There was good news from the Beijing Elk Ecological Experimental Center, or the Elk Park, as the list of the first national forest and grassland science popularization bases was recently announced. The park made the list.

National forest and grassland science popularization bases are an important part of national science popularization bases. 

They rely on forest, grassland, wetland, desert, and wildlife resources to conduct nature education and ecological experiential activities, showcase forest and grassland technological achievements and ecological civilization practices, and create science popularization works. 

A view of the Elk Park [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

These bases are named and managed by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

As one of the first national forest and grassland science popularization bases, the Elk Park possesses abundant wildlife and regional advantages. 

"The park has more than 60 sets of fixed facilities and outdoor science popularization display facilities, including an elk discovery monument, a bird migration globe, and a cemetery for extinct animals. Many of them have obtained design patents," said Chen Xing, deputy research fellow at the park.

In recent years, the Elk Park has developed a series of courses based on the morphological characteristics of elks for science popularization education for minors, science popularization dramas in schools, and theme-based study tours on the "Past and Present Lives of Elks." 

They have also developed multiple distinctive courses, actively integrated and expanded science popularization resources, ensured investment in science popularization work, and continuously enhanced their forest and grassland science popularization service capabilities.

According to Chen Xing, as a national forest and grassland science popularization base, the Elk Park formulates detailed special work plans each year and has established a sound mechanism for open access to the public. 

It popularizes knowledge of forest and grassland science, contributes to improving the scientific literacy and ecological awareness of the general public, and promotes the high-quality development of the forest and grassland cause and the construction of ecological civilization.