Environmental & Educational Programs Home » About Formosa » Environmental & Educational Programs Contents Formosa-Tejano WetlandsAgricultural & Environmental Research CenterFormosa-Tejano Education Center Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. is committed to improving the local environment in our community by fostering partnerships with area businesses, community leaders, educators, and our neighbors to create a cleaner, safe place to live and work. These efforts continue with or Environmental & Educational Programs. Please see below for more information on these initiatives. Formosa-Tejano Wetlands The Formosa-Tejano Wetlands was established in 1997 and set aside to provide habitat for migratory and neotropical species, as well as endemic shore and wading birds. The wetlands were designed with three basic goals in mind: to provide additional wetlands habitat for wildlife, to help public school students learn about the environment and sustainability, and for the general public to enjoy. The 245-acre wetland area is owned and managed by Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. In 2000, the Formosa-Tejano Wetlands were designated as a Five Star Restoration Site by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Association of Counties, Wildlife Habitat Council, National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The property provides wintering habitat for waterfowl, year-round habitat for wading birds and wetland animal species, stop-over and permanent habitats for migratory and non-migratory birds, and year-round habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Our continued commitment to the Formosa-Tejano Wetlands demonstrates our alignment with several United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (Goal 4), Life Below Water (Goal 14), Life on Land (Goal 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17). Agricultural & Environmental Research Center The Formosa Agricultural and Environmental Research Center (AERC) is located near Point Comfort, Texas and was created by Formosa founder Y.C. Wang to engage in projects that help improve the environment. These projects honor Wang’s spirit of giving back to the community and highlight our commitment to the United Nations SDG of Life on Land (Goal 15). Special initiatives at the AERC include: Butterflies & Milkweed The AERC began a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2015 to protect monarch butterfly habitats. The AERC created a sanctuary for migrating monarch butterflies and is certified and registered by Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation. In 2021, the AERC cultivated 5,800 milkweed plants from five different species. Milkweed is the only food source for the caterpillar stage of monarch butterflies. The AERC’s research increased milkweed germination efficiency and overall plant health by more than 90%. More than 250 monarch butterflies hatched in the indoor nursery, and an estimated 1,500 hatched in the outdoor greenhouses in 2021. Apiary Formosa’s bee program at the AERC is in its infancy. The goal of this program is to provide a sanctuary for native bees and increase pollinator activity in the area. The AERC bee sanctuary is registered with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS). Trees that attract bees have been planted along the perimeter of the apiary site, and various beehive designs are being tested. Tree Planting In 2021, the AERC planted more than 500 trees from 11 different native species, including: live oak, pin oak, red oak, water oak, bur oak, willow oak, and Texas mountain laurels. One in six trees were cultivated from seed at the AERC. The AERC specializes in the research and application of beneficial soil fungi to enhance plant and tree health. These fungi form a symbiotic bond with plants that allows them to utilize water and nutrients more efficiently. The AERC plans to plant thousands of additional trees over the next five years, as more information is gathered on tree response, soil conditions, and climate. Formosa-Tejano Education Center The Formosa-Tejano Wetlands & Education Center is part of a decade-long partnership between Formosa Plastics and the Calhoun County Independent School District (CCISD) to provide students with hands-on instruction in the areas of environmental and natural science. This program’s learning modules are targeted at grades 5-9. Students learn about subjects including: ecosystems, water chemistry, microbiology, insect collection, and plant taxonomy. Through experiments, students learn how to use scientific equipment like microscopes, binoculars, collection nets, and water quality kits. The environmental education experiences conducted at the Formosa-Tejano Wetlands & Education Center provide hands-on, learning opportunities that are unique to other school districts. This program is aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state curriculum to reinforce concepts and lessons learned in the classroom. The Formosa-Tejano Wetlands & Education Center also aligns with the United Nations SDGs of Quality Education (Goal 4), Life Below Water (Goal 14), and Life on Land (Goal 15).
