Protect, Transform, Inspire: I was eager to understand how the Preserve functions off-the-grid, so Neil took us on a tour of the power generating equipment this morning. Near the Homestead are two large solar panels, the older around fifteen years old, and the newer including cells on the underside which enable the collection of reflected sunlight. In a nutshell, the solar panels convert sunlight into direct current, regulated by a charge controller, which charges a set of 12 4-volt batteries; the DC current is routed through an inverter which converts it to AC, suitable for powering residential systems. The Hart Prairie solution also includes a backup generator powered by diesel fuel; Neil said that it is rarely needed.
Locale: In its recent draft management plan for the Coconino National Forest, the Forest Service designated certain areas as “Research Natural Areas and Botanical and Geological Areas.” By definition, a botanical area’s priority desired condition is to protect the plants and plant communities for which it is designated; Fern Mountain Botanical Area preserves a high elevation riparian scrub community dominated by Bebb’s willow. This morning, I took a lot of flower photos, but botanizing wasn’t my goal when I set out to hike to the top of Fern Mountain. There isn’t really a trail from the cabins, so I simply walked around behind the buildings and then started climbing. The way was steep, but I scrambled up as quickly as I could and made it to the top in about thirteen minutes. The view was spectacular and worth the effort.
Weather: High 83, Low 56. Mostly sunny, afternoon thunderstorm
Creatures: Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis), Gray-Collared Chipmunk (Eutamias cinereicollis), Coyote (Canis latrans) vocalization
Itinerary: Hart Prairie Reserve, FR 151 to US 180 to Flagstaff, I-17 to Pulliam Airport, AA 3066 to Phoenix, AA 2020 to Charlotte
Excursions: Introduction to Living Off the Electric Grid, Fern Mountain
Reflections: Thank you all for an awesome week!
- Blair Foust, Hart Prairie Preserve Manager, TNC
- Neil Chapman, Northern Arizona Program Restoration Manager, TNC
- Rachel Maurer, Senior Donor Communications Officer, TNC
Main Street Catering provided all our meals for the week, and they were uniformly delicious. Not every chef can prepare both vegetarian and carnivore dishes equally well, but this team pulled it off admirably. I appreciate the efforts that Dave and his crew made.
Images: View from Fern Mountain, starting from northeast, clockwise for 360 degrees (click on the 3 vertical dots at the top right to select slide show)