“Solar energy is growing at a rapid pace in the region and as farmers, landowners, and communities look to embrace this clean, affordable source of energy, there is a significant opportunity to invest in our natural resources,” Smith said. “Implementing native vegetation on solar project sites offers crucial habitat for at-risk pollinators like bees and monarch butterflies, while also meeting practical requirements for developers.”
Discussion includes native seed mix selections for solar sites, management options for site operators and options for communities to require this practical co-use on solar sites. Other topics include planning, total cost of implementation, seeding methods and construction considerations.
“This webinar aims to serve as a resource for community leaders, project developers, utility professionals, and soil and water conservation experts so they can take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity for mutually-beneficial investments in conservation,” Smith said.
