the campus . Working together , the components efficiently generate clean energy that enables the Preserve to gain resilience via optional “ island mode ,” allowing the Preserve to go off-grid and to be truly self-sufficient as was the case last fall when a thunderstorm knocked out power during a conference held at the Preserve . “ All around us , the power went out ,” recalls one of the attendees , “ but Bubolz just kept humming along .”
In the Heart of the Wild
An online data screen displays microgrid activity at the Preserve in real time , which intrigues students and piques curiosity about renewable energy .
“ This Preserve ’ s mission is about education and protecting the environment , both of which are presented well by the microgrid ,” said Delfosse , who represented Faith Technologies at the time of the project . “ It ’ s really a teaching tool . It teaches what ’ s possible ; it shows that this can be done .”
See it for
Yourself
What : Bubolz Nature Preserve
Where : 4815 N . Lynndale Drive , Appleton , WI 54913
When : Trails are open year-round , dawn to dusk . The Lodge is open Tuesday through Friday , 8 a . m . to 4:30 p . m .; Saturday , 11 a . m . to 4 p . m .; and Sunday , noon to 4 p . m .
Making the most of this tool , the Preserve now offers curriculum that explores renewable energy and allows students to tour the stateof-the-art microgrid that keeps Bubolz operational . The Lodge stands ready to welcome them , and everyone , to a place that thrives on its reputation for diverse natural beauty , conservation , and education .
Info .: Learn more at https :// bubolzpreserve . org
“ Everybody should experience this ,” Tuma said . “ It ’ s the heart of the Wisconsin wild at its very best .”
www . AyresAssociates . com 7