The first treetop graduation ceremony in Taiwan was organized by Shei-pa National Park Headquarters. Before the ceremony the children were taken on a tour of the Xuejian area by park staff and engaged in environmental education activities, heard an interesting introduction to local history and culture at Erbensong Interpretation Station and had a guided tour and watched ecological films in Xuejian Visitor Center. The highlight of the series of graduation activities was without doubt the graduation ceremony in which pupils received their graduation certificates 20 meters up a 31 meter tall Amygdalate-leaved tanoak (Lithocarpus amygdalifolius) tree with a 6.5 meter circumference.

To ensure the safety of the pupils the park began planning this activity months ago and gave them a course in basic climbing skills and safety a few days before the graduation ceremony to allow them to become accustomed to working together and to boost their confidence.

The experience of receiving their graduation certificates 20 meters up a tree, with views of Dabajian and Xiaobajian mountains in the distance through the leaves and branches, will be remembered by the children for the rest of their lives. They were a little apprehensive but all completed the climb without mishap and came down with broad smiles.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Shei-pa National Park Headquarters