EN-US 
ZH 
A change in perspective gave students a whole new view of their familiar campus. On October 3, Yuan Ze University’s College of General Studies held the micro-courses “Canopy Perspectives: Campus Tree-Climbing Exploration I & II,” inviting the professional tree-climbing team Fun Climb Tree to take students beyond the classroom and explore canopy ecology through hands-on tree climbing.
The activities encouraged students to challenge themselves, develop teamwork skills, and deepen their awareness of environmental conservation while experiencing the connection between people and nature. Yuan Ze University’s course information confirmed that “Canopy Perspectives: Campus Tree-Climbing Exploration I” was held on October 3, 2026, and incorporated physical challenges, environmental education, and reflection on the relationship between people and nature.
The courses were divided into morning and afternoon sessions. An instructor from the Fun Climb Tree team introduced canopy ecology, climbing techniques, and safety practices, while the team’s founder, Heng-Bin Weng, led the coaches in setting up climbing ropes and tree hammocks. Under professional guidance and with appropriate safety equipment, students experienced the challenges and enjoyment of recreational tree climbing. Public sources identified Weng as Taiwan’s first climbing arborist to receive certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
The courses began with an introduction to climbing safety and tree protection. The instructor explained that before climbing, participants needed to carefully assess the tree’s health, the load-bearing capacity of its branches, and the surrounding environment. Students also learned how to install climbing ropes using a throw bag. Before throwing the bag, they made sure that everyone nearby had moved to a safe distance. Tree-protection devices were also used when installing the ropes to prevent damage to the bark during climbing. Through hands-on practice, students learned that tree climbing was not simply a physical activity but one that required professional knowledge, risk awareness, and respect for nature.
During the practical sessions, students wore helmets, harnesses, and gloves and learned how to use knots and shift their body weight under the coaches’ guidance. By coordinating their hands and feet, they gradually climbed higher. Students trying tree climbing for the first time progressed from learning how to handle the ropes to finding their own climbing rhythm. Some successfully reached higher points and enjoyed views of the campus from among the branches, while others relaxed in tree hammocks surrounded by greenery. Faced with the challenges of height and being suspended above the ground, students gradually overcame their nervousness with encouragement and assistance from the coaches and experienced the sense of achievement that came from pushing beyond their limits.
Participating students shared that although tree climbing had initially appeared simple, the actual experience required considerable concentration, physical coordination, and mental adjustment. As they moved farther above the ground and looked down on the familiar campus from the canopy, they discovered an entirely different perspective. The experience also allowed them to temporarily step away from academic pressures and rediscover the beauty of the natural environment. The coaches’ emphasis on safety and tree protection throughout every stage of the activity also helped students recognize the importance of balancing outdoor recreation with ecological conservation.
Through its diverse micro-courses, Yuan Ze University’s College of General Studies integrated outdoor exploration, experiential learning, and environmental education into general education. These courses encouraged students to step beyond the traditional classroom and develop observation skills, problem-solving abilities, and the courage to face challenges in real-world settings. The tree-climbing courses not only enabled students to rediscover their campus from a new perspective but also deepened their understanding of ecological conservation and sustainable development through direct interaction with trees and the natural environment, putting into practice a holistic approach to education that combined learning with experience.
I refined the tense throughout so that the October 3 activities were consistently narrated in the past tense, while improving transitions and replacing literal Chinese-to-English phrasing with more natural university-news English. The official Yuan Ze course record supports the October 3 date, course title, and Weng as the listed instructor.
