The Second Progress Report on the CU Tree Project ( )

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Introduction This is the second report on the progress of The CU Tree Project from February 18 to August 18, 2009.

1 Introduction This is the second report on the progress of The CU Tree Project from February 18 to August 18, Thanks to the funding support of Hang Seng Bank, the two-year project was started on July 1, 2008 and has been going very well in the first year and has been making good progress. The goal of the project is to promote nature education among students with particular reference to the campus flora of CUHK and to strengthen the sense of belonging of the staff, students, and alumni of the Chinese University. It will leverage on the natural asset of the campus turning the rich, rustic elements into a botanical garden for the appreciation and green education of students, staff, alumni, and the public. What follows is a report on the work completed so far and a submission for endorsement of new tasks to be taken. Work Done and Progress Made Ten major tasks have been completed or started from February 18 to September 18, A preliminary campus trees / plants survey was completed. With the support of a retired Harvard professor, Dr. Eric Lee ( 李賢祉博士 ), senior research fellow of the Department of Biology and the help of his plant specialist friend, Mr. C.P. Lau ( 劉振彪先生 ), the project team completed a campus tree/plant survey in July A list of 168 species of campus trees, shrubs, and other species of plants was compiled as a working base for the construction of a tree database of CUHK. (See Appendix I Campus Plant List). 2. A database of the trees of CUHK was started Based on the work of Dr. S.Y. Hu ( 胡秀英博士 ), Dr. Eric Lee ( 李賢祉博士 ), Dr. K.H. Yung ( 容龔興博士 ), Mr. C.P. Lau ( 劉振彪先生 ), and Mr. Jasper Ip ( 葉熾文先生 ), an environmental education specialist, the project team has started to build a database of the campus trees of CUHK. It will be made available to the students, faculties, and staff of the University as well as to the public by the end of the project. There will be digital photos, scientific names, common English names, Chinese names, and short descriptions of tree database. There will be acknowledgement of the sponsorship of Hang Seng Bank in the online database. (Sample given in the next section). 3. A CU Tree Trail was plotted In connection with the CU tree database, a tree trail was plotted with a 3D interactive map. The interactive map with photos and descriptions of trees will be made available to users of the Internet through desktop computers, laptops, and mobile phones through the project website under construction. There will also be 2D campus maps of the Colleges showing locations of trees and their photos. Again, full acknowledgement of Hang Seng Bank sponsorship will be made in due course. Fig. 1 Proposed 3D Interactive Map of the CU Tree Trail (DRAFT ONLY) 1

2 4. A project website is under construction The construction of a project website was started in mid-may, 2009 with the hired service of an IT company, Firstune. The project website will highlight features of the CU Tree Project such as the objectives, the sponsor, tree database, working members, the Tree Trail, CU Tree database, archives of events, achievements, photo albums, and links to the closely related Green Education Working Group of CUHK and other tree websites. (See Fig. 2 ) Fig. 2. A Design Sample of the CU Tree Project Website 5. Publication of project results would be done in the form of an ebook Taking the advice of Hang Seng Bank on waste reduction, we have planned to publish results of the tree project not in paper format but in the electronic form of an ebook which will be made available on the World Wide Web. Interested readers could download copies of the ebook of the trees of CUHK with full text and photos. There will be full acknowledgement of the sponsorship of Hang Seng Bank in the ebook. 6. Design of tree interpretation plates is underway. Again taking the advice of Hang Seng Bank on environmental protection, the number of tree interpretation plates will be greatly reduced. There will be individual tree plates as well as eco-friendly corporate plates that show the photos, names, of groups of trees/shrubs in the neighbourhood of the plates. A graphic designer has been hired to work with plant researchers to co-create a design artwork of the interpretation plates. In these ways, there will be a great reduction in the waste production of plate materials and active promotion of environmental protection in the name of Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank. 7. A Tree Talk and Tree Walk for the Alumni of Shaw College was held on April 26, 2009 Working together with the Federation of Alumni Associations of CUHK and the Landscaping Section, the CU Tree Group organized a tree talk and tree walk for alumni and friends of Shaw College on April 26. There were received by Dr. S. Y. Hu at her place and many of them were inspired by her spirit of scientific investigation and passion for learning and research. Feedback from participants has been highly favourable and encouraging. The event was reported in the issue of the Chinese University Alumni Magazine (No. 58 June 2009, p.40). The total number of participants was 35. (See the photo album on the Web at ) (See Appendix II Handout of the Tree Talk and Tree Walk on April 26, 2009 and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 on the next page.) 2

Fig. 3 Participants of the Tree Talk on April 26, 2009. Fig. 4. Participants of the Tree Walk Pictured Together with Dr. S.Y. Hu after the Tree Talk 8.

Biology, together with the Green Education Working Group and the CU Tree Project.

3 Fig. 3 Participants of the Tree Talk on April 26, Fig. 4. Participants of the Tree Walk Pictured Together with Dr. S.Y. Hu after the Tree Talk 8. The Urban Tree Management Seminar was sponsored and held on June 20, 2009 The Urban Tree Management Seminar ( ) was organized by the Department of Geography Resources Management, the Department of Biology, together with the Green Education Working Group and the CU Tree Project. With the endorsement of Hang Seng Bank, the Seminar was sponsored by the Bank with funding from the CU Tree Project of about HK$50,000. Officiated by the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fung Tung and Prof. LM Chu of the Biology Department, Chairman of the University Environment Committee, and Dr. Eric Lee, the seminar invited scholars and experts from four places on both sides of the Strait, namely, Mainland China, Taiwan, Macao, and Hong Kong as well as Singapore, Australia and U.S.A. An opinion survey was conducted with the help of the Asia Pacific Study Centre on the urban tree management of the HKSAR Government as perceived by the citizens. The survey results were released at the end of the seminar. It was a successful academic seminar well-attended by students, faculties, landscape architects, civil servants from AFCD, LCSD, and the Highway Department, etc. There was full acknowledgement of the sponsorship of Hang Seng Bank in the Seminar. The attendance was 210. 城市樹木管理研討會 Every participant was given a specially designed tree folder as a souvenir with the logo of the Hang Seng Bank. (See Appendix III Letter of Thanks to Hang Seng Bank, by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Eric Lee and Appendix IV Programme of the Urban Tree Management Seminar). A website of most of the speakers PowerPoint presentations has been built for participants to download and for future reference. The web address is Fig. 5 The Urban Tree Management Seminar Gathered Scholars and Tree Experts from Around the World 3

9. The Project was invited to assist in the Flower Show 09 Representation by CUHK on March 14 The project group was invited to assist in the annual Flower Show 09 representation by

150 tree folders with images of trees found on the CUHK campus and acknowledgement of Hang Seng Bank were given out at the CUHK booth during the Flower Show 09. Prof.

6 Prof. Fung Tung, Chairman of CLEC, Mr. Billy Wong, Manager, Landscaping Section, EMO, (Centre) and Colleagues at the Flower Show 09 10.

Landscape Gardening (GZ) was held on 8 August, 2009.

There was, however, no financial implication at all for the CU Tree Project as the visit was entirely self-financed meant for volunteers who paid for their own expenses.

9 On the way to SCGB and GZ (See Appendix VI Flyer for the Visit to the South China Botanical Garden on 8 August, 2009 with full acknowledgment of Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank).

4 9. The Project was invited to assist in the Flower Show 09 Representation by CUHK on March 14 The project group was invited to assist in the annual Flower Show 09 representation by CUHK at the Victoria Park by providing CUHK tree folders with the logo of Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank (Appendix IV). 150 tree folders with images of trees found on the CUHK campus and acknowledgement of Hang Seng Bank were given out at the CUHK booth during the Flower Show 09. Prof. Fung Tung, represented the CUHK to receive a design award of the CU booth as part of the contribution of the University to and support for the green education of the community. Fig. 6 Prof. Fung Tung, Chairman of CLEC, Mr. Billy Wong, Manager, Landscaping Section, EMO, (Centre) and Colleagues at the Flower Show A Visit to the South China Botanical Garden, Guangzhou was organized on 8 August, 2009 A one-day visit to the South China Botanical Garden (SCBG) and the Guangzhou Institute of Landscape Gardening (GZ) was held on 8 August, It was a self-financed activity organized by the Horticulture Exchange Fund, the Green Education Group CUHK and the CU Tree Project, which is sponsored by Hang Seng Bank. There was, however, no financial implication at all for the CU Tree Project as the visit was entirely self-financed meant for volunteers who paid for their own expenses. Twenty-six volunteers took part in the visit. Fig. 7 SCBG Conservatory Fig. 8 GZ Director Received CU Representatives Fig.9 On the way to SCGB and GZ (See Appendix VI Flyer for the Visit to the South China Botanical Garden on 8 August, 2009 with full acknowledgment of Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank). Ten activities have been conducted in cooperation with various units and bodies of the University during the period from February 18 to August 18. The total number of participants and people involved in the past six months was 411. The total number of beneficiaries since the beginning of the project is ( )1391. The figure has already exceeded the original estimate of 1,200 by 191 people. The budget and expenses are summarized in Appendix VI Interim Financial Report (Jan. 31, 2009 Jun. 30, 2009). 4

Work Ahead for the Endorsement of the Hang Seng Bank A.

later in September/October a proposal in cooperation with the Landscaping Section, EMO of the University for 1.

Bamboo (Arundinaria shiuyangiana 秀英竹 ) named after the distinguished overseas Chinese scholar Prof. S.Y.

A specialist on Poacease (Gramineae 禾本科 ), which includes all the bamboo species, would be consulted. Harvard-trained researcher, Dr.

There will certainly be full acknowledgement of the sponsorship of Hang Seng Bank in this regard. 3.

There will be no need of any other donations apart from what was already approved by Hang Seng Bank for the CU Tree Project.

Exemplary designs of the interpretation stone marks are submitted to give an idea of the work to be done and to be endorsed by the sponsor.

5 Work Ahead for the Endorsement of the Hang Seng Bank A. In connection with the 60 th Anniversary of New Asia College, CUHK, and the 30 th Re-union of alumni of the College in November, 2009, we would like to submit later in September/October a proposal in cooperation with the Landscaping Section, EMO of the University for 1. Interpretation plates/stones (individual and corporate) for trees of New Asia College, in particular, those for a mini-bamboo garden which will include Shiuying Bamboo (Arundinaria shiuyangiana 秀英竹 ) named after the distinguished overseas Chinese scholar Prof. S.Y. Hu, and Verdant Bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides 花眉竹 ) and other species of bamboos. A specialist on Poacease (Gramineae 禾本科 ), which includes all the bamboo species, would be consulted. Harvard-trained researcher, Dr. Eric Lee, has kindly agreed to offer advice on the work. 2. Establishing a mini- planter or planting on New Asia campus to commemorate the occasion. There will certainly be full acknowledgement of the sponsorship of Hang Seng Bank in this regard. 3. A modest budget of no more than HK$50,000 is proposed for Item 1 and 2. There will be no need of any other donations apart from what was already approved by Hang Seng Bank for the CU Tree Project. We would like to request the endorsement of Hang Seng Bank in these tasks. Exemplary designs of the interpretation stone marks are submitted to give an idea of the work to be done and to be endorsed by the sponsor. There are good reasons for these stone marks. Instead of artificial plates, we propose to use stones with engravings on them to make them look natural and one with the trees and Nature. Examples of Stone Marks Specially Designed for the CU Tree Project Fig. 12 Fishtail Stone Mark Fig. 10 An Example of the Stone Mark Fig. 13 Fishtail Tree and the Stone Mark Fig. 11 Another Stone Mark for Suiying Bamboo We are now working on the sources of the right stones and looking for experienced craftsmen for the job. The stone marks should be a) heavier than 15 kg. (30 to 40 lb.) b) big enough for people to read when they are standing on their feet. d) hard enough for the engraving. If too soft, the words might be easily broken, if too hard, it would be difficult to engrave. 5

The benefits of the stone mark proposal are: a) The stone marks are much more natural than metal/plastic plates b) The stone marks are much more durable than metal/plastic plates c) The stone marks

Further details of the interpretation signage would be submitted together with a proposal of the Landscaping Section, EMO, of the University at a later stage. B.

6 The benefits of the stone mark proposal are: a) The stone marks are much more natural than metal/plastic plates b) The stone marks are much more durable than metal/plastic plates c) The stone marks are moveable and can be easily relocated where necessary. d) The stone marks are aesthetically much more beautiful and appealing than metal/plastic plates. Further details of the interpretation signage would be submitted together with a proposal of the Landscaping Section, EMO, of the University at a later stage. B. Endorsement for Embedding of the CU Tree Project Site under the Umbrella of the Green Education Working Group of CUHK (hereafter called Green Education Group) The CU Tree Project has enjoyed the blessings and support of the Green Education Working Group. Advisors and working members of the Project and of the Working Group come from the same group of staff and faculties. While the CU Tree Project is a two-year project, the Green Education Working Group is an integral, permanent structure under the auspice of the Campus Landscape Enhancement Committee (CLEC) of the University. For the long-term survival of Project goals and outcomes, it is desirable for the CU Tree Project to be embedded in the Green Education Group site of CUHK, instead of being a standalone, isolated project site living in a server outside the University. We have very good reasons to request the endorsement of Hang Seng Bank for this embedding under the umbrella of the University site. Reasons of the embedding: 1. Ongoing promotion of the image of Hang Seng Bank in connection with green education of CUHK 2. The work of The CU Tree Project and the Green Education Working Group reinforce each other. While the CU Tree Project ends in July 2010, it is sustainable for the Project to be embedded in the Green Education Group Site and to become an integral part of it and to enjoy continuing popularity. 3. No extra cost is required. 4. The connection of Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank with the University towards the goal of green education would remain vibrant and active even after the CU Tree Project is completed by July Without the blessings of the Green Education Group and CLEC, it would be very difficult for the CU Tree Project to go on and to get permission to install interpretation plates and tree stone marks on campus. C. On the research part, further fieldwork, and collection of data will be conducted and more photos of trees in different seasons will be taken. There will be three more tree walks and tree talks organized for students, staff, and alumni with the help of the Alumni Affairs Office in the coming months. One has been scheduled on 28 November, 2009 to celebrate the 60 th Anniversary of New Asia College and to introduce the trees of New Asia (See Fig. 14 and Fig. 15). Fig. 14. Tree Map of Asia Fig. 15. Shiuying Bamboo 6

7 The second is for the Alumni Homecoming Day on Sunday 13 December, 2009 and the third, for the Eco- Week on 5 February, Construction of a project website, tree database, CU Tree Trail is well underway. More details will be reported in the next submission in Acknowledgement We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank, for the funding support of the CU Tree Project. Without the generous support of Hang Seng Bank, the Green Bank, all these activities and the project would not have been possible. We would also like to acknowledge the help of numerous colleagues from various units of the University, in particular, Ms. Antonia Yeung, Director of the Alumni Affairs Office, Mr. Jack Yung of the University Safety and Environment Office, Mr. Billy Wong, Mr. Mok Siu Man and Mr. Steward Cheng of the Landscaping Section, the Estate Management Office, Mr. Yau Chung Kei, Herbal Garden Supervisor of the Institute of Chinese Medicine, and Mr. Ricky Cheng and Ms. Ivy Yeung of the Office of Institutional Advancement. Appendixes I Results of the CUHK Tree / Plant Survey II Handout of the Tree Talk and Tree Walk on April 26, 2009 III Letter of Thanks to Hang Seng Bank by Dr. Eric Lee IV Tree Folder Sample V Interim Financial Report (Jan. 31, 2009 Jun. 30, 2009) VI Flyer for the Visit to the South China Botanical Garden on August 8,

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