From 12 December 2024 to 1 January 1 2025, TrailWatch held its 10th-anniversary exhibition themed Dialogue in the Hills. This exhibition not only celebrated a decade of TrailWatch’s achievements but also showcased the diverse ways Hongkongers connect with nature. From the slow, repetitive exploration of a local hillside to the adventurous discovery of hidden streams, from heartwarming moments of parent-child hikes to meticulous research into ancient trails and natural ecosystems – each story exemplified a unique connection between people and nature. Held over the holiday season, the exhibition attracted numerous visitors, adding warmth and inspiration to the event.
Among the ten participating users, some attended talks to share their personal journeys in nature; others conveyed their stories through the airwaves on 903 Radio’s Urban Touch program. Some quietly visited the exhibition with family and friends, creating precious encounters that made the TrailWatch 10th Anniversary Exhibition a meaningful dialogue between people and nature.
The four featured activities further enriched the exhibition experience:
Dialogue: Ecological Art
This session featured scientific illustrator Nicole Kit and curator Matthew Kwan, who introduced the audience to the differences between scientific illustration and general illustration. Scientific illustration emphasizes accuracy and educational value, focusing on details in nature that are often difficult to observe with the naked eye. General illustration, on the other hand, offers greater creative freedom, focusing on aesthetics and emotional expression.
Nicole’s artwork in this exhibition transformed ten years of data from user Moon So’s TrailWatch APP records. Every 100 meters recorded became a point in a traditional scientific illustration, forming a comprehensive ecological portrait of Lion Rock, encompassing plants, insects, and birds. This innovative approach not only showcased the artistic transformation of data but also provided a fresh perspective on the relationship between Lion Rock, its biodiversity, and the user, adding depth and interest to the exhibition.
Matthew shared his insights on using spatial design to guide visitors through the exhibition. Starting with a time-lapse video projection of Hong Kong’s mountain landscapes transitioning from day to night, visitors were led into each user’s story. Personal items such as maps, life vests, scarves, and helmets acted as mediums to connect the users’ narratives, symbolizing their unique ties to nature. Interactive installations further enhanced the experience by projecting the users’ hiking records and captured landscapes, allowing visitors to virtually traverse ten distinct trails. These thoughtful curatorial elements deepened the immersive experience and inspired audiences to rethink their relationships with nature, highlighting the diversity of conservation and exploration.
Dialogue: Nature Education
This session featured KC, a current secondary school teacher, and retired primary school teacher Mr. Pang Yuk Man, who shared their experiences in implementing nature education and inspiring students to explore the outdoors. Both speakers had established nature gardens at their schools. KC described how she led students in cultivating a small garden on campus, from planting seeds to harvesting crops, allowing them to experience the process firsthand. Mr. Pang recounted how he guided primary school students in identifying plants, observing insects, and creating teaching materials, emphasizing that nature education nurtures careful observation and respect for life.
In addition to their teaching practices, both speakers discussed their written works as tools to promote nature education. KC’s God in the Wild draws from her hiking experiences to explore the profound connections between humans and nature. Mr. Pang, as the translator and annotator of The Hong Kong Countryside, brought the vivid seasonal landscapes of 1950s Hong Kong to life for modern readers, reigniting appreciation for the city’s natural heritage.
During the talk, Mr. Pang referenced Rachel Carson’s The Sense of Wonder, emphasizing that the essence of nature education lies in igniting children’s passion and curiosity about the natural world. By fostering such emotional connections, children are more likely to care for and protect the environment.
The discussion underscored that nature education is not merely about imparting knowledge but also about cultivating sensitivity and action. Through these methods, students establish a deeper bond with nature, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Many attendees stayed after the session to engage further with the speakers, reflecting the lasting impact of their dialogue.
The two other Dialogues and related events will be detailed in another article.