Site Topography and Elevation The site straddle along the different ridges and naturally within the higher rolling slopes with an elevation of approximately 600 meters above sea level (MASL) overlooking the landscapes below the areas like Bacolod City and other communities. The natural topographic composition of its terrain, slopes and ridges provides different taste that contributes to its good aesthetic value. Vegetative Cover Melba’s Farm was developed with the existence of different species of planted forest and fruit trees together with the highly regarded naturally-grown endemic trees that provides unique atmosphere for an ecotourism project area. These beautiful trees provides cooling effect to soothe one’s feeling and invite anyone to stay underneath its canopy. Some of the endemic trees present in the farm are White lauan (Shorea contorta, Bagtikan (Parashorea plicata), Bakan (Litsea philippinensis Merr.), Kubi (Artocarpus nitidus) and Batwan (Garcinia binucao). These native trees have grown favorably inside the farm where they are purposely preserved and allowed to become large and mature that will serve to attract the wildlife. This also serve as a potential attraction to visitors at all levels who have not seen any of these dipterocarps and endemic tree species to learn on their importance and conservation measures. Presence of Different Wildlife Along some portions of the property are manmade forest that started to develop into a kind of vegetated area provide favorable condition to other natural plants like ferns, shrubs, vines, under-storey plants and grasses. These natural vegetation offers a wholesome atmosphere to wild animals which is evident with their presence. Several kinds of birds, reptiles and small mammals can be found in the area like the White-collared kingfisher (Halcyon chloris), Tailorbird (Orthotomus castaneiceps), Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus palustris), Zebra dove (Geopelia striata), White-eared brown dove (Phapitreron leucotis), Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), Palm civet, bats, monitor lizard, sailfin lizard, small snakes and among others. This indicates that the site is gradually transformed into a refuge and habitat for wildlife that provide them favorable condition to survive. Other Potential Attractions of the Farm The site is suitable place for ecotourism with some interesting features aside from its structures that would provide attraction to many people to visit. Some of these possible features that may add interest such as: Planted organic coffee where civets are attracted to eat the ripe fruits; Butterfly garden; Medicinal Plants; Edible ferns that would provide specialty for salads, etc. Canopy walk or guided tour going to the huge Lauan trees passing the host trees where bats are roosting. The small creek with its flowing clear waters near the big lauan trees can be a good place for relaxation, meditation or prayer. (Organically grown vegetables and crops are now a come-on to visitors when served in the cafeteria). Aside from this, several number of fruit-bearing trees has started to be productive in the farm such as Durian, Lanzones, Coconuts, jackfruit, ect. These fruit trees is important to provide the supply of needed fruits that can be served in the cafeteria. Bananas like lakatan, latundan, balangon, arnibal and saba are also to being developed into their full potential to supply the necessary requirements of the farm for visitors or even sold to the market. (Additional fruit trees like rambutan, calamansi, lemon and others are also have to be planted). Accessibility The site is accessible from the main concrete road approximately 15 kms. from Bacolod to Brgy. Alangilan and diverted through a 2 kms. off-road (dirt road) ideal for mountain bike enthusiasts. This kind of adventure experience attracts many people especially during weekends. However, for those visitors that have to be conveyed through, a service van or pick-up is ideal to reach the property as destination. Contacts: Alvin Carranza, Conservationist email add: outdoorman@mac.com Raymond Deasis Farm Administrator email add: deasisi_raymond@yahoo.com Nicky Burgos Visayas Coordinator email add: yesaircon_nicky@yahoo.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mountain bike competition set Nov. 21Biking enthusiasts are expected to come in droves to compete in the Mountain Bike Open this Saturday at Melba's Farm located at the junction of Barangay Alangilan in Bacolod City and Barangay Cabatangan, Talisay City. Event organizer Arman... more | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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