Cople Elementary Celebrates Pollinator Habitat at Solar Site

In March 2022, Westmoreland County Public Schools’ Cople Elementary 4th grade science classes engaged in hands-on learning about the noteworthy pollinator habitat and energy sources located right in their school’s backyard. Adding pollinator habitats to ground mount solar arrays is a powerful way to think about both the environment and energy holistically. Sun Tribe Solar has been a Virginia pioneer in this effort for Cople Elementary School.

In addition to offsetting 95% of the schools’ electricity use with solar energy, Cople Elementary School’s 2,100-panel solar site was intentionally designed to promote pollinator habitat. In fact, Cople is proud to be the first Gold-Certified solar site under Virginia’s Pollinator-Smart Scorecard program – a program developed in consultation with national experts that will serve as a model for other states looking for ways to promote pollinator-friendly solar.

Cople teamed up with Sun Tribe Solar as well as the research scientists from William & Mary University, who are studying the pollinator site, to celebrate the school’s leadership solar innovations. Activities included a pollinator scavenger hunt, a hands-on pollination simulation, an interview with a scientist, and a close-up examination of the pollinator species found at the site.

Research scientist Jordan Martin speaks to students about the pollinator habitat

Cople teamed up with industry representatives from Sun Tribe Solar, as well as the research scientists from William and Mary University studying the pollinator site, to celebrate the schools' leadership in making innovative and unique connections with solar. Activities included a pollinator scavenger hunt, a hands-on pollination simulation, an interview with a scientist, and a close-up examination of the pollinator species found at the site.

Students search for different pollinator species in or near the solar array

NOTE: Madison Energy Infrastructure acquired Sun Tribe Solar in April 2024. The team remains dedicated to continuing - and growing - the reach and impact of Solar Empowered Schools.