Hitachi High-Tech Group Volunteers Experience Forest Conservation and Craft Work at Takao Forest Nature School
The Hitachi High-Tech Group carries out forest maintenance and biodiversity conservation activities in the forest conservation area of the Takao Forest Nature School, located in Hachioji City, Tokyo, and operated by the SEVEN-ELEVEN FOUNDATION.
On Saturday, June 7, 33 volunteer members and their families, along with administrative staff, participated in forest maintenance work, insect hotel upkeep, and swag-making under the guidance of nature school staff.
First, the nature school staff explained the activities. They shared the journey of how the forest, which had been left untouched and neglected, has been gradually maintained through our efforts.
Next, the administrative staff presented data from observations of insects and plants found in the Takao Forest Nature School using Tabletop Electron Microscope TM4000, along with insights into natural mechanisms gained from these observations.
We then moved to the forest maintenance area and worked on cutting vegetation, thinning, and removal operations. As all participants worked together cooperatively, the contrast between before and after maintenance became clearly evident, providing participants with a great sense of accomplishment.
We also experienced observing and maintaining the insect hotel. An insect hotel is a nesting box designed to provide places where insects can hibernate and reproduce. We cut bamboo grass that had been trimmed during forest maintenance to create tubes, and then collected these to replenish the hotel. The children worked enthusiastically, and seeing how much they looked forward to insects visiting the insect hotel they had made warmed our hearts.
During the final craft work session, we created swags by reusing vegetation that was a byproduct of forest maintenance. Using materials obtained through our own environmental and social contributions, rather than purchasing plants, enabled us to craft unique interior decorations that felt more meaningful and personal.
During our activities, Takao Forest Nature School staff told us that “wild deer had appeared in the Hitachi High-Tech Group’s maintenance area a few days earlier,” and they showed us camera footage capturing this scene. We truly felt that our forest maintenance efforts extend beyond simply enhancing the landscape and also contribute to biodiversity conservation.
For information on the Hitachi High-Tech Group's efforts to conserve biodiversity, please visit the following website.
