My schedule for the weekend is often filled with tutor or art classes. It often slips by without me even knowing. After participation in many SOW experimental activities, I have realized that I should spend my weekends on something that is more meaningful. Together we participated in beach and mountain cleanup activities to purify nature. I observed and witnessed groups of swallows in the wetland. Although the swallows are just passing by, human beings can still become better hosts. Then, I rediscovered the green field and ecological habitat within the city with volunteers in the familiar Daan Forest Park. We all had fun while performing a skit about protecting the animal. All these activities made me realize that a person’s time and energy can be used to benefit others. We should become more attached to nature, reconnect the emotional relationship between humans and nature, then we will be more willing to protect and cherish the natural environment from our heart.

Since I had joined SOW, we had participated in many activities such as seminars by SOW volunteers, interviews with SOW staff, and various environmental protection events. Every activity is interesting and meaningful. In every event and activity, I can always discover new things we haven’t noticed before, such as animals, insects, and plants. These species have formed a systematic ecosystem around us. It is a pleasure to become a member of SOW. I am grateful to see that all the SOW members have worked together and not asking anything in return. They utilize their creativity to create various events and activities to attract more people to put in effort to protect the environment. I hope that everyone will be willing to spend a little more time to care for the environment. I also hope that everyone in the world can work together to protect the beautiful mother nature.

At the end of Wugu Wetland presentation, the wordings read “Those with life, set them free; Things that were lost, will come back”. Tears were in my eyes when I read the last line of the presentation as I was deeply touched by the content. Through gentle but firm and powerful belief, SOW has connected people to the beautiful planet, and get to know our true identity and our roles in nature from our heart. We need to reflect and learn from our intense interest and aggression. We all have a mutual goal, which is we have only one Earth. I truly hope that all living things can respect each other, so that birds can fly freely and fish can swim at ease.

I followed the mountain road and came to XinXian Trail in Wulai. Although it is not a long trail, it took us 3 hours to walk through it. Along the trail, SOW volunteers took us to discover many native plants and herbs. We had seen stick insects and a unique Taiwan species - Swinhoe's brown frog at a bridge nearby the waterfall. We also saw sword fern’s tubers, which serve as water storage for the fern with a bit of astringent and sweet flavors. Even when we were outside of the classroom, we were able to connect textbook knowledge to the outdoor environment. The knowledge is truly everywhere, which allows me to gain new experience and discover new feelings and sensations!

After I participated in SOW’s annual swallow observation at the wetland, I realized that there are so many species living in the beautiful nature with us. In addition to Taiwan’s native species, the migratory birds travel thousands of miles to return to the habitat to build nests and nurture offspring. The magnificent scene of countless swallows flying under the sunset had left an unforgettable impression in my mind. This is the result of SOW’s long-term efforts. SOW has successfully collaborated with local environmentalists and professional habitat workers to restore the wetland environment that was originally covered by garbage and waste waters. The wetland has become a habitat with a diversified ecosystem and the best midpoint station for migratory birds in Taiwan.

I had looked forward to participating in the beach clean-up activity in Yilan. Although the activity was exhausting, I believed we could really make contributions to help the planet. The activity can reduce the amount of garbage on the beach, which is the main reason why I want to participate in the first place. After I arrived at the beach, I picked up empty drink bottles, strings and buoys used by fishermen, and a lot of plastics. Through collaborative actions and beach clean-up activities, we were able to make the planet even more beautiful. Although I got a little sunburnt, it was definitely worth it!

After participating in many SOW activities, I learned the true meaning of “actions speak louder than words”. Through personal involvement, I can realize that there is an inseparable connection between human beings and the natural environment. Taking beach clean-up activity as an example, most people will have empathy for all living things nationally when they see countless garbage on the beach, strings and fishing nets buried underground, plastic bags in the ocean that threaten the life of aquatic animals and marine birds. People will also learn that we can make a contribution to a clean and better environment by working together to reduce the use of plastics and apply recycling concepts in our day to day living.

During the progress of this research project, in order to gain understanding of SOW’s works, I had participated in many activities hosted by SOW. I realized the strong connection between mountains, forests, wetlands, and ocean. The mountains and forests have fostered clean water resources, which travel through the rivers and end up in the ocean. The volunteers led us to the wetland, into the forests and mountains, and reached out to the ocean. They have taught us about the beauty and wisdom of mother nature. We also learned that such a beautiful environment has been damaged by humans. SOW believes in teamwork and makes an effort to reconnect the missing link between mankind and nature. I can and will protect the natural environment to have everlasting beauty.

Even though I have been living in Neihu District, it was my first time visiting the Yuanjue Temple when I participated in the mountain clean up activity at the trail near it. Unlike the beach clean-up activity where I could see endless garbage, I was surprised and touched by the fact that I did not see much garbage along the way. This inferred that most citizens of Taipei have established strong environmental concepts. I hope I can participate in more SOW activities in the future to gain more understanding of our ecological environment and have more connection with nature.