RAMSEY, Minn. – (May 11, 2017) – The Solarwise garden at Connexus Energy began in 2014 as a way for Connexus members to make a commitment to the environment.
“After we built the solar garden, the following year we planted vegetation which was pollinator-friendly habitat,” said Connexus Energy’s communications specialist Samantha Neral.
And now, their pollinator-friendly community solar garden is producing more than just renewable energy, and it started producing interested from several other companies and non-profits: Prairie Restoration, Bolton Bees and Fresh Energy.
“We all got together and came up with the honey project. The just took it to the next level, the next step,” said Neral. “If you build pollinator-friendly habitat, why would you not put pollinators in there?”
They are also producing honey, and providing an active home for bees. It’s just over an acre of land, but all of the plants on the site are bee friendly.
“This is the first in the country, we believe, so we hope that other electric utilities and other solar array owners follow suit,” said Neral.
They don’t plan on making any money with the honey. Many jars will be given to solar subscribers, and the rest of it will be donated to events and fundraisers in the community.
“For years we’ve been hearing that the pollinators have been struggling, and this is a perfect way for Connexus Energy to do something about it and to do our part,” said Neral.
