Conservation Grants to Support Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program, Coldwater River State Park, and Binder Park Zoo
Coldwater, MI – July 28, 2025 – Coldwater Solar today announced the recipients of $150,000 awarded through the Apex Clean Energy Conservation Grant Program. The program, a first of its kind in the industry, allocates funds to conservation efforts near the company’s clean energy projects, contributing up to $1,000 per megawatt of each project’s generating capacity to preserve and restore natural resources in the surrounding area.
On behalf of Coldwater Solar, Apex is awarding conservation grants to support important Michigan conservation projects being led by Ducks Unlimited and John Ball Zoo.
“Apex is leading by example, showing how clean energy projects can not only be developed in an environmentally responsible way, but also go above and beyond to accelerate local and regional conservation efforts,” said Carol Guy-Stapleton, sustainability lead at Apex Clean Energy. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with our conservation partners and support the important work they do to restore and preserve vital habitat. Each of these efforts addresses unique needs of Michigan ecosystems, preserving and restoring these treasured natural resources for years to come.”
The Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program ($100,000) is a partnership between John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids and Michigan State University’s Haddad Lab that has been instrumental in reversing population loss among some of the state’s rarest and most endangered butterflies, including the Poweshiek Skipperling—one of the world’s rarest animals, found only in Michigan and parts of Canada—and Mitchell’s Satyr. With this grant, the conservation project will increase its capacity with an additional hoop house and dedicated indoor lab space and will expand its efforts to include breeding and propagation for the Karner Blue Butterfly.
“The Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program has grown rapidly and has become a leader in the conservation of endangered butterflies,” said Bill Flanagan, conservation manager at the zoo. “Since 2021, over 2,000 zoo-reared critically endangered butterflies have been released into the wild in Michigan. The Coldwater Solar conservation grant award will allow us to greatly increase our capacity to save multiple species of butterflies from extinction.”
Coldwater Lake State Park ($30,000) will see a variety of restoration and enhancement activities through a collaboration between Ducks Unlimited, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Branch County Conservation District, and Monarch Joint Venture. The work will include removing invasive shrubs and improving wetland and grassland habitats that will benefit not only waterfowl, but also migratory birds, pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as enhancing recreational opportunities for the local community.
“This project is a great example of how conservation partnerships can deliver real results for Michigan’s landscapes and communities,” said Colleen Gleason, regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited. “With support from Apex Clean Energy and collaboration with the Michigan DNR and Branch County Conservation District, we’re improving wetland habitat, restoring native plant communities, and supporting pollinators—all in a location that the public can enjoy for generations.”
Binder Park Zoo ($20,000) will see a 27-acre wetland restoration project in Battle Creek as part of a multiagency collaboration between Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The project will improve wetland habitat centrally located in the zoo and establish native vegetation to create a living educational exhibit showcasing wetland conservation and the benefits of habitat restoration for native turtles, frogs, birds, and pollinators, supporting local biodiversity within an urban setting.
“Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, and this project brings their importance to life right here at Binder Park Zoo,” said Christopher Lea, biologist with Partners for Fish and Wildlife. “Thanks to this funding and strong conservation partnerships, we’re creating a living classroom that will inspire thousands of visitors each year to connect with nature and support wildlife habitat restoration in their own communities.”
Since launching its Conservation Grant Program in 2021, Apex Clean Energy has dispersed nearly $3.5 million, generated over $18 million in matching donations, and supported approximately 4,530 acres of preserved and restored lands, as well as other unique conservation projects.