The Ridges Sanctuary Receives ATC Grant

The Ridges Sanctuary announces the receipt of a $10,000 grant from American Transmission Co. (ATC), owner and operator of the transmission grid in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois.

Funding will be used to support two key energy conservation measures for The Ridges’ new visitor facility: 1) installation of a geothermal water-to-air heat pump system and energy recovery unit; and, 2) roof, wall and foundation insulation to maximize the impact on heat loss, cooling, moisture control and air quality. The building will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified commercial building in Door County.

“We want our building to serve as a community model for energy efficiency,” noted Ridges Director Steve Leonard. “The resulting savings in operating expense also means that we can maximize the funds dedicated to conservation initiatives.”

Earlier this year as part of its Avian Protection Program, ATC donated and installed an osprey nesting platform on The Ridges building site.