Power Walk And Solar Power

Nature’s way
Owenton
When you’re in the neighborhood, check out the nature trail behind the Owenton headquarters of Owen Electric Co-op. Raccoons, deer, chipmunks, birds, frogs, and bees have been spotted along the 1-mile trail in a 25-acre field.

The trail is great for walking and fitness, taking in country scenery, or for class field trips.

The trail features a butterfly habitat, native grass area, wildlife food plot, rotten log microhabitat, bird viewing area, and a creek habitat.

It’s open dawn to dusk and is designed for foot travel only on paths. Four-legged friends are welcome as well, as long as they’re on a leash.

First sun
Clinton
Glynn Watson of Clinton is turning sunlight into electricity, by being the first member of Hickman-Fulton Counties Rural Electric Co-op to become a Generation Partner with TVA and the co-op, headquartered in Hickman.

Generation Partners is a program that provides technical support and incentives for installing photovoltaic systems at co-op members’ homes or businesses.

A photovoltaic system can cost from $7,000 to $9,000 to install, so the Generation Partners program works with interested members to take advantage of utility and government incentives. The program also provides advice on technical issues involved, including how to install the systems for maximum exposure to sunlight, as well as proper airflow around the solar panels to assure maximum efficiency.

Speaking of safety
Mayfield
Kim Grogan, safety director of West Kentucky Rural Electric Co-op headquartered in Mayfield, is a regular speaker at area classrooms and civic groups. Grogan delivers instructional electric safety messages using a “hot board” that uses a toy house and car to show how electric current flows and how to avoid danger, including staying away from electric lines.