A new Duke Energy solar power plant in West Lafayette, Indiana also now helps renew and increase populations of pollinator species important to the growth and reproduction of flowers and food plants.
Approximately 1.5 acres of the plant site at the Discovery Park District have been planted in native pollinator wildflowers. This area will create a rich habitat supporting a diverse population of birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators, decreasing Duke Energy’s operating and maintenance costs.
The 7,000-panel, 1.6-MW Tippecanoe Solar Power Plant began producing clean, emissions-free energy for Duke Energy customers in late 2019. It is located in the Discovery Park District near Purdue University.
The pollinator garden has been recognized by the Indiana Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program.
Pollination occurs when pollen is moved within flowers or carried from flower to flower by pollinating animals such as birds, bees, bats, butterflies, moths, beetles, or other animals, or by the wind. The transfer of pollen in and between flowers of the same species leads to fertilization and successful seed and fruit production for plants.
While somewhere between 75% and 95% of all pollinating plants need help with pollination, many pollinator populations are in decline, due in part to a loss of nesting and feeding habits.
