Tianpu Ecological Park

In the past, to preserve timber, loggers would immerse logs in ponds to release resins and extend the wood's lifespan. Today, Hualien still boasts the "Tianpu Log Pond Ecological Wetland," a hidden gem within the city that serves as a secret forest retreat for its residents. The Tianpu Ecological Pond is currently the largest wetland in Hualien City and a perfect breeding ground for numerous water birds. It features over 50 species of trees and shrubs, with lotus flowers blooming and diverse aquatic plants in the pond. This rich ecological environment attracts bird species such as common moorhens, little egrets, Japanese white-eyes, kingfishers, and white-breasted waterhens, making it a secret forest haven hidden within the city. The nearly 2-hectare Tianpu Ecological Pond was once a "log pond" for the Mugua Forest District Office. After years of disuse, the Hualien Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau adapted to the changing landscape of forestry. Starting in 2005, they collaborated with the Forestry Department of Hualien Senior Agricultural Vocational High School to implement sustainable long-term ecological maintenance and management, transforming the log pond into a wetland ecological park. They also constructed handmade trails using "Cinnamon sawdust" and "Camphor sawdust." These trails, rich in plant essential oils, are not only fragrant but also repel insects and mosquitoes, making visitors feel as if they are deep in the forest. Currently, the Tianpu Ecological Pond features interpretive signs for plants, wetland ecology, and birds. The original timber measurement room has been refurbished and now serves as an exhibition space introducing the local logging history. Some early logging equipment remains by the ecological pond, preserving relics of forestry development. This site offers both ecological environmental education and historical-cultural insights.