On Thursday, March 26th, we held a firefly larva release event in the garden waterway that flows through the center of our university campus, with approximately 15 people participating, including local residents and students.
The garden waterway at our university was designed in 2017 by landscape architect Kazuyuki Ishihara, known as the "Green Magician," with the aim of fostering communication with local residents and spreading a circle of flowers and greenery from our university. On that day, approximately 400 Genji firefly larvae and the freshwater snails that serve as their food source were released into the waterway.
The participating children brought cups containing tiny larvae closer to the water's edge and gently released them, saying things like, "Grow big and strong!" and "We'll come back to see you glow!" Many of the participants were seeing larvae for the first time, and various conversations about living things and the natural environment arose.
This year, we are once again planning to hold "HOTARU NIGHT," a firefly viewing event for local residents in late May when the fireflies emerge. The date and time will be adjusted based on the firefly emergence situation and will be announced on the event information page of our university's website.
Through various events and activities, including the firefly larvae release, our school will continue to actively provide opportunities for local residents and children to deepen their interest in the natural environment.
[Facilities Department / Industry-Academia Co-innovation and Research Promotion Headquarters]
