Report: Field trip to Rimbun Dahan - Fallen Trees, Future Forests (CAKE10)
By HY Leong
MNS Kids: 4 (7-12 yo)
MNS Grand/parents: 4
Total: 14 registered (8 attended)
CAKE Mentors: 9
On September 7th, 2024, a group of young nature enthusiasts embarked on a special journey to Rimbun Dahan in Kuang which also serves as an ArbNet Accredited Level 1 Arboretum, featuring native Southeast Asian species.
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| MNS Selangor Branch member participants with habitat hosts and CAKE mentors |
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| Crown shyness. Photo: Justin Loh |
The theme of the trip was “Fallen Trees, Future Forests: How Seeds Bring Them Back!” and it aimed to highlight the impact of climate change and the power of nature's resilience. Rimbun Dahan had suffered significant damage from a severe storm in February 2024, with 40 trees toppled. This firsthand experience allowed the young participants to witness the destructive force of extreme weather events.
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| One of the 40 trees that fell during a recent storm Photo: HY Leong |
Guided by the knowledgeable Angela Hijjas and her daughter Bilqis, the group explored the grounds marveling at the towering and fallen trees, observing the signs of regrowth, and discovering the old homes of animals within the upturned root balls of Plong trees (see photo below).
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| Bilqis Hijjas revealed what bird had built a nest inside the root ball Photo: HY Leong |
When the group came across blooms, Angela would stop to explain what they were.
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| Bunga Semubut (Thottea grandiflora) Photo: Nursyamiera binti Ismail
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After a refreshing snack break, the group delved into Rimbun Dahan’s herbarium collection. After Flora Group Coordinator Yao Tze Leong explained the purpose of herbariums, Angela shared valuable specimens from her collection. Bilqis facilitated an observation activity with the children.
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| L to R_ Flora Group Coordinator Yao Tze Leong with Angela Hijjas and Bilqis Hijjas showing a few of their herbarium specimens. Photo: Nursyamiera binti Ismail |
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| Bilqis Hijjas (wearing binoculars) asks, "What’s the difference between these two leaves?” Photo: Nursyamiera binti Ismail |
To do their part to help grow a new forest, the children actively participated in planting Meranti Rambai Daun (Rubroshorea acuminata) saplings with Angela. A 12-year-old child, eager to learn, mastered the art of using a traditional Malay farming tool called a ‘cangkul’. The younger children also enjoyed the hands-on experience of nurturing young trees.
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| Angela Hijjas shows how to plant and water saplings Photo: Nursyamiera binti Ismail |
Additionally, they collected seeds from Meranti Tembaga (Shorea leprosula), a timely fruiting species, and learned the essential steps of seed selection, de-winging, soil preparation, and sowing.
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| Bilqis Hijjas (kneeling) showed how to find the best dipterocarp seeds to sow. Photo: Julian Ding |
These young eco-warriors can look forward to returning in 30 years to witness the growth of the trees they planted.
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| Ta-daa! Photo: HY Leong |
Beyond the forest, the kids were encouraged to take action at home by planting Ornamental Sweet Potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) provided by the Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur. Two enthusiastic participants even took home extra plants to expand their green initiatives.
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| Nuralisya Boey distributing ornamental sweet potato vine Photo: HY Leong |
To refine future CAKE field trips at Rimbun Dahan, a survey was distributed to gather feedback from parents, habitat hosts, and mentors. Furthermore, two MNS Selangor members volunteered to experience the demands of mentoring children firsthand. This invaluable experience will help them decide if they are interested in becoming dedicated CAKE Mentors, ensuring the continued nurturing of young environmental stewards.
Invitation for Future CollaborationsAngela, the former chairperson of the MNS Selangor Branch and past coordinator of the Flora Group, warmly invited CAKE to return to Rimbun Dahan next year. She also extended an invitation to Yao and the Flora Group to organise future activities at the venue.
Member's Reviews:
"We learnt a lot and I just realised a simple task like using a cangkul is totally alien to my city boy." - Justin
"Thanks for another well organised CAKE event. My daughter too said it was well organised and appreciation goes out to our hosts Angela and Bilqis. Thanks to all the mentors too." - Dominic
MNS Selangor Branch's CAKE10 is a collaboration with Rimbun Dahan, MNS Selangor Branch Flora Group and MNS Selangor Branch Nature Guides.
