For over 55 years, Felix Neck has provided education programming and camp to the Martha’s Vineyard community. Programs include Felix Neck’s Fern and Feather Preschool (ages 2.9-5), a summer nature camp (ages 5–14), outdoor birding programs, and environmental science and climate education. Felix Neck believes that spending time in nature supports multiple developmental realms. Participants spend a substantial part of their time outdoors in multi-sensory exploration and cooperative engagement.
The Sanctuary began with the acquisition of land and a few structures. A barn on the property was converted into a Nature Center. Over the years, additions have been made to the Nature Center and two new barns have been built, the Education and Camp Barn (2017) and the Equipment Barn (2019).
The TernSOLAR challenge grant supported the installment of a 10.05 kW system on the roof of the Equipment Barn. Along with a previously installed 14.7 kW ground-mounted array, the combined systems provided enough electricity to power the needs of the Sanctuary (3 public buildings, one private residence, and a waterfowl observation building) as well as an anticipated electric car changing system in the future. Matching funds supported Felix Neck’s evolving climate education initiatives.
Grant Amount: $30,000
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In 2019, just over 200 students came to Felix Neck for a Youth Climate Summit to learn from experts and each other. The event resulted in making important connections to work toward combating climate change and its effects. To enhance the program, we also host our Climate Cafes to talk about local and global issues and opportunities. The TernSOLAR challenge grant is an opportunity to not only fund the new solar array, but also invites our community to help support these vibrant programs.
— SUZAN BELLINCAMPI, SANCTUARY DIRECTOR