Learn how a wind farm works! Senior project manager Anne Walsh will give a presentation on the systems that control turbines and the mechanisms that make them run, as well as offering historical context on the site and plans for future energy generation. Attendees will then have the opportunity to drive out and see one of Hopkins Ridge Wind Facility’s turbines up close.
Hopkins Ridge, operated by Puget Sound Energy, was one of the first wind farms built in Eastern Washington. The 11,000-acre facility has 87 turbines that together can generate over 157 megawatts of electricity, turning out over 450,000 megawatts per year – enough to power 41,000 households, or more than two-thirds of the population of Walla Walla County.
This event is open to all ages. Safety equipment must be worn near the turbines.
For more information about this event, please contact Lauren Platman at lauren@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Suitability: Children welcome, great for the family.
Difficulty: Involves walking and standing for periods of time.
Things to Bring:
Signed liability waiver (to be distributed after signup). You will not be able to attend the event without this waiver.
Lunch or money for lunch if planning on staying in Dayton
Hat
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Close-toed shoes
Camera
EpiPen if allergic to wasp stings (there are wasps in the fields around the turbines)