Audubon Encouraged by Bird-Friendly Solar Array to Power National Geographic

FREDERICK, Md. — Today, Cypress Creek Renewables held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Baker Point solar array near Frederick. National Geographic will be one of the major users of the power generated by the solar array, which has also been landscaped with bird and pollinator-friendly native plants. In response to the leadership on display, Audubon released the following statement:

“Bird-friendly solar arrays perfectly align with Audubon’s mission to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow,” said Matthew Anderson, Audubon’s VP of Climate.

“As Audubon’s Birds and Climate Change Report shows, 314 species of North American birds are threatened by climate change. Solar arrays play a key role in reaching the clean energy future both birds and people need. We’re grateful for the leadership on display today from National Geographic and Cypress Creek Renewables.”

In 2014, Audubon published its Birds and Climate Change Report. The study shows that more than half of the bird species in North America could lose at least half of their current ranges by 2080 due to rising temperatures. These species include the Bald Eagle, the American Kestrel and the Baltimore Oriole. Given the urgent threat climate change poses to birds and people, Audubon supports common-sense, bipartisan solutions that reduce carbon pollution at the speed and scale necessary. Solar energy is a bird-friendly alternative to other power sources that emit greenhouse gasses driving climate change.

Landscaping with native plants is another way to protect birds and the places they need. Local birds co-evolved to depend on native plant species for food and shelter. As climate change shifts and shrinks suitable bird habitat, growing bird-friendly plants will help birds adapt. Through Audubon’s Plants for Birds one-of-a-kind public online database, anyone nationwide can access a list of native plants that benefit their favorite local bird species, by just typing in their zip code.

To learn more about Audubon’s Climate Initiative, including how members and supporters can take steps to help birds in a changing climate, please visit www.audubon.org/climate. To read about solar options in your state and why solar energy is good for birds, please click here.

For extra bird-friendly home tips, gardening DIY’s, and more, visit audubon.org/plantsforbirds.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.organd follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.

Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, (212) 979-3100.

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