The Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Restoration
In 2024, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. launched one of the region’s largest wetland restoration projects near our production facility in Eddyville, Iowa. The Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Mitigation Bank is transforming 130 acres of cropland along the Des Moines River back to its original wetland habitat.
Our restoration of this habitat is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and giving back to the Eddyville community we call home.
The Key Benefits of Wetlands
- One of the world’s most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems, comparable to coral reefs and rainforests.
- Houses about half of all U.S. wildlife, including hundreds of species of insects, plants, microbes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals, that either start or finish their lifecycle within wetlands.
- Prevents nitrogen and topsoil from entering local waterways. In our case, that is the Des Moines River, a major drinking water source for hundreds of thousands of Iowans.
- Promotes plant life abundance for oxygen release.
- Captures and stores carbon in the soil.
- Provides a habitat for threatened and endangered species.
Economic Impact
- Serves as a mitigation option for future expansions and unexpected industrial events.
- Supports economic growth in local communities.
Mitigation Banking
The U.S. Clean Water Act encourages businesses to contribute to cost-effective wetland restoration to offset ecological losses from commercial development. Ajinomoto’s mitigation banking project aims to protect water resources, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Learn more about credits for purchase here:
Our Wetlands
The Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Mitigation Bank supports a diverse range of wildlife, providing a safe habitat for whitetail deer, pollinators, and endangered species, including the Indiana Bat.
To aid in its restoration, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. team members built and installed birdhouses, created a half-mile gravel walking path, and planted over two thousand native trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses throughout the wetlands.
“The restoration of the Ajinomoto County Line Wetland is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By enhancing 90 acres of emergent wetland and 18 acres of forested wetland, we are creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the community and the environment.”
– Randy Schreiner, Senior Project Leader, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.
“This project is the result of years of dedication from our passionate team members. It brings the purpose of ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ to life for our colleagues and the community. I am honored to oversee the day-to-day operations here in Eddyville and to be part of such a meaningful initiative.”
– Steve Salevsky, Senior Director of Operations, Solutions & Ingredients Division, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.
“We are proud to call Eddyville home to our largest manufacturing site in the U.S. for over three decades. The Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Bank is a reflection of our dedication to making a positive impact and fostering connections beyond our company walls. This project exemplifies our commitment to conservation and sustainability.”
– Ryan Smith, Chief Growth Officer & Executive Vice President, Solutions & Ingredients Division, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Our wetland also contributes to the Ajinomoto Group’s sustainability goal to reduce environmental impact by 50% by 2030.
Community Engagement
The project demonstrates Ajinomoto’s commitment to contributing to the success of the communities where we live and work.
Along with planting over 2,000 trees throughout our wetlands, we also donated trees to the local Parks and Recreation Department in Eddyville.
Overall, the Ajinomoto County Line Wetland project encourages community engagement by involving local residents in environmental stewardship, raising awareness about the importance of wetlands, providing educational opportunities, supporting economic growth, and organizing volunteer events. These efforts help build a stronger, more connected community committed to sustainability.
Articles & News
Ajinomoto lifts veil on new wetlands
Along the bank of the Des Moines River near its Eddyville production facility sits 130 acres former farmland that Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition North America is restoring to wetlands.
Ajinomoto officially opens wetland bank to public
The large, open field that is part of the Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Bank may not look like much more than green grass stubble now, but Steve Salevsky sees what the future holds.
Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition North America, Inc. Celebrates Wetland Project
Leaders from Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition North America, Inc. (AHN) joined the Eddyville community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony…
Ajinomoto is restoring 130 acres of wetland to improve water quality and animal life
Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition has a location in Eddyville, Iowa and in their backyard, they have 130 acres of land that needed to be improved.
A Global Company with Local Impact
For more than 30 years, Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition’s manufacturing plant in Eddyville, Iowa, has played a key role in providing food ingredients and seasonings for the rest of the world.
Wetland brings invaluable contribution to the community
One of our best neighbors has been Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition, North America, Inc. (AHN). Earlier this fall, I was granted the opportunity to visit AHN’s new wetlands restoration site
Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. Donates Trees to Eddyville
Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. (AHN) is donating and planting trees in Eddyville, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering healthy communities in its operational locales.
Ajinomoto County Line Wetland Restoration Project becomes one of the region’s largest wetlands
We caught up with Steve Salevsky to talk about the wetlands restoration project. (View two videos.)