Shizuoka Works

Promoting Harmonious Coexisting in Nature at Our
Business Sites by Initiating Studies on Living Creatures

Cultivating a Stepping-Stone Green Space to Promote Harmony with Wildlife

The area around the Shizuoka Works, located in the urban area of Shizuoka Prefecture, has seen a decrease in green space in recent years due to the development of factories and housing sites. However, just two kilometers away, there are several mountains stretching east to west, forming a rich natural landscape.

To reconnect fragmented green areas separated by urban development, we have been working to maintain and enhance a stepping-stone green space. We intend this green space to serve as a temporary habitat that allows wildlife to move more easily between larger natural areas. We regularly observe wildlife within the plant grounds and actively work to improve the green space. For example, we created a biotope in a portion of our stepping-stone green space that is designed to be a watering site for birds.

We also introduce the wildlife observed on-site through our internal website and organize events to help employees engage with nature. These efforts continuously spark interest in biodiversity among employees.

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  Stepping-stone green space at the Shizuoka Works

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  Stepping-stone green space when first established

  Main plant species: Shrubby bushclover, Japanese beautyberry, eastern valerian, great burnet, orange daylily, Japanese aster, mock strawberry, and Chinese spiranthes

Creating a Biotope to Enhance the Ecological Role of the Stepping-Stone Green Space

To further enhance the ecological role of the stepping-stone green space, we excavated an approximately 3-by-2 meter area within the Shizuoka Works grounds in June 2024 to create a biotope. This biotope is designed to serve as a watering and bathing site for various bird species. Guided by expert advice, we introduced design features such as varied water levels, terrain undulations, and small islets.

The stones used to create the pond were provided by another company based in Shizuoka city. The cooperation of this local business made the completion of the biotope possible.

We planted locally native trees around the pond. These trees were originally marked for removal during land development, but we were able to preserve some by receiving them. In addition, we held a tree-planting event for employees and their families to raise awareness of the biotope within the Shizuoka Works.

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  A sign explaining the project has been set up next to the pond.

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  Tree planting event held in June 2024

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  An automatic camera for capturing images of creatures using the biotope