Forest maintenance, insect hotel observation, and nature crafts at the “Takao Forest Nature School”
The Hitachi High-Tech Group conducts forest maintenance and biodiversity conservation activities in the forest-maintenance area of the Takao Forest Nature School (Hachioji City, Tokyo), operated by the SEVEN-ELEVEN FOUNDATION.
On Saturday, May 16, volunteer members, their families, and organizing staff—a total of 35 people—took part, under the guidance of the nature school’s staff, in forest maintenance work, observing an insect hotel, and making nature photo frames.
First, the nature school’s staff explained what the activities would involve, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and describing how, through past efforts, the forest had gradually been improved.
Next, the organizing staff gave a presentation under the theme “The Secret of Plants That Enlist Animals to Spread: Examining ‘Hitchhiker Seeds’* Under the Electron Microscope.” They shared data on plants collected in the Takao Forest and observed using a TM4000 Series tabletop microscope, along with what the data reveals about how nature works and how those insights can be applied in everyday life.
* Hitchhiker Seeds ：A general term for plant seeds and fruits that spread by clinging to animals or people’s clothing. The hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) was invented by imitating this mechanism.
After that, everyone moved to the forest-maintenance area to cut back undergrowth and thin and remove trees. With all the participants working together, the results of their work were immediately visible, and they came away with a real sense of accomplishment.
Participants also observed an “insect hotel,”* which supports habitats for insects. Tubes made by cutting bamboo grass gathered during forest maintenance had been placed inside the hotel, and the nature school’s staff explained how insects make use of them.
* Insect Hotel：A nesting box for insects intended to provide a place for them to hibernate and breed.
In the craft activity that rounded out the day, participants reused wood left over from the forest maintenance to make nature photo frames. Working with materials they had gathered themselves while contributing to the environment and society—rather than store-bought supplies—they were able to create a one-of-a-kind decoration with special personal meaning.
The Hitachi High-Tech Group carries out forest stewardship activities to create a rich future for both humans and nature.
For information on the Hitachi High-Tech Group's efforts to conserve biodiversity, please visit the following website.
