Jul 7, 2014
On July 5, a total of 110 volunteers from the three groups that are supporting the Coastal Forest Restoration Project in Natori City were gathered to help in the maintenance of the planting site and nursery.
Prior to the actual activities, briefing about the project was conducted among the volunteer members of Boeing Japan and ANA while UI Zensen Labor Union members who have been repeatedly volunteering in the project did weeding in the nursery.
Yoshida Toshimichi, the Overall Project Coordinator demonstrated the efficient and effective way of using spade and hoe in collecting wood chips to cover the roots of the seedlings. He mentioned that the seedlings exposure to harsh environment due to salt sprays and strong winds, a tender loving care is crucial to their survival. He then appealed among the volunteers the need to take the work seriously so as to reduce seedlings mortality.
“It is a humbling experience for me to go here and work with my hands. Somehow, it is a good way to give back to the community”, was the comment of Mr. George Maffeo, Boeing Japan`s President.
With the help of the volunteers, approximately 10,000 planted seedlings were maintained after covered with wood chips. Meanwhile, four beds in the nursery were cleared from weeds.
This year, for less than two months, 15 hectares were planted with 75,000 black pine seedlings by the sub-contracted local tsunami survivors, forest experts and local volunteers. OISCA is still organizing volunteering activities among the individuals or groups who want to contribute to the project.
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