Electrical Trades students install solar power system at USNA to monitor bald eagles

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At a glance

Through an eight-year cooperative agreement, students in the Alfred State Electrical Trades Department have been able to work on some amazing projects at the US National Arboretum (USNA) in Washington, DC, and their most recent endeavor is no exception.

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Through an eight-year cooperative agreement, students in the Alfred State Electrical Trades Department have been able to work on some amazing projects at the US National Arboretum (USNA) in Washington, DC, and their most recent endeavor is no exception.

In October, five students traveled to the nation’s capital to install a solar power system to support video monitoring for a mated pair of bald eagles. The eagles have returned for a second year to a nesting site at the Arboretum, and a video camera has been installed to monitor a live feed of their progress in raising a family. To supply the energy for the public to view the nesting and hatching, the Alfred State students constructed a unique solar-powered trailer at the site.

The students, all electrical construction and maintenance electrician majors, who are involved in the project are Ethan Yanda, Wayland; Thomas Wzientek, West Seneca; Justin King, Uniondale; Oliver Jackson, Williamsville; and Mike Lee, Brooklyn.

Previously, our students have installed four solar photovoltaic systems at the Arboretum, as well as upgraded the lighting in the Bonsai Museum, which is housed on the USNA grounds.

Learn more about the bald eagle project.