BlueTriton Brands and Ice Mountain® Natural Spring Water Recognized for Environmental Excellence
Twin Creek Nature Area in rural Michigan earns Gold Certification and Green Infrastructure of the Year honors by Wildlife Habitat Council. The project demonstrates the role that land stewardship plays in preserving, restoring, and protecting water quality and promoting watershed health.
STANWOOD, MICH — BlueTriton Brands and Ice Mountain® Natural Spring Water celebrate Earth Day 2024 by announcing the Twin Creek Nature Area (TCNA) has received Gold Certification, the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) top honor for conservation certification initiatives. Additionally, TCNA took WHC 's 2024 Green Infrastructure of the Year Award, announced during the organization's early June Conservation Conference held in New Orleans.
“The Twin Creek Nature Area is recognized as meeting the strict requirements of WHC Conservation Certification,” said Margaret O’Gorman, President, WHC. “Companies achieving WHC Conservation Certification, like BlueTriton Brands (Ice Mountain) are environmental leaders, responsibly managing their lands to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them.”
WHC Conservation Certification®, established in 1989, continues to be the world’s only voluntary sustainability standard designed for biodiversity enhancement and conservation education activities on corporate lands through partnerships and education. WHC Conservation Certification programs take corporate sustainability goals and objectives and translate them into tangible and measurable on-the-ground actions.
WHC-assisted wildlife habitat and conservation education programs are found in 48 states and 24 countries.
“We are grateful to the Wildlife Habitat Council for recognizing our work to envision, develop, and continually nurture the Twin Creek Nature Area as a world-class example of active conservation at work in our communities – in this case Evart, Michigan,” said Arlene Anderson-Vincent, BlueTriton Brands Senior Natural Resource Manager. “We are proud to be part of a community that supports our business, and we continually strive to give back through meaningful efforts that enhance quality of life for our neighbors.”
Ice Mountain began developing the 27-acre nature area in 2019 with support from Evart community conservation organizations. The goal of the project is to help preserve and help protect native habitat and ecosystems, help protect water resources, and serve as an outdoor classroom for community members and children. The site includes a bioswale (wetland) to naturally manage storm water, native pollinator gardens to support wildlife, and walking trails with educational interpretive signs that guide visitors.
Anderson-Vincent said, “Our commitment to stewardship starts with helping to protect and conserve the natural resources that sustain our business, communities, and natural environment. Twin Creek Nature Area is special because it demonstrates the impact that partnerships can make in creating an environment that engages citizens of all ages in the beauty, workings, and wonder of our natural environment. As each season and year unfold, the nature area continues to evolve and offer visitors new experiences.”
The WHC Conservation Certification program recognizes companies’ efforts to enhance and support biodiversity. TCNA’s Gold Certification is the highest-level recognition available in the program. In 2021, TCNA received a Silver Certification in the program and proudly received the “Green Infrastructure on the Year Award”.
This year’s Gold Certification included evaluation of recent projects at the site that have included removing a long-standing rock dam to restore the natural flow of the Twin Creek, an enhancement of the bioswale ecosystem by removing invasive species and planting native plants, and improvements to pollinator habitats.
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. Earth Day continues to stand as a focal point for millions of Americans coming together to recognize and celebrate our natural resources, the beauty and amazing ability of our planet to support life, and the importance of protecting it.
