Experiencing urban forest in Taman Tugu

Chow (front row, most right) with participants

A group consisting of 38 UTAR students and staff gathered to explore the urban forest situated in Taman Tugu, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur on 5 November 2022. Led by Department of Student Affairs staff Chow Keng Fatt, the guided walk was an effort to bring urbanites out into the forest to get to know more about urban nature.

Taman Tugu is one of the popular forest parks, led by Khazanah National Berhad (Khazanah) with the support of various public sector agencies and civil society organisations.  The 66 acres-forest park aims to conserve, protect, and preserve the secondary forest in Kuala Lumpur.

The walk focused on Green Trails, a 1.5km narrow trail, adopted by CIMB Islamic as an exploration route. Throughout the walk, Chow explained the background and history of Taman Tugu. The participants learned how Taman Tugu is protected through individual and corporate donations and adoptions. They were impressed with the plaques created by Taman Tugu to show appreciation for the adoption of certain trees or even benches.

Chow pointing at the creepers growing on a tree

Chow explained some interesting facts about how native species play a key role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and how invasive species affect the ecological system of other native plants and animals. He also showed the participants some big native trees such as the Pulai tree and explained how creepers/climbers hopped onto these trees to obtain more sunlight. One of the participants, Ar. Quake Huay Tin, an academic from the Department of Architecture, also mentioned that there are different layers of forest and each has its own ecosystem.

Chow showed and explained the various species of fungi found along the edges of the trail.  The group was advised not to touch, smell, or taste anything to avoid any complications. Participants were fascinated by certain varieties of mushrooms they found during their walk. They learned that fungi are decomposers that act on dry and dead wood, breaking them down into the soil as nutrients. The dry leaves and wood branches on the ground also help to fertilise the soil and allow water to flow slowly into the soil.

Participants listening to Chow explaining the ecosystem of flora and fauna

During the walk, which lasted over two hours, Chow also shared about the remnants of the building structures left behind by the British colonialists.  Taman Tugu decided to keep these structures for public viewing. The group was intrigued by the old house remnants, concrete cement floors, broken walls and compartments that were visible along the path.

The guided walk in Taman Tugu was an eye-opening experience for all the participants. They were able to explore and learn while taking a leisure walk at the park. For others, it was also an opportunity to relieve themselves from their hectic work or study life. The participants recommended organisers to hold similar events with different groups in the future.

Participants walking along the green trail

Chow briefing the participants

A shy lizard popping out of the wall in Taman Tugu