Wind turbines at the Fenner Renewable Energy Education Center.

Fenner Renewable Energy Education (FREE) Center

Fenner Renewable Energy Education Center (FREE Center) provides an opportunity to educate schoolchildren about solar panels and wind turbines through creative and interactive activities.

Schoolchildren visiting the Fenner Renewable Energy Education Center (FREE Center) often explore the 2-acre site seeking answers to questions on a scavenger hunt list: How many varieties of willow plants grow here? What is the wind speed in Fenner? And what form of renewable energy uses heat from the ground?

As the busloads of students begin the search, they immediately see 218.5-foot wind turbines with three 111.5-feet blades spinning. They examine solar panels that power the FREE Center. They learn that there are three kinds of willow which can be converted into sustainable energy resources, the average wind speed is 17.7 mph, and heat from the ground creates geothermal energy.

“When young people visit the property, they really get it,” said Judy Cary, board president and volunteer educator at the FREE Center. “They’re interested and concerned about energy and the environment.”

About 5,000 people visit the FREE Center annually, including school, scout, civic, and church groups; college students; and government and industry representatives. They come to see renewable energy in action and learn how the 20 turbines create energy that powers about 10,000 homes. The breathtaking hilltop views don’t hurt, either.

The wind farm began operating in 2001 in Fenner, a small Madison County town with deep agricultural roots. People from near and far watched as the turbines went up; they parked atop surrounding hills and walked through fields to get a closer look.

“People were curious and would call the town to ask where to get a good view,” Cary said. “Right away there was a recognized need for education, so other residents and I began to brainstorm.”

In 2006, a local couple donated property for an educational center and from there the FREE Center was born. It now offers tours and programs about energy conservation, and renewable energy sources and production.

We provided the organization with a grant in 2014 to support the creation of a sustainability plan, and a grant in 2018 to support weatherization and renovations to its classroom and community space, allowing it to be used year-round. Upgrades to the structure resulted in a finished building that accommodates about 50 people.

People continue to check out the wind turbines from sunrise to sunset. “They first came because they were curious,” Cary said. “Now many people visit to learn about renewable energy. The environment keeps changing and we keep learning and changing too.”

Related Stories

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

View More