Yatsu-Higata Nature Observation Center Introductory Course for Volunteers

Introductory Course for Volunteers

This course is for individuals interested in starting volunteer activities at the Yatsu-higata Nature Observation Center. In the course we introduce fundamental knowledge and techniques required for volunteering. It is a series of 5 courses every year, and each course lasts aproximately six hours from 10am to 4pm.

The instructors will guide each session in accordance with the theme with clear and thorough explanations.

First Session "Let's get to know the Yatsu-higata"

The instructor will explain the volunteer activities at the Yatsu-higata Nature Observation Center, and contents of the Volunteer Introductory Course.

Orientation

Begin with Orientation

Breaking the ice by introducing each other

Learning about the history of Yatsu-higata and the Observation Center

Getting to know the Center

Learning about the volunteer activities

Observing Yatsu-higata outside the Center

～A word from the instructor～

In the first session, we will explain the purpose of the course and the contents of all sessions. We will also walk around the Yatsu-higata, introducing the terrain, the waterways connected to the Tokyo Bay, the surrounding natural environment, and the history.

Let's learn about Yatsu-higata together!!

Second Session "Observing creatures at Yatsu-higata"

We will step into the Yatsu-higata and observe the creatures.

Collecting plankton

Collecting creatures in the mud

Observing Seaweeds

Observing the collected plankton through the microscope

Microscopic photograph of plankton

Let's find living creatures in the seaweed!

～Feedback from a participant ～

It was really surprising to find so many creatures in the mud and seaweed!!

Third Session "Birdwatching for beginners"

Enjoy Birdwatching and learn how to find and identify different birds.

Learning how to use telescopes習

Learning how to use telescopes

Common Teal

泥の中の生きものを採集

Observing birds at Yatsu-higata

Great Cormorant

Common Teal

Great Egret

～Feedback from a participant ～

At first I could not find the birds. But with the instructor's guidance, I could see many beautiful birds through the telescope.

Fourth Session "Let's experience Freshwater Pond Management and its utilization."

Weeding in the Freshwater Pond and observing the creatures living in it.

Weeding in the Freshwater Pond

Weeding is a very enjoyable exercise

Putting away the mowed weedけ

Putting away the mowed weed

Found a Oriental Reed Warbler's nest

American Crayfish

Mole Cricket

Fifth Session "Let's guide the visitors"

Let's chat with visitors in the Observation Floor.

Knowledge of birds is not imperative for guidance. Simple chatter with the visitors is also part of guidance activities. Rangers of the Observation Certer will follow up.

Guiding the visitors

Exibits available for use in guiding

～Feedback from the Instructor～

Let's share experiences and learnings in the sessions about Yatsu-higata. First, head out to the observation floor and enjoy interacting with the visitors.

If faced with some issues, rangers will back you up.

Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion will be awarded.