We’re part of a stakeholder later this month to discuss opportunities to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of low-income conservation programming.
conservation
Pairing solar with agriculture and conservation
Despite its many benefits, pollinator-friendly vegetation and seed mix designs are not yet ‘business as usual’ on solar sites. Fresh Energy recently convened two key national leaders to share their perspectives. Read what happened
Minnesota leads on solar for pollinators and crops
2016 was the first year of Minnesota’s solar bloom — but there’s plenty more to come. While even more solar sites are planned to be built in the years ahead, tens of millions of native flowers and short-growing meadow grasses will be taking root under and around the panels. Look for black-eyed susans to develop faster than the rest, followed by purple prairie clover, partridge pea, butterfly weed, and more.
Electric Cooperatives Connecting Pollinator Conservation and Clean Energy
“Butterflies, birds, and bees find a haven at Connexus” proclaimed the email recently sent to all members of Connexus Energy, Minnesota’s largest customer-owned electric cooperative. Connexus’ community solar garden hasn’t just been popular with its members — the site is also benefitting Minnesota’s bumblebees, honeybees, and foraging song birds — and is on the leading edge of a rapidly growing trend.