Wildlife of the USRC
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When asked to describe what attracts them to our club, many members are quick to mention the gardens. Our setting is unique among Hong Kong clubs: a rare, wooded habitat, surrounded by urban development. The grounds are regularly described as an oasis, and in many ways that is what we offer Kowloon’s plants and wildlife with this well-tended pocket of rich, natural biodiversity amid the urban jungle we call home.
Club member, Dr Gordon Maxwell is a renowned expert in botany. For most of his career, he has worked in education, imparting his wisdom to generations of ecology and environment students in Hong Kong. We are fortunate to have his expertise, and over time, he has identified a good sample of the trees that the USRC is the custodian. Through his tree walk, members have been able to learn more about the wonderful plants and trees that make the USRC such a special place. As any good gardener knows, when it comes to healthy greenery, plants are only part of the story. The birds and animals that live among our plant life are vital to ensuring their continued beauty and well-being. To ensure our gardens thrive long into the future, our team of ground staff follow a carefully coordinated program that helps maintain the finely balanced, symbiotic relationship between the plants and animals we are so fortunate to have here. Since late 2020, we have been surveying and documenting the animal life that can be observed in amongst our plant life. With the help of Dr Gary Ades, head of the Fauna Conservation Department at Kadoorie Farm, we have identified some of the birds, small mammals, reptiles and butterflies that have made our club their home and help keep our gardens healthy. To enhance our tree walk, we have included information on many of the creatures that inhabit our plants and trees. Take the time to read their descriptions and it will enhance your next visit to our Club! |
Acknowledgment: Maxwell, GS & Leung, Sze Ming,Kat (2011), Trees of the United Services Recreation Club.
ISBN 978-988-15517-1-9, Pub. Gordon Maxwell. Printed Impressions Design & Print Ltd. To see some of these wonderful trees in the Club's grounds, why not use the tree walk map to guide you on your tree walk? You can download the map by clicking on the link here or by clicking on the image.
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