SANDSTONE, MINN. — Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center will be celebrating the installation and completion of a 716 kW solar photovoltaic system with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 8th at 2 pm. This project has been years in the making as a part of Osprey Wilds’ goal to reduce its carbon footprint and invest in carbon-neutral, sustainable energy systems. This system was achieved through a partnership between Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, East Central Energy, and Soltek.
As a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Osprey Wilds’ Executive Director Bryan Wood, East Central Energy’s CEO Justin Jahnz, and Soltek’s CEO Shawn Markham will speak on how they worked together to create a project that helps meet each organization’s goals. Shuttle rides from the Osprey Wilds parking lot to and from the Solar Prairie Garden will run from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Refreshments will be served after remarks and ribbon cutting.
The Solar Prairie Garden is located just past Osprey Wilds’ main entrance off Fox Road. The 3-acre solar photovoltaic system will produce approximately 1,000,000 kWh annually, which is more than 3 times Osprey Wilds’ current electricity needs allowing for future carbon-neutral campus expansions. This is the largest solar photovoltaic system of any nature center or residential environmental learning center (RELC) in Minnesota.
Founded in 1968, Osprey Wilds is a 501 (c)(3) public charity and accredited outdoor school located on 780 acres near Sandstone, MN. Osprey Wilds’ mission is to instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning. Osprey Wilds does this through wide-ranging and award-winning programs for K-12 schools, youth and family camps, undergraduate and graduate courses, community and adult programs, and charter school authorization. To find out more about Osprey Wilds and how you can support this work, visit ospreywilds.org.