Forest bathing might be a wellness practice you haven't heard of before, but Hitachi Global Air Power US is determined to make sure it is accessible for those who live, work and play in La Porte County.
In partnership with the La Porte County Soil and Water Conservation District, Hitachi Global Air Power Products is investing in the International Friendship Botanic Gardens in Pottawattamie Park. The compressed air solutions company plans to invest $22,000 over four years in the woodland restoration project.
“Within a constantly changing global competitive landscape, sustainability is a business advantage,” said Hideki Fujimoto, president and CEO of Hitachi Global Air Power. “The Friendship Botanic Gardens project is part of Hitachi’s comprehensive strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions, circular transformation and nature resilience across the value chain by 2050.”
Sullair air compressor have been manufactured in Michigan for more than 60 years. Hitachi acquired Sullair in 2017 for $1.2 billion.
“The Friendship Botanic Gardens restoration project embodies Hitachi’s long-term sustainability vision: Grow sustainably while contributing to a harmonized society where environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance,” said Katrina Saucier, sustainability director at Hitachi Global Air Power.
The project will focus on 8.5 acres of woods, which are dominated by native oak trees. Invasive species like garlic mustard and amur honeysuckle will be removed. Native bushes will be managed to create space for native flowers and oak seeds to germinate.
“Quality ecological restoration requires the convergence of scientific expertise, committed community partners, and corporate investment in environmental stewardship,” said Paul Vicari, MS4 stormwater director and county conservationist of the conservation district. “This collaborative project addresses the ‘missing cohort crisis’ — the absence of young oak regeneration — while significantly enhancing biodiversity and pollinator habitat.”
The $52,000 project started with trail building and signage in November, and is expected to be complete by summer. The project also received a $30,000 Clean Water Indiana Grant.
“The Friendship Botanic Gardens has always been a place where nature and culture meet,” said Jenilee Haynes Peterson, executive director of the garden. “This restoration project honors that mission by combining authentic Japanese forest bathing practices with the restoration of our native Midwestern woodland. We’re creating a space where visitors can experience the healing power of nature while witnessing ecological restoration in action.”
Hitachi also launched a native plant restoration project at its Michigan City headquarters last year.
