Defiance Casting Operations

About the Program
General Motors' (GM) Defiance Casting Operations is in Defiance, Ohio, in the northwest corner of the state bordering the Maumee River. GM recognizes the importance of healthy watersheds and native plants that support wildlife by managing and maintaining a wetland and native landscaped entrance as well as hosting multiple education events for employees and students.

Practices and Impacts

• The landscaped habitat on-site is 0.25 acres in size and began in 2017. The objective of this project is to include a diversity of native plant species that can benefit a variety of wildlife including butterflies, native bees, mammals and birds. The Plant 2 East Employee Entrance is a maintained landscaped area with native plants to support local pollinators and showcase the importance of native plants, for employees. Xerces Society provided advice on native plant species and a formal monitoring form that is conducted annually.
• A learning event takes place in collaboration with the Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District at an outdoor setting located at various locations in Defiance County, to teach local students about the importance of water quality and watersheds. Students participate in the collection and testing of the water from the Maumee River watershed and gain an understanding of what organisms need to live in a healthy aquatic habitat and how a polluted aquatic habitat affects their survivability.
• The Annual Earth Day event for employees and visitors highlights the importance of healthy watersheds and native plants. A display is set up at the plant, and tree seedlings are distributed to employees.