In an office at Mon Power's Harrison Power Station in Haywood, West Virginia, FirstEnergy's Generation Green Team volunteers have implemented an innovative approach to support pollinator-friendly habitats. Using hydroponic systems, the team has been cultivating nectar- and pollen-rich flowers, which will later be transferred to an external pollinator garden on the power station's property.
The Green Teams are composed of employees who volunteer for environmental initiatives within FirstEnergy's six-state service area. Their activities include transforming unused spaces into pollinator gardens, which provide resources for insects and small animals that aid in pollination.
The hydroponic garden at the Harrison station is part of an initiative where plants are grown indoors for about eight weeks before being transplanted outdoors. Various types of flowers, such as zinnia, hollyhock, lavender, and primrose, began sprouting within three weeks under natural and fluorescent lighting. Amber Moyers, a team member, regularly checks pH levels and adds nutrients to the system.
The concept of the hydroponic garden originated from a team member's previous experience growing lettuce using the same method. Over the past two years, the team has successfully grown pollinator plants indoors.
“The beauty of hydroponics is that we can grow some of these plants while it’s still cold outside, then move them over as it warms up and give them a head start in the pollinator garden,” said Julie Ford, a Senior Scientist and Green Team member.
Pollinators are crucial for sustaining ecosystems and aiding in plant reproduction. However, many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss. Initiatives like those of FirstEnergy’s Green Teams contribute to reversing this trend by providing essential resources and creating habitats.
Further information on FirstEnergy's environmental initiatives is available at fecorporateresponsibility.com.