KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kalamazoo Nature Center has been awarded a $1.29 million grant by the Michigan Public Service Commission to add 24 electric vehicle charging stations and four electric bike charging stations.
“With these grant funds, KNC will build new EV infrastructure that moves us closer to our goal of becoming a carbon-neutral organization by 2035,” Heather Graves, president and CEO of the nature center, said in a release. “Our existing solar arrays already supply about one-third of our annual energy use. By adding new car and bike charging stations, our parking lot array will reduce the carbon footprint of KNC visitors. They’ll be able to recharge their batteries while they recharge themselves on our 14 miles of hiking trails.”
The chargers will be installed on the main campus at 7000 N Westnedge Ave. The nature center said that the carport-style solar panels will be suspended on overhead frames so vehicles can be parked below.
The nature center plans to contract with local firms to complete the work, which is expected to begin in mid-November and be completed by mid-August 2025, a release said.