Arthrex ‘SpeedBridge’ formally recognized as Certified Wildlife Habitat, providing essential elements for a thriving ecosystem
(NAPLES, Florida – March 18, 2024) – Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, is honored to announce a key feature of its global headquarters campus in Naples, Florida has been formally recognized, in partnership with The Everglades Foundation, as a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.
The ‘SpeedBridge,’ a main thoroughfare connecting the original Arthrex corporate building to the newer part of campus, was constructed over an existing waterway and ensures a flourishing habitat for wildlife, providing, food, water, cover and nurturing spaces, while enhancing accessibility for employees and visitors.
Arthrex executive leadership, including President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding and Vice President of Operations David Bumpous, were proud to accept the official signage, placed on both sides of the SpeedBridge, from The Everglades Foundation.
“This distinction further exemplifies Arthrex’s continued dedication to creating an eco-friendly environment on and around its facilities,” said Bumpous. “As a global company, we are exceptionally committed to our robust sustainability initiatives in Southwest Florida and all communities Arthrex impacts.”
The Everglades Foundation’s CEO Eric Eikenberg, Immediate Past Chairman Marshall Field V, Board Member Nancy J. De Lisi and Director of Development for Southwest Florida Nikkie Dvorchak visited Arthrex to present the signage and witness the beauty of the SpeedBridge and surrounding wildlife habitat firsthand.
“The Everglades Foundation commends Arthrex on its commitment to educating the public on the value of diverse Everglades habitats,” said Eikenberg on behalf of The Everglades Foundation. "We appreciate their genuine dedication to fostering eco-friendly workspaces.”
From its manufacturing processes to how facilities are powered, environmental impact reduction is key to how Arthrex does business around the world. Preservation initiatives, such as the culvert, or buried canal, to preserve the waterway that crosses through the global headquarters campus, as well as the SpeedBridge, further reflect the company’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices.
Architectural Land Design, Inc. has been instrumental in the design and construction of various aspects of the global headquarters campus, including the SpeedBridge, incorporating several features of the Everglades that foster a natural habitat for wildlife, including air plants, wax myrtle, palmettos, cypress and more.
“The environment allowed us to use cypress trees and wax myrtles along the water's edge [of the SpeedBridge], and cabbage palms and mature oaks along the higher elevations,” said Christian Andrea, ASLA, PLA, Principal, Architectural Land Design, Inc. “We utilized large leaf leather ferns, and a myriad of shrubs that cover the forest floor, and even added air plants to the tree canopy. Converting the detention basin into this organic natural space was a rewarding experience for all involved.”
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About Arthrex
Arthrex, headquartered in Naples, Florida, is a global leader in multispecialty minimally invasive surgical technology, scientific research, manufacturing and medical education. More than 40 years ago, Arthrex pioneered the field of arthroscopy and sports medicine. Today, the company develops more than 1,000 new products and related procedures annually to advance minimally invasive orthopedics, trauma, spine, cardiothoracic, orthobiologics and arthroplasty innovation worldwide. Arthrex also specializes in the latest 4K multispecialty surgical visualization and OR integration technology solutions. For more information, visit http://www.arthrex.com.
About The Everglades Foundation
The Everglades Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to restoring and protecting the Everglades through science, advocacy, and education. Since its founding in 1993 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts, The Everglades Foundation has become a respected and important advocate for the sustainability of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. For more information, please visit http://EvergladesFoundation.org.