Natural Water Sanctuary Kita Alps Initiatives

Becoming a Hawk-friendly Water Plant

In 2018, prior to the construction of the Suntory Kita Alps Shinano-no-Mori Water Plant, Suntory conducted a voluntary environmental survey of the surrounding area. During this process, an old hawk's nest was discovered within the planned site for the Plant. In response, Suntory decided that if hawks returned to nest there, construction would be postponed until August—after the breeding season was over.

Old hawk nest that was discovered

Further investigation revealed several old hawk nests in a nearby Japanese red pine forest. This was in a restricted area of the Alps Azumino National Government Park, adjacent to the plant site and also part of our Natural Water Sanctuary Kita Alps. Unfortunately, those old nests had become unusable, obstructed by broadleaf trees that had grown up around them.

So, during the winter, we carried out maintenance on the Japanese red pine forest to create an environment where hawks can raise their young more easily. Then, we waited for the hawks to return.

A Water Plant Where Hawks and People Can Co-Exist
(Japanese Only)

Date of release: December 2021

In early summer 2022, a pair of Eurasian Goshawks found an artificial nesting platform installed in a Japanese red pine forest that had undergone habitat restoration. The pair nested there and raised 3 healthy chicks, which later fledged successfully. Watch the chicks as they grow.

Eurasian Goshawk Chicks Learn to Fly (Japanese Only)

Date of release: December 2022

Bird names are listed in accordance with the Check-list of Japanese Birds, 8th Revised Edition.

Learn about the Eagle/Hawk-Nurturing Support Program

Nature-Experience Education for Children

Our Natural Water Sanctuary Kita Alps is not only a place for research and forest maintenance, but also serves as a classroom for Outdoor School of Forest and Water as part of Suntory “Mizuiku” - Education Program for Nature and Water that teaches children the importance of forests and water. Children explore the forest in person, touch trees and leaves, search for living things, and engage in various nature experiences.