Wind Farm Tour
From Ecologic
Experience the breathtaking power of Searsburg Wind Farm. More information about the Wind Facility can be found here.
As you ride along the narrow ridge line road in Searsburg, VT, you'll be treated to a spectacular view of 11 elegant turbines. When it was completed in 1997, the Searsburg project became the largest wind power facility in the eastern part of the country. Searsburg produces 14 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually, and provides electricity to more than 2000 homes and businesses. Learn firsthand about the Searsburg experience and issues that may affect our region's energy future. The tour of the Searsburg wind farm is sponsored by the Center for Ecological Technology, Berkshire Renewable Energy Collaborative, and the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust.
Tours are led by the Vermont Environmental Research Associates (VERA) and volunteer tour guides. If you should need to reach them on the day of the tour, call 802-793-0825. Each tour lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and involves some light physical activity and standing during the talk.
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[edit] Pictures
Pictures taken by David Jendras along with the brochure and other information gathered from the tour can be found at here
[edit] Ecologic Trip
We were reserved for the 2:30pm tour on Saturday, October 13, 2007 for 5 people. We meet at the Union horseshoe at 1:00 pm on Saturday.
The following list of people went on the trip:
- David Jendras
- Ashwana Fricker
- Tom Vancor
- Sarah Rosenblatt (confirmed for 2 people)
[edit] Directions
Directions to Searsburg Wind Power Facility: From Berkshire County: Take Route 8 north through North Adams to Stamford, VT. Continue north on Rt. 8 /100 for about 12 miles until you reach the intersection of Rt. 8 and Rt. 100. Take a left onto Rt. 8 and continue north for approximately 2 ½ miles. Take a right onto Sleepy Hollow Road (just past a cemetery) and enter the access road/parking lot just beyond the kiosk on your right, through the gate, and park.
Directions from RPI to the Wind Farm are here.
[edit] Additional Information
If you arrive early, please wait in the parking area for the group. The tour will meet there for an orientation and then car pool up to where the wind turbines are. There is a portable ‘rest room’ in the parking area. The tour will take you up to the base of the turbines, where most of the talk will occur. You will also have the chance to go inside (but not up) the tower of a turbine to check out the computer monitoring system there.
Please dress appropriately for being outdoors, including sturdy shoes.
No food, drinks or pets are allowed at the summit.
Thunder and lightning cancels a tour.
