EDDYVILLE — Yesterday, leaders from Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition North America, Inc. (AHN) joined the Eddyville community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with conservation leaders from across Iowa to celebrate one of the region’s largest wetlands restoration projects, sponsored by AHN.
The global ingredient manufacturer is transforming more than 130 acres of cropland along the Des Moines River into its original wetland habitat. The transformation will support wildlife such as endangered Indiana bats, whitetail deer, and various pollinators.
“For more than 100 years we have been delivering on our mission to help the world eat well and live well,” said Ryan Smith, Chief Growth Officer and Executive Vice President at Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition. “That legacy empowers us to drive meaningful initiatives like the Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Mitigation Bank in Eddyville. This inspiring project is a significant milestone for our company, reflecting our commitment to Ajinomoto Shared Value (ASV) and sustainability in the communities where we operate and live.”
More than two thousand native trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses have been planted as part of the restoration efforts by volunteers from AHN. A half-mile gravel walking path surrounding the wetland is expected to become a destination for avid bird watchers, plant and wildlife aficionados, and community members to enjoy.
The wetland has become a favorite landmark for AHN team members, who were granted access to the site over the summer, where they built and installed bird houses. A commemorative t-shirt and poster celebrating the milestone was designed by AHN’s visual communication designer, Michael Foster, who is also an independent artist. AHN Family members will be able to tour the site during the company’s upcoming Family Day. Families attending the event will take home custom coloring books inspired by the landscape, in addition to seed packets for similar varieties of flowers that volunteers planted.
“While the wetland restoration is still in its beginning stages, we can already see the impact it will have on generations to come,” said Steve Salevsky, Senior Director of Operations at the AHN Eddyville production facility. “We are incredibly passionate about our involvement in Eddyville, the surrounding communities, and the greater southern Iowa region. With this project, we have a new opportunity to support conservation efforts and bring people together right here in our backyard. Further, we have given our team something they can be proud of.”
Others interested in contributing to local sustainability efforts may purchase wetlands credits from AHN, contributing to the sustainability initiative and offsetting adverse impacts on nearby ecosystems. More information about this socially responsible and environmentally sustainable project can be found here.
