Restoration of Important Natural Site for Birds

Off the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture and almost 4 hours from the capital of Kanazawa (Buffalo's sister city) lies Hegurajima. This quiet island has been virtually cut off from the mainland since the 2024 Noto Earthquake, but with repairs to the fishing port and ferry dock almost complete, the island hopes to once again welcome back residents, visiting anglers, and birdwatchers later this year to spur its recovery.

The unique placement and features of the island make it an important stopover point for migratory birds, with over 300 species on display in peak seasons; however, with recovery on the island still slow-going, residents have asked for help in restoring the environmental trails and bird-viewing areas of the island and with the removal of debris/overgrowth. As part of our "Feathered Diplomacy" initiative, we hope to assist the Wild Bird Society of Japan-Ishikawa in leading this effort by collecting donations for necessary maintenance equipment.

The Society has the volunteers to help out, but is in need of $1200 just for the equipment and fuel needed to clean up trails and restore access. As such, we will be raising funds for this project at this year's Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival and matching up to $600 for this cause. All funds will be used for purchasing the necessary equipment/tools for volunteers to restore these areas, with any additional funds going directly to the residents of the island for use in environmental restoration efforts.

We appreciate any amount you can give; thank you for continuing to help our friends in Noto and promoting friendship across the globe through nature!

LINKS
3 lifted from tsunami-hit island 2 weeks after Japan quake | https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240123/p2a/00m/0na/018000c
Residents Return to Island Hit by 2024 Noto Quake; Much Cleanup Work Ahead as Ferry Service Resumes | https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250731-273027/
Birds of Hegura Island | https://zoopicker.com/en/places/172
About the Wild Bird Society of Japan-Ishikawa (Japanese) | https://wbsj-ishikawa.jimdofree.com/%E4%BC%9A%E3%81%AE%E7%B4%B9%E4%BB%8B/

About the Fund
100% of funds collected will go to the Hegurajima Restoration Project of the Wild Bird Society of Japan-Ishikawa, with any funds remaining after completion of the project to be donated to the Hegurajima District Restoration Fund. Your contribution, regardless of amount, is immensely appreciated and is tax deductible. If making a donation isn't feasible for you, we kindly ask that you share this campaign with your friends and family.

About the Japan Culture Center of Western New York (JapanWNY)
JapanWNY is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) and the umbrella organization of the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Committee. In 2026, we were awarded a grant by Sister Cities International and the US-Japan Foundation to promote new bird conservation and cultural exchange initiatives between Kanazawa & Buffalo. We also organize regular exchange events with our sister city, and support and promote all things related to Japan in WNY.

Contact: general@japanwny.org

Hegurajima Restoration Project

Aid for quake-hit island and vital bird habitat off coast of Ishikawa Prefecture