Spartanburg Leads the Charge with New Wildlife Preserve Initiative at Oshkosh Defense Facility

Spartanburg Breaks New Ground with Wildlife Preserve Initiative

In an unprecedented move, leading military vehicle and technology solutions provider, Oshkosh Defense, has announced the addition of a wildlife preserve at its Spartanburg Assembly facility. The initiative reflects the company’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, enhancing not only the local ecosystem but also operational efficiencies at the plant.

Building a Thriving Habitat for Wildlife

“Our intent is to turn our greenspace at the facility into a thriving habitat for native wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and a healthy ecosystem,” Trent McJunkin, facilities and maintenance manager at Oshkosh Defense Spartanburg Assembly explains. “This effort not only helps wildlife flourish, but also increases efficiencies in groundskeeping, demonstrating that sustainability and operational effectiveness can go hand in hand.”

Community Partnerships

The initiative was made possible through significant partnerships within the local community. Oshkosh Defense joined hands with Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, a public garden and not-for-profit organization, that serves as a sanctuary for native plants. “Hatcher Garden is thankful to partner with the Oshkosh Defense Spartanburg Assembly Plant to begin this transition from the traditional mowed turf with constant chemical input, to a designed natural space for living animals and insects that can bring together people and nature in a way that creates interest and adds value to our lives,” shares Dan Shook, Hatcher Garden Manager.

Additionally, Oshkosh Defense also collaborated with the Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) program, which assists corporate landowners in integrating wildlife habitat needs into corporate land management decisions. WAIT, a program of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF), congratulates Oshkosh Defense on taking this initiative. Jay Keck, SCWF industry habitat manager stated, “When a property owner like Oshkosh Defense restores wildlife habitat through the installation of native plants and nest boxes, it supports the local ecosystem by allowing it to perform its natural functions, which in turn supports a huge diversity of plant and animal species.”

Encouraging Others to Follow

The addition of the wildlife preserve serves as a testament to what can be achieved when communities unite. Oshkosh Defense is proud to be part of the Spartanburg community and hopes this noble initiative inspires other organizations in the area to prioritize the environment and take a step forward in creating a sustainable future.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense, a branch of Oshkosh Corporation, is a global leader in the design, production, and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles, technology solutions, and mobility systems. With a relentless focus on safety and mission success, Oshkosh Defense embodies innovation and sets the industry standard for maintaining fleet readiness. For more information about the company, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh Corporation, they stand committed to producing innovative, mission-critical equipment that helps everyday heroes advance communities around the globe. With a team of over 18,000 dedicated employees worldwide, Oshkosh Corporation remains united behind a singular purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. For more insights into Oshkosh Corporation, visit oshkoshcorp.com.