My job here in Chiiori is to gather thatch for the roof.  To do so, I have to investigate the thatch field.  Chiiori's interest is "how can we maintain the thatch fields so that we can re-thatch the roofs." My interest is "how can I use the thatched roofs to maintain this ecosystem of the thatch fields."

The thatch field, Susuki (Miscanthus sinensis) dominated grassland, is an ecosystem that requires regular disturbance.  Otherwise the shade-loving plants and trees will take over the field.  In other words, human activity is necessary for these grasslands to remain.

So, now that the snow has melted and I can go up there again, my job has turned into managing the mowing of these grass so they will have plenty of sunlight to grow again.  After the snow, most of the susuki has fallen to the ground.  But some are still standing and not only do they make shades over other plants, those still standing but old thatch have to be removed before they are harvested next fall for the roof.  Otherwise the old thatch will degrade faster and from there rains start leaking.

The best way to maintain the grassland is with the use of fire.  With fire, even the thatch that has fallen would be removed, ashes fertilize the ground, and overall make the environment favorable for grassland species to grow.  But to use fire in controlled and safe manner, much preparation and labors are needed, which is very difficult to get in Iya.  But even before that, I don't think I can persuade enough people to use fire in the first place....