Bridgestone Wilson Plant Gets Wildlife Re-Certification

The 300-acre Freedom Wildlife Habitat and Refuge at the Bridgestone Americas tyre plant in Wilson, North Carolina, was recently re-certified under the Wildlife Habitat Council's Corporate Lands for Learning and Wildlife at Work programs, says a report from Tire Review. “We are very excited to attain Wildlife Habitat Council re-certification,” said Jim Pridgen, Wilson plant manager. “Our habitat gives us a great opportunity to reach out to the local community and young people with a hands-on environmental message.”

More than 1,000 students and visitors have attended a program or event at the habitat since its founding in 2005. In March 2009, the habitat hosted the Area IV Envirothon, where more than 500 middle school students from 11 counties in North Carolina competed on their knowledge of environmental issues and areas, such as aquatics, forestry and soils.

The facility has also partnered with the Wilson Soil and Water Conservation District and the Tar River Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation on projects at the habitat. The Wilson facility employs more than 1,800 and produces passenger and light truck/SUV tires.