Discover the Wando: Funahashi's Hidden Backwaters at Kyotsubogawa River Park (Orange Park Funahashi)

Kyotsugawa River Park (Orange Park Funahashi) in Funahashi Village is a highly educational park where visitors can observe a unique geographical feature called a "Wando." Many people may be hearing the term "Wando" for the first time, but it is a technical term referring to a pond-like landform created by the meandering of a river. This park offers a valuable opportunity to learn firsthand about the ecosystem of a Wando and the mechanisms of nature.

Geographical Features and Formation Process of Wandos

A Wando is a crescent-shaped, pond-like landform created when it is cut off from the main current due to river meandering or flooding. The Wando at Kyotsugawa River Park was naturally formed over many years of changes in the river's flow and now fosters a unique ecosystem. Since the water flow in a Wando differs from the main river, it provides a habitat for plants, fish, and insects that prefer still water environments, allowing observation of rich biodiversity distinct from the main river. Such landforms hold significant value in river engineering and ecological research and are utilized as sites for nature education.

Overview of Orange Park Funahashi Facilities

Kyotsugawa River Park is affectionately known as "Orange Park Funahashi" and is a beautiful park themed around orange, the symbolic color of Funahashi Village. The park is equipped with a Wando observation deck, a nature learning center, walking paths, and rest areas, allowing families to comfortably enjoy nature observation. The Wando observation deck, in particular, offers a close-up view of aquatic creatures and plants, making it an ideal facility for children's environmental education. Nature observation events and environmental education programs are also held seasonally.

The Ecosystem of Wandos and the Value of Environmental Education

The Wando at Kyotsugawa River Park is highly regarded as a valuable nature learning site within Toyama Prefecture. The still water environment of the Wando is home to a diverse array of creatures, including dragonfly larvae (nymphs), aquatic insects, small fish, and frogs, allowing visitors to observe food chains and ecosystem mechanisms firsthand. Additionally, aquatic plants like reeds and bulrushes are abundant, providing opportunities to learn about plant ecology and the mechanisms of water purification. It is actively utilized for environmental studies in local elementary and junior high schools, serving as a valuable educational resource for children to learn about the workings of nature through hands-on experience.

Kyotsugawa River Park (Orange Park Funahashi) in Funahashi Village is a valuable facility where visitors can learn about the mechanisms of nature through the unique landform of a Wando. More than just a park, this place holds value as a site for environmental education and nature study, allowing both children and adults to enjoy learning about nature. By observing the Wando's ecosystem, it is a highly educational spot where one can truly appreciate the importance of the natural environment and biodiversity.