Biodiversity celebrated at Weastec
By Jennifer Ianson
Corporate Governance Specialist
Weastec, Inc.
Weastec, a prominent figure in the automotive sector, has emerged as a pioneer in promoting biodiversity, showcasing a significant shift toward sustainability.
The Hillsboro site spans around 150 acres in the beautiful hills of southwestern Ohio, offering ample opportunities to foster new biodiversity initiatives.
In the past year, Weastec has taken steps to enrich the diverse ecosystem surrounding our premises. In November 2023, a dedicated group of employees established Weastec's Biodiversity Team, later named BioTEC, with the aim of utilizing our land to restore ecosystems suitable for various native species of animals, plants, insects and others. We are actively collaborating with experts, stakeholders and local communities to pinpoint key areas where we can make a positive difference.
The BioTEC team has already achieved significant milestones, including planting a 4,000-square-foot wildflower patch, acquiring two beehives, and installing a bat box on the hillside behind the Hillsboro plant, as well as creating a pollinator area outside the facility's backdoor.
The wildflower patch, beehives and bat box are visible from the Liberty Park Trail. The plants for our pollinator area were purchased at Griffith Gardens; they were extremely helpful in educating us on which plants we should pick.
We are grateful to Paps Hilltop Honey for generously donating two new beehives to our property. Each hive was established with approximately 10,000 "apis mellifera ligustica" or Italian honeybees. Our very own Ethan Lewis and his brother, Evan, will oversee the hives on behalf of Paps Hilltop Honey.
The bat box, crafted by Eric Lykins, father of two of our associates, Dustin and Wyatt, can accommodate around 150 bats. Bats not only serve as pest controllers but also play a vital role in our ecosystem balance. The installation of the bat box and pole was made possible with the help of Stevens Family Farm in Leesburg, who contributed their time and resources by digging the pole hole and transporting it up the hillside.
Most recently, the BioTEC team is in the process of fulfilling the necessary requirements to become certified as a Pollinator Steward by Pollinator Partnership (P2).
Team members have participated in educational webinars sponsored by P2 to enhance their knowledge about pollinators, which they will share with the rest of our associates.
Pollinator Partnership organizes Pollinator Week annually to celebrate the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. This year, Pollinator Week runs from June 17-23, urging everyone to switch outdoor lights to orange and/or yellow for the week. Weastec is thrilled to support Pollinator Partnership by changing the exterior lights at our Hillsboro and Greenfield facilities to raise awareness about pollinators. We invite you to join us.
* * *
••• Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.
