforestation programmes, the department organises various educational and publicity activities to strengthen the public's understanding of vegetation preservation. A "Field Guide to Trees in Hong Kong's Countryside" will be published by the Hong Kong Herbarium in June on a variety of tree species found in the local countryside.
The Aberdeen Country Park Tree Centre opens daily from 9am to 5pm except Tuesdays.
Public enquiries about country park facilities and services may be made at 1823 Citizen's Easy Link.
Ends/Saturday, April 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:10
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