A forest of ironwood trees in the heart of the city.

Few would have imagined that, just a few kilometers from Cun Pass, near the bypass of National Highway 6, amidst the bustling urban life of Thong Nhat Ward, there exists a forest of centuries-old ironwood trees. This ironwood forest stands tall and majestic, like a "green lung" in the heart of the city, possessing both ecological value and being an invaluable asset to the people and the community.

According to the elders, no one remembers exactly when the lim tree forest originated, only that it was lush and green when they were children. Through generations, hundreds of green lim trees, 25-30 meters tall and too large to encircle, still stand firm, their roots interwoven and firmly anchored to the soil, providing shade and contributing to an endless green space.

Many ancient ironwood trees have trunks several meters in circumference.

Visiting the ironwood forest in Hamlet 4, Thong Nhat Ward (formerly Bai Yen Hamlet, Dan Chu Commune), tourists are amazed. Between the Na Sung and Na Them irrigation lakes, the forest is divided into two areas covering more than 10 hectares.

Every few meters, there's an ancient ironwood tree reaching high into the sky.

Every few meters, an ancient teak tree stands tall, its lush foliage covering a vast expanse of sky. The midday August sun pours down, its light filtering through the thick layer of leaves, creating shimmering streaks on the grass, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Many types of parasitic plants cling tightly to tree trunks.

The ironwood tree is like a pillar supporting the sky.

Remarkably, the ecosystem here remains relatively intact. Green doves, red-crested birds, bees, snakes, and even small mammals still return to live here. Wild orchids clinging to the lim tree trunks, suddenly blooming, add to the charm of the scenery.

The teak forests are providing a water source for irrigation reservoirs.

Mr. Bui Van Cu, a civil servant in Thong Nhat ward, shared: “Perhaps this is the only remaining cypress forest in the middle of an urban area. For the people, the forest is not only a treasure but also an important water source. Thanks to the cypress forest, Na Sung and Na Them lakes are full of water all year round, ensuring a stable water supply for irrigation and agricultural production.”

The teak forest is located next to the bypass road of National Highway 6, not far from the headquarters of the Thong Nhat Ward People's Committee.

According to locals, the cypress forest has its own unique beauty in each season. In spring, the young leaves are a lush green carpet; in summer, the dense green canopy provides shade; in autumn, the fallen yellow leaves create a rare and poetic scene; and in winter, the cypress forest stands silent and majestic, like pillars supporting the sky.

Tourists have also begun to flock here, not only to admire the scenery and breathe the fresh air, but also to experience peace amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. For the community, the teak forest is a spiritual asset, deeply connected to generations, like a part of the soul of the land.

Remarkably, over the years, the teak forest has remained virtually untouched. The locals consider the forest a "treasure of the village," and no one dares to cut it down. They even hold the belief that anyone who harms the forest will face misfortune. Along with this spiritual element, the strict management by the forest rangers and local authorities has helped to preserve the teak forest intact.

Today, the fallen seeds of the ironwood tree have germinated into densely growing saplings. Surrounding the ironwood forest are areas of protective and production forests, forming a solid green belt. Many rare bird species have returned to live there, bringing visitors the clear sounds of nature every morning. From the highest point of the ironwood forest, the entire urban landscape along the Da River unfolds before your eyes: rows of streets and stilt houses peeking out from under the green canopy, interspersed with cool breezes blowing from the forest. It's a harmonious picture of nature and urban life, of tradition and modernity.

The lim forest in Thong Nhat ward not only possesses ecological, protective, and tourism value but also holds profound cultural and spiritual significance. It is a vivid testament to the harmonious blend of humanity and nature, of the city and the vast forest. In the context of rapid urbanization, preserving and promoting the value of the lim forest is not only the responsibility of the government but also a source of pride and a conscious effort of every citizen to protect it. Because the lim forest is not only a "green asset" today but also a precious legacy for future generations.

Le Chung

Source: https://baophutho.vn/rung-lim-trong-long-pho-thi-239300.htm