Glen Raven receives Habitat Certification from WAIT

07 Apr '10

2 min read

Glen Raven's manufacturing center in Anderson, S.C., has been recognized by the S.C. Wildlife Federation for an ongoing program that is protecting and enhancing habitat areas on the center's 180-acre site. From the installation of bird boxes and bird feeders to the placement of nesting areas for ducks and salt licks for deer, an employee-led task force has completed certification requirements under the federation's Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) program.

The Federation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1931 to promote conservation of natural habitat, sponsors WAIT to encourage businesses to protect natural areas near plant locations while supporting employee and community wildlife education. To receive the WAIT certification, the Anderson plant developed a habitat plan for its site while also increasing associate and community knowledge and appreciation for the natural habitat.

In addition to installing wildlife nesting and feeding areas, the plant created a "Fence Garden" near the plant entrance that features numerous plants native to the area. To bring the community into the program, the Anderson plant assisted Whitehall Elementary School with the construction of its own Fence Garden along with an outdoor learning area. A Boy Scout troop assisted in assembling bird feeders and bird houses.

"WAIT certification requires a long-range habitat plan of three to five years," said Rodney Jones, technical finishing section leader and task group chair. "Our long-term plan includes labeling of plants and trees around the plant and construction of a nature trail. We also envision creating an orchard that will provide a food source for wildlife."

Tracey Sanders, quality engineer at the Anderson plant and a task force member, said the WAIT certification is one of many elements in a long-term, ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

"We have eliminated all waste going to landfills from our plant, and we have achieved certification under the internationally recognized environmental standard ISO:14001," Sanders said. "All of these programs have required the commitment and the involvement of everyone who works at Anderson plant. We view environmental protection as an essential element of our work."

Glen Raven's Anderson, S.C., plant is on a 180-acre site with more than 130 acres of undeveloped land that is home to a great diversity of plant and animal life. The one-million-square-foot plant is the primary manufacturing center for Sunbrella performance fabrics, a market leader in awnings, marine and furniture.

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