In 2018, the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake caused the loss of many forests. We wanted to restore the collapsed forest area of Hayakita Children's Garden, which was used as a playground for local children, and contribute to a small-scale recovery. At the call of the Hayakita Children's Playground Creation Network, and with the cooperation of not only local residents but also recovery support volunteers from all over the country, a "forest regeneration project that makes maximum use of local resources" began.
We utilized all of these elements for greening: fallen trees and branches from the earthquake, seedlings grown from seedlings and seeds left in the forest, natural material mats to capture airborne seeds, and work roads cleared with horses used by local workers.
A study conducted five years after the earthquake revealed that planting seedlings and using natural material mats contributes to creating forests with high functional diversity, and that many mice are making use of the wooden fences installed to prevent soil erosion.
Hokkaido University will continue to support small-scale local recovery efforts by observing the changing forests, scientifically verifying greening and forest regeneration technologies, and conducting SDGs practical training for a wide range of age groups.
【reaserch result】
- Research results (2026 publication technical report)
- Research results (paper published in 2024)
- Research results (paper published in 2023)
- Research results (papers published in 2021)
- Research Results (Japan Society of Revegetation Technology Excellent Presentation Award)
[Project core members]
Laboratory of Ecosystem Management, School of Agriculture Hokkaido University
NPO Hayakita Children's Playground Network
Iburi Nature School (NPO)
