Jupu Ecological Leisure Farm Introduction
Retired principal Wu Sheng-miao returned to the Jupu Ecological Leisure Farm where he grew up, establishing a new "Ecological Farm Education Park." Through agricultural education and ecological tours, he aims to help modern children better understand local life and stories. Following the road along the banks of the Xiaoli River, even before reaching the Jupu Ecological Leisure Farm, one can already feel the agricultural charm of this Hakka town. On the north side of the road stretches a continuous landscape of farmland, with golden rice waves swaying in the autumn breeze; the south side features layered hills, with many farms nestled among trees, enhancing the natural and leisurely atmosphere. If not particularly attentive, one might easily miss the Jupu Farm hidden within the greenery, until one climbs the slope beside the road and discovers the courtyard, ecological pond, vegetable garden, fruit trees, greenhouse, restaurant, and more, all revealing a different world of landscapes. Exploring the back mountain of the park, there's the Jupu Trail known only to those in the know, where a stroll feels like entering a mysterious forest sanctuary. The farm has developed numerous organic vegetable plots, allowing visitors to experience the joy of vegetable picking during events. Additionally, areas for butterfly recovery, stag beetle ecology, and firefly recovery have been planned, reflecting a rich ecological diversity. Farm manager Wu Jun-ying recommends visiting in March and May. In March, the Tabebuia aurea flowers bloom, creating a stunning sea of yellow; in May, the Tung tree flowers take center stage, transforming the mountaintops into a pure white scene, presenting a different spectacle. Customizable activities allow guests to grow and pick vegetables themselves. The Jupu Farm, operated by the Wu family, has members who each oversee different areas such as gardens and the Hakka restaurant, collectively safeguarding this family-owned land for decades, filled with their childhood memories. "When I was young, this whole mountain was my playground," says retired principal Wu Sheng-miao. With over 30 years in science education, Wu has many interesting identities; he is not only a local cultural and historical worker and writer but also has in-depth research in river conservation and Hakka literature, having published works such as "Hakka Children's Picture Book" and "Children's Plant Fables," tirelessly promoting children's literature. Two years ago, Wu returned to the farm and developed the "Jupu Ecological Farm Education Park," hoping to share his childhood memories with more children and integrate children's education with local community development. "In the past, we needed just a knife to spend a day in the mountains, knowing which plants could be eaten and how to use them, but today's children cannot do that, so we need to encourage them to think more actively," Wu laughs. Wu established the education park as a venue for science education for elementary and junior high school students, also providing customized activities, planning natural ecological tours based on visitor needs, or utilizing the site for various experiential games, attracting many schools and groups for outdoor teaching activities. Here, visitors can not only make good use of farm resources and experience the joy of growing and picking vegetables, but Wu also teaches children to use natural materials to create various toys, such as making water scoops from bottle gourds or folding pandan leaves into arrow containers. Additionally, he leads children in ecological tours, introducing them to various insects and plants. One of the most eye-catching features of the park is the colorful "Tube House Science Classroom," each room designed as a science challenge venue, which is also a favorite gathering place for children, and can double as a private room for visitors to enjoy the beautiful green scenery of the park. Wu particularly mentions that from a bird's eye view, the Tube House classrooms and activity square resemble a blooming flower, showcasing a thoughtful design. Returning to his hometown, Wu has a greater vision; he hopes to promote the development of the Jupu community and contribute more to his hometown. In his mind, the Jupu area boasts mountains, Tung flowers, sunsets, the riverside scenery of the Xiaoli River, Hakka persimmons, and tea leaves, and importantly, it is also the hometown of Taiwanese literary figure Wu Zhuoliu, enhancing the local cultural atmosphere. Therefore, Wu hopes to use the education park as a starting point to promote the gradual development of the Jupu community. Besides hosting group activities, the park has also organized music concerts and free ecological lectures, attracting many participants without special external promotion. "I feel like I am busier after retirement than before." Despite a busier life, Wu enjoys it, as he has found a lifestyle in his hometown that allows him to better utilize his expertise.
