It may not be widely known, but the Windsor Assembly Plant is gaining a reputation for its conservation work.
The Wildlife Habitat Council in the U.S. has awarded the plant its 2021 Ibis Award for demonstrating "resilience of spirit and advancement of conservation despite lockdowns, quarantines, and additional government-mandated regulations."
Since 2009, the plant has invited students to help plant 1,500 trees on its property. The tree plantings are a critical part of the company's efforts to improve Windsor's urban tree canopy.
During the pandemic, the plant couldn't organize any large-scale events. However, it continued to engage students and colleagues through individual activities and online.
Events included an invitation to submit environmentally-themed artwork, a photography contest, and a treasure hunt where participants used a map to navigate an on-site pollinator habitat where they planted milkweed seeds. Students also toured the plant's grounds and identified native tree species.
"We are very proud and thankful to receive the Ibis award from the Wildlife Habitat Council in recognition of our efforts to help promote a positive and sustainable environmental footprint within Windsor and Essex County," said Windsor Assembly Plant Manager Jon Desjardins. "Faced with unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, our employees and the Unifor Local 444 Joint Workplace Committee demonstrated commendable resiliency in overcoming these obstacles and carrying out the hallmark initiatives of the conservation program."
Each event attracted about 125 submissions, comparable to the 130-person turnout for the team's pre-pandemic activities.
Secondary school students could use the offerings to fulfill community service hours required for graduation.
"The Windsor team has not only been able to maintain their conservation group but has also grown its decades-long relationship with the greater Windsor community," said WHC President Margaret O'Gorman.
Given the popularity of the events during the pandemic, the team at the Windsor Assembly Plant plans to continue to offer them even when organized events are possible again.
The Wildlife Habitat Council partners with corporations, other conservation organizations, government agencies and community members to recognize wildlife habitat and conservation programs. It has certified more than 1,000 habitat and education programs worldwide since 1988.