SEEDS launches Energy Farm Exhibits at Historic Barns Park
Kevin Summers
SEEDS launches Energy Farm Exhibits at Historic Barns Park
Traverse City, Mich., – SEEDS and the Recreational Authority partner to launch the Energy Farm at the Historic Barns Park with the installation of the first two energy exhibits. A ribbon cutting is planned for 4:30pm on May 17th, 2017, at the 2.5 kilowatt solar PV array on the trail just below the Cathedral Barn and just before the Chamber’s After Hours at the Botanic Gardens. Join us for a free tour.
SEEDS will debut two hands-on and informative exhibits that will help visitors to the park understand the role geothermal and solar energy play in powering the operations of the park and decreasing its carbon footprint.
Ed Bailey, NMC’s Technical Division Director said, “NMC is thrilled to partner with SEEDS in their support to teach Historic Barns Park visitors about a wide range of energy technologies and empower them to see how they interact with energy everyday and everywhere.”
Historic Barns Park (HBP) is establishing itself as a regional farm and garden destination, wedding and event hosting venue, community space, recreational park, and now an energy demonstration site. The HBP Business Plan formally addresses the concept of an “Energy Farm” and SEEDS is helping lead the way, engaging visitors in energy conservation, efficiency and generation practices and showcasing smart energy management and technologies for educational benefit and as a draw for additional visitors to the Park.
SEEDS also operates the Farm at Historic Barns Park, providing real-world training and hands-on lessons in organic growing and carbon conscious farming to local young adults. This year’s farming efforts is led by farmer-in-residence, Brenin Wertz-Roth, and the farm crew include graduates of the TBAISD Career Tech Center’s Agricultural Science program who will also assist with the Downtown Sara Hardy Farmers Market.
“It is heartwarming to see this valuable Park blossom in so many different educational and inspiring ways. None of this is possible without numerous partners and supporters, including the citizens of Traverse City and Garfield Township who voted to make the Park,” says Sarna Salzman, Executive Director of SEEDS.
Supporting the energy exhibits were: Consumers Energy Foundation, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Northwestern Michigan College, Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
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About SEEDS:
SEEDS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, formed in 1999, to implement local solutions to today's global issues at the intersection of ecology, education and community design. SEEDS networks fantastic educators and students of all ages together to practice skills ordinary to a resilient society and yet too often under-practiced. Learn more at www.ecoseeds.org.