BASF’s Fighting Island Certified Gold by Wildlife Habitat Council

BASF received gold certification by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) for its innovative programs and practices on Fighting Island.

There are three tiers to the WHC certification process, with gold being the highest tier. Companies receiving gold certification showcase leadership in their conservation efforts, while also demonstrating long-term commitment to managing quality habitat for wildlife, and providing conservation education and community outreach initiatives.

Owned by BASF, Fighting Island is a 1,500-acre island on the Canadian side of the Detroit River in LaSalle, Ontario. The island was historically used for storage of lime tailings, a byproduct of soda ash production, in settling beds. Since closing the settling beds in 1982, BASF’s efforts have led to native revegetation and reforestation to help prevent erosion, reduce dust, increase wildlife habitat, control runoff, and enhance the island’s appearance.

Since 2004, BASF, in conjunction with Essex County schools, turned the island into an outdoor classroom, providing a hands-on learning environment that has hosted more than 30,000 students from the local community. Each educational program relates to one of the island’s habitats and encourages students to use problem solving and critical thinking skills. Additionally, four portable classrooms, equipped with monitoring equipment and microscopes, provide an environmental lab for students.

“It’s wonderful to see that BASF’s work on Fighting Island has added value to the community while preserving and enriching the environment for wildlife,” said Mark Pellow, BASF Wyandotte’s Facility Service Manager.

The BASF Wyandotte site combines environmental protection, social responsibility and educational outreach to continuously improve Fighting Island.