Community-focused clean energy effort will take shape throughout 2016
(FERGUS FALLS, Minn.) It is an energizing New Year for Lake Region Takes Root (LRTR), the Lake Region Healthcare sponsored community garden in Fergus Falls. They received a $2,100 Seed Grant from the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to be used for their Solar in the Garden project.
“We’re very excited to learn about the grant award,” said Jason Bergstrand, Garden project coordinator. “We can’t wait to get started on our Solar in the Garden project.”
The LRTR community garden is looking to install solar to benefit neighboring condominiums. In addition to the education about food the community garden provides, Lake Region Takes Root seeks to educate their community about renewable energy. One way to do this is by installing solar in the garden. Grant funds will be used to study how that might be done and what opportunities exist to install solar in the garden, which could benefit its neighbors. Throughout the project, they will inform and educate the community on the progress and benefits of solar energy.
The award is one of 39 grants given to innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in communities across Minnesota. These awards mark the eighth round of Seed Grants from the group, totalling over $1 million to 269 projects since 2006. A complete list of funded projects can be accessed at http://mncerts.org/2016grants.
“CERTs provides these Seed Grants with two primary objectives in mind,” said Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs Director. “First, to encourage implementation of community-based clean energy projects across the state. Second, to provide an educational forum for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and their economic, community, and ecological benefits.”
LRTR is entering it’s fourth year of producing food that is donated to area foodshelves and to WIC families throughout Otter Tail County. In 2015 an impressive 7,781 pounds of food was donated, impacting over 3,500 individuals.
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 80 Medical Staff and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
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