The Free (Fenner Renewable Energy Education) Center is a grass-roots organization formed to educate the public on the benefits of renewable energy and other sustainable practices. We are located on-site at the Fenner Wind Farm in the heart of Central New York. Since late 2001, we have lived and/or worked amongst the 19 turbines that make up this 28.5 MW wind project. We organized to share our unique experience and to encourage others to embrace a clean energy future. To learn more, see related links.

Our Mission:

The FREE Center is dedicated to the education of the extended Central New York area in renewable energies and other sustainable technologies.

The FREE Center is currently seeking funding for two phases of design and construction. Phase I will be a low impact parking area and interpretive center with kiosks and a self guided driving tour.  Phase II will be a LEED certified green building incorporating the newest advances in low impact, high efficiency design to provide a meeting and educational space, a covered picnic area, a display of real-time data on the wind farm operation and an interface with the wind farm operators.

PHASE I GOALS:

• Informational and interpretive kiosks along a walking trail
• Low maintenance landscaping using native plants
• A paved parking area suitable for one to two buses and ten automobiles.
• A picnicking area with restrooms featuring composting toilets
• A turbine blade on display (donated by General Electric).
• Self-guided automobile tours

PHASE II GOALS:

• An energy efficient, green building with an open floor plan to accommodate organized groups and large meetings.
• Information and interpretive displays at and in the building, including information on wind energy and other renewable energies. (Biomass, solar, fuel cells, hydro, ethanol, animal draft power, etc.)
• Real-time computer link displaying operational parameters of the wind generators.

Donations are tax deductible and may be made payable to:

Fenner Renewable Energy Education Center
P.O. Box 186
Morrisville, New York  13408