Daguo Creek Ecological Water Conservation Park Introduction
Dakou Creek, located at the end of Dahu Mountain Villa Street in Neihu District, is a naturally formed stream that flows down from Mount Baishi Lake at an elevation of 485 meters. The upper section of the creek is surrounded by secondary forests, while the lower section flows through the Yuanchue Waterfall into the drainage system of residential areas, eventually entering Dahu Park through the culvert beneath Dahu Mountain Villa Street. The total length of the drainage area is approximately 3,500 meters, with a catchment area of 340 hectares. To ensure safety and conservation, the restoration of Dakou Creek in Neihu District has employed a porous, near-natural construction method, providing habitats for flora and fauna. Currently, it has nurtured rich ecological resources, with surveys conducted by the Geotechnical Engineering Office identifying species such as the Formosan Blue Magpie, the Clouded Tree Frog, the Chinese Tree Frog, the Formosan Black Swallowtail Butterfly, the Common Tiger Butterfly, the Common Mormon Butterfly, the Red Frog (Pelophylax porosus), the Little Egret, the Rainbow Flowerbird, and the Yellow-Spotted Crickets, making it an excellent outdoor ecological classroom. The lower area of Dakou Creek used to be agricultural land, but due to urban development and land reallocation, it has transformed into the Dahu Mountain Villa residential community. To meet road demands, the stream was replaced by a drainage culvert, which often caused flooding during heavy rains, leading to soil erosion. In fact, significant damage was caused by Typhoon Winnie in August 1997. The Dakou Creek located upstream of the Dahu Mountain Villa community features stone-lined banks, which provide suitable habitats for wildlife while reducing erosion. Additionally, to enhance recreational access to water, a waterfront path has been constructed along the streambed, serving as a backyard for nearby residents. To create a natural ecological environment, the improvement of Dakou Creek utilizes fish ladders (drop structures) and fixed bed structures to reduce the drop of the riverbed, slow down the flow rate, and minimize erosion forces. Furthermore, the constructed shallow areas help retain creek water, creating breeding and habitation spaces for fish, shrimp, and aquatic plants, thereby preserving the stream ecosystem. In tandem with the natural topography of the stream, facilities such as waterfront platforms and pathways have been established in wider sections of the drainage area, allowing nearby residents and visiting tourists to enjoy the water and interact with the natural environment. (Source: Taipei City Government Geotechnical Engineering Office)
