Greening activities in the October issue area

　In Yokohama-shi, we perform "local green town development" business to support local tree planting activity. This time, we have covered the activities of the Motomachi Kawagishi Dori CRG, which is engaged in greening activities in Naka Ward. Motomachi Kawagishi Dori CRG is an organization that has been active since fiscal 2021 with 32 people, with the goal of creating a city where people and people connect with green. CRG is an abbreviation for "Close to the RIVERGREEN".

―What kind of activities do you carry out?
　We are engaged in greening activities for planting belts along the Horikawa River in Motomachi. Other than that, we are working to set up hanging baskets at stores along the street.

―How did you start your activities?
　In the past, plants were planted unplannedly, but over time, the river grew so large that the river could not be seen from the street, so the street became dark and I felt scared, illegal dumping was seen, and people approached It was a difficult situation. The desire to improve such a street was the reason I started my activities.

─Specifically, what kind of things are you doing in the planting zone?
　We maintain greenery such as caring for planted flowers, watering and weeding.

―Is there anything you are aware of in your activities?
　Group members have many store managers, so it is difficult for everyone to work together, so we can easily participate without burden.

―What kind of ideas are you taking to make it easier to participate?
　We do not decide on an activity date, and at the time when each time is free, we can easily and easily work alone at any time. Tool boxes are installed in the planting belt, and sometimes non-members can take care of them. In the past, there was no water supply in the surrounding area, so it was necessary to go back and forth between the store and the planting zone many times for watering, but by installing a water storage tank using rainwater, it was troublesome to make a round trip I was able to save.

―Is there anything else that you are aware of?
　The type and color of flowers are not too large. Planting flowers of various colors will make them colorful, but we try not to increase the color of the flowers, taking into account the casual greenery that matches the local environment. We are planting mainly tamasdare and rosemary, but tamasdare is a vine that grows from bulbs, so there is no need to replant, and rosemary can be expected to have an insect repellent effect.

―Is there anything you are doing to have a hanging basket set up?
　We are conducting workshops on making hanging baskets. By creating a hanging basket on your own and having them decorate it at the storefront, etc., not only makes the street brighter, but also feels green closer and becomes interested in greenery.

―Have you ever changed since you started working as a business?
　I was able to formulate a long-term plan and create an "original rainwater storage tank device" that I could not do without a subsidy. Although the time of three years is long, I was able to get many people interested in participating by feeling close to the fact that the street was actually changing.

―Do you have anything you think about in future activities or how you want to make the green of the street?
　First of all, I hope everyone will feel free to participate in the activities. Even if it is easy, once you participate, you will be conscious of "green at your own", which will not only participate in activities, but also make you feel closer to greenery, including actions other than activities. You. Participation in activities not only protects greenery, but also triggers many people and revitalizes local communities. In the future, I would like to make it a place for relaxation where you can feel the greenery closer and spend a pleasant time.

　According to a person in charge at Environmental Planning Bureau, "For community green town development, more than 10 applicants gather and can apply if they are willing to take the initiative. Not only will the greenery of the area spread, but also the number of acquaintances will increase and it will be a chance to get involved with the area more deeply, so we invite friends in the neighborhood and look forward to the participation of many people. Was.

　Although it was a short interview time, I had the impression that I was not working as an activity, but I enjoyed it casually in my daily life and touched green. . During the interview, I saw many times that people who passed by accident and waved their hands, and I was able to get a glimpse of how activities took root in the area and were interested in greenery. .

　As for the details about "town development of local green", please see the following page.
https://translate-en.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kurashi/machizukuri-kankyo/midori-koen/midori_up/3ryokuka/chiikimidori/chiikimidori2.html