O'r Forest Academy Introduction
Owl Forest Academy, a paradise exclusive for children, is located beside the Confucius Temple in Huto Mountain Park. The lush natural environment, filled with greenery, attracts many owls to roost and hunt during winter, which is why "Owl" is phonetically represented as "奧爾" in Mandarin. In the park, there are three prominent treehouse clusters featuring ceramic owl sculptures created by local artists. Children can join in the fun of searching for these 15 variously-sized owls hidden throughout the area. Owl Forest Academy utilizes the unique characteristic of Ficus trees' aerial roots to coexist with nature, avoiding tree roots during construction, thus preventing disruption of the existing ecology. To enhance the structure of the treehouses, fiberglass is specifically used for reinforcement, ensuring a safe environment for children to play. Elevated squirrel pathways made of wooden planks connect the “Reading Tree Classroom,” “Cuckoo House,” and “Green Ark,” the three treehouses; the hexagon-shaped “Reading Tree Classroom” allows for a 360-degree view of the canopy's ecosystem, letting children explore nature from a different perspective and adding joy to their journey. The “Cuckoo House,” shaped like a large owl guardian of the forest, provides an opportunity to peek out and potentially face rare birds up close! The platform “Green Ark” is designed in the shape of leaves, with a small owl house elevated in the center for birds to rest. In addition to the treehouses, the adjacent children's play area is just as fun! With four sets of slides and an extra-long red and yellow slide, combined with various climbing facilities, children can enjoy endless play! The park regularly offers environmental education courses through picture books, hands-on activities, and painting, capturing the wonders of forest ecology and fostering a love for nature among children.
