Native plantings play a crucial role in making solar arrays bird-friendly by providing habitat and support for local wildlife. Here are some of the key ways native plantings contribute to bird-friendly solar arrays:
Benefits of Native Plantings
- Habitat Creation: Native plants create vegetation that can support bird populations by providing food sources, shelter, and breeding grounds. This is particularly beneficial when solar sites are situated properly to maintain key elements of natural habitats.
- Pollinator Support: By including pollinator-friendly native plants, solar arrays can help support local insect populations, which are crucial for pollinating nearby crops and maintaining ecological balance.
- Reduced Maintenance: Once established, native plantings can reduce the need for frequent mowing and maintenance, which decreases the use of fossil fuels and minimizes environmental disturbance.
- Economic Benefits: Increased demand for native seeds and plants can boost local nursery businesses, contributing to the local economy.
Ideal Plant Species
When choosing plants for under and around solar arrays, it’s important to select species that are native, low-growing, and beneficial to wildlife. Some examples include:
Under Solar Arrays:
- Butterflyweed
- Various Asters
- Prairie Clover
- Coreopsis
- Lupine
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Goldenrod
- Prairie Dropseed
- Oak Sedge
Around Solar Arrays:
- Shootingstar
- Purple Coneflower
- Prairie Blazingstar
- Canada Milk Vetch
- Smooth Penstemon
- Lavender Hyssop
- Golden Alexanders
- Sideoats Grama
- Northern Sea Oats
Conclusion
Native plantings are essential for creating bird-friendly solar arrays by promoting biodiversity, reducing environmental impact, and supporting local ecosystems. By integrating these plantings into solar projects, it’s possible to achieve dual benefits of clean energy production and wildlife conservation.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-role-do-native-plantings-play-in-bird-friendly-solar-arrays/
