Shihfen Forest Farm Introduction
Shihgang Forest is located at the foot of the Alishan Mountains, situated on Dongtou Mountain in Zhongpu Township, Chiayi County. This secret forest in Chiayi County covers an area of over 30 hectares and is classified as a suburban natural ecological area, with altitudes ranging from 300 meters to over 600 meters. The entire area is characterized by subtropical broadleaf forests, lushly ascending along the banks of the Shinong Creek. The ecological resources within the park are diverse and abundant, with common plants including various ground cover plants, ferns, lotus, bamboo, Paulownia, rosewood, camphor trees, and banyan trees. It is also home to conservation species such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, Purple Thrush, and Bird-of-Paradise, all of which can be observed along the hiking trails. Another major feature of the park is that its landmarks are indicated by stone carvings, with a stone carving marking every 500 meters of elevation, which also informs visitors about the ecological distribution in the area. The forest belt belongs to the subtropical broadleaf forest. The rich ecological resources and biodiversity include ground cover plants, ferns, bamboo, Taiwanese tree ferns, Miscanthus, rosewood, camphor trees, banyan trees, azaleas, and angelonia; as well as bird species including eagles, Taiwanese blue magpies, treepies, eye-browed leaf warblers, Black-naped Monarchs, Scarlet Minivets, tail-less swallows, and Birds-of-Paradise. The hiking trails are paved with logs, and the forest landscape varies naturally. Along the way, informational signs are set up to help visitors learn about nature. Walking down the path, surprises are constant, and those who observe with heart will certainly reap significant rewards.
