On Saturday, February 28th, 40 students and faculty members from our university participated in a pine tree planting volunteer activity organized by the NPO "Hakata Yumematsubara no Kai" at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. On that day, they worked together with people of all ages, from children to adults, to plant pine tree saplings.
The pine forest in the park is designated as a Class 1 Special Area and a protected forest within the Genkai Quasi-National Park, and the national, prefectural, and local governments are working together to preserve it. Despite the cold north wind, the students, working with other participants, planted approximately 600 pine saplings and cleaned the beach. They collected trash such as plastic bottles and plastic fragments that had washed ashore, and more trash than usual was collected.
We also conducted a growth survey of the pine seedlings planted last year, and the results showed that approximately 30% of the planted seedlings failed to take root and withered due to the effects of last year's heatwave and lack of rain.
Through this activity, the students learned the importance of preserving pine forests and beautifying the coastal environment, and they also realized the harshness of the natural environment and the importance of continuous management, including after planting trees. It was also an important opportunity to raise awareness of protecting the natural environment in cooperation with local residents.
Our university will continue its efforts to ensure that students can gain experience engaging with local communities and the natural environment through participation in such practical volunteer activities.
[Student Department]
