Learning from Conservation Partners
A key focus of the week was learning from organizations dedicated to protecting the region’s natural resources.
Through its partnership with Grassland Bird Trust (GBT), the Fort Edward Solar Project supports efforts to permanently protect critical grassland bird habitat in Washington County. During a visit to the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird Viewing Area, Boralex team members joined GBT representatives to learn more about the area’s grassland ecosystems, the species that depend on them and the ongoing conservation efforts taking place across the region.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the recently announced agreement between Boralex and GBT, through which the Fort Edward Solar Project will contribute funding to support the permanent protection of grassland bird habitat within Washington County. By working alongside conservation partners, Boralex aims to support long-term environmental outcomes while advancing renewable energy development responsibly.
The experience reinforced the value of local ecological knowledge in project planning and highlighted how collaboration can help create positive outcomes for both communities and the environment.
Understanding the Land Firsthand
Midweek, the team spent time walking project parcels across the Fort Edward Solar site. These field visits gave engineers, environmental specialists, and project developers a firsthand understanding of the landscape, allowing them to observe conditions that cannot always be fully captured through maps, studies or technical documents.
By spending time on the land, project teams gain valuable insight into local topography, existing site conditions and environmental features that help inform project design. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach supports thoughtful planning and ensures that decisions are informed by a broad range of expertise.
Building Strong Community Relationships
Building and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders is an important part of Boralex’s approach to project development.
During the week, team members met with representatives from the Town of Fort Edward to provide updates and continue conversations about the project. These discussions create opportunities to share information, answer questions, and ensure local leaders remain informed as planning progresses. They also help foster trust and long-term relationships that are essential throughout the life cycle of a renewable energy project.
For readers interested in learning more about solar energy development in the region, Washington County provides a range of information and resources about local solar projects and planning considerations through its official Solar Resource Page.
Meaningful engagement starts with listening. By maintaining an open dialogue with local stakeholders, Boralex seeks to better understand community priorities and incorporate local perspectives into the development process.
Supporting Agricultural Stewardship
The week also included an opportunity to learn more about local farmland conservation efforts through the Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA). A visit to The Alleged Farm in Easton provided valuable insight into the role conservation easements play in protecting agricultural lands and preserving the rural character of Washington County.
For generations, farms have helped shape the region’s landscape, economy, and identity. Understanding the importance of agricultural stewardship is an important part of understanding the broader community context in which the Fort Edward Solar Project is being developed.
Why Time on the Ground Matters
The week reinforced an important principle: successful project development begins with understanding.
From learning about grassland bird conservation and farmland stewardship to visiting project parcels, meeting with community leaders and as a team supporting the local economies and businesses within the area, each experience contributed to a deeper appreciation of the environmental, agricultural and community context surrounding the Fort Edward Solar Project.
Spending time on the ground helps ensure that project planning is informed not only by technical expertise, but also by local knowledge, ongoing dialogue, and a genuine understanding of the communities where Boralex operates.
As work on the Fort Edward Solar Project continues, Boralex remains committed to thoughtful development, meaningful engagement and building strong local partnerships every step of the way. Through listening, learning, and collaborating with community stakeholders, the company is working to advance a project that reflects both local priorities and a shared vision for a sustainable energy future.
- To learn more about the Fort Edward Solar Project, including project updates and opportunities to stay informed, visit the project page.
