North Star Solar is a 100 MW project near North Branch MN.  Once completed it will be the largest solar site in the Midwest, producing enough energy to power around 20,000 homes.  MNL worked with the solar developer as well as the MN DNR to create suitable seed mixes for the site, comprised entirely of native species.  Over 110 acres of diverse pollinator seed mix were planted, creating a long term pollinator friendly site in an area that was dominated by row-crop agriculture.  Site preparation including decompaction and weed control occurred in the Summer of 2016, with seeding in Fall 2016.  We are excited to watch this site turn into a prairie over the coming years!

Site prep prior to panel installation

Cover crop starting to emerge shortly after planting

Project Partners: