Education is at the core of Drumlin Farm’s mission, a working farm hosting nature-based camps, workshops, preschool, and school programs that cultivate environmental and science literacy in uniquely flexible and compelling ways.
In 2018, Mass Audubon completed the projected net zero Environmental Learning Center (ELC) at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, MA. The ELC soon became the hub from which all of Drumlin Farm’s education programs flowed. The 3700 square foot single-story structure provides an essential workspace for the education team and a welcoming center to interact with program participants, teachers, and parents, serving as a national model of energy efficiency, environmental education, and environmental responsibility.
Soon after the building was complete, Mass Audubon applied for a TernSOLAR challenge grant to support the installation of a 42.84 kW solar system. Though the capital campaign for the ELC was finalized, the community happily pledged additional support and funds were raised within a few months. The Environmental Learning Center is now “net-positive,” annually generating more energy than the building consumes. Excess production is used to power the nearby Crossroads Barn, vegetable wash station, and other structures at Drumlin.
Grant Amount: $60,000
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This really hits the nail on the head for us. We are passionate about solar power and we are passionate about environmental education!
— TernSOLAR MATCHING DONOR