KEEP wants to hear from you! | |
KEEP is gathering information about your energy education needs to help us plan for resources and outreach we will develop over the next three years. The anonymous survey contains up to 24 questions and takes 8-10 minutes to complete. You will have the option to share contact information at the end of the survey to be entered into a drawing for one of two $100 gift cards. Survey results will be shared in a future KEEP newsletter.
| | | | Happy National Clean Energy Week! | | September 14-18 is National Clean Energy Week, a celebration of the policies, industries and innovations that power our daily lives while producing no or very little greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, September 26 is National Public Lands Day, a day to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes. With climate change threatening our public lands with fires, floods, and other disasters, clean energy is a key way to reduce the burning of fossil fuels that are a major contributor to climate change. Even better, we can support both clean energy and our landscapes through smart use of the land underneath solar panels. Read on for KEEP’s experience investigating the plants and animals making their homes at the Lemonweir Solar Farm. | | Exploring Biodiversity at the Lemonweir Solar Farm | | |
On August 22, KEEP staff joined educators, families, and community members at the Lemonweir Solar Farm in Mauston, Wisconsin, for an exciting BioBlitz event that highlighted the connection between solar energy and agriculture.
The 20-acre, 3-MegaWatt Lemonweir Solar Farm was constructed in 2023 after first being seeded with native prairie vegetation in 2022. This dual-use project generates electricity and supports pollinator habitat, which is essential to food crop production. Electricity generated at the site is utilized by Oakdale Electric Cooperative for local distribution. About 900 homes can be powered by the electricity generated at Lemonweir Solar Farm each year.
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The event was organized by Wisconsin Energy Institute (WEI) with support from KEEP, Wisconsin Sea Grant, OneEnergy Renewables, SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative and Mauston High School. The collaboration demonstrated the power of partnerships in creating meaningful environmental learning experiences.
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Kit requests have been coming in fast and furious these past two weeks. Interested in hands-on resources for your own classroom this fall? Don’t delay in getting your request submitted so you can get the kits you want for the dates you need them! And with multiple new kits added over the last few months, make sure to look through the full list to see what will spark your students’ interest.
| | Professional Development Opportunities! | | • KidWind Educator Workshop | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., October 10, 2026 | Custer | • SolarWise for Schools | 9:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., November 5, 2026 | Green Bay | |
• Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session | 4 - 5 p.m., Thursday October 22 | Zoom
• Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session | 4 - 5 p.m., Monday October 26 | Zoom
| |  | SolarWise® for Schools Workshop | |
In this workshop, you'll explore SolarWise® for Schools, a curriculum featuring 30+ hands-on renewable energy lessons. Experience a sample activity, discover classroom applications, and learn about the WPS Solar Olympics.
Note: This free opportunity is intended for educators in the Wisconsin Public Service territory. Check this list to verify your eligibility.
9:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Thursday, November 5, 2026
NWTC College of Business | Green Bay, WI
| | Last Chance: Renew Our Schools Fall Registration! | | |
The competition to save energy, save money, and win big is back for another year! KEEP is excited to once again offer the Renew Our Schools competition to both new and returning schools.
Over the course of six weeks, teams compete to reduce their school's electricity usage, tracking their efforts with an eGauge – a real-time data-logger installed on the school's electric meter. The winning schools receive a cash prize.
| | Green Team Mini-Grants are open for fall 2026! | | |
Know any students passionate about making a difference? Encourage them to apply for a Green Team Mini-Grant! Students and teachers who would like more information about the program or support brainstorming project ideas are invited to join one of the free information sessions.
4 – 5 p.m. on Zoom | Thursday, October 22, 2026, or
4 – 5 p.m. on Zoom | Monday, October 26, 2026
Once students have the basic concept of their project figured out, they can submit an Idea Form - due November 6. After a Zoom meeting with KEEP to talk over the project, students have until December 11 to submit their applications. An additional round of Mini-Grants will be available in the spring.
| | Energy Educator of the Year | | |
Do you know an educator who inspires others to learn about energy? KEEP is now seeking nominations for its Energy Educator of the Year Award!
Nominate a deserving colleague, mentor, or even yourself to recognize outstanding contributions to energy education and celebrate the impact of innovative learning experiences across Wisconsin.
| | Nature and Health Regional Gatherings | | |
Interested in the intersection of nature and health? Join the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education for a community conversation to explore how nature-based opportunities can improve well-being among health care providers, staff, and patients.
- September 22: 1 to 4 p.m. | Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point
- September 22: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Coughlin Center, Oshkosh
- September 25: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
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Wisconsin Science Festival | |
KEEP and LEAF are partnering to present three events for the Wisconsin Science Festival. We hope you’ll join us, and then explore all the other awesome events happening around the state!
| Upcoming Clean Energy Career Fairs | |
Slipstream is inviting educators to register for one of the free Clean Energy Career Fairs, held around the state this fall. Check your utility provider to see which career fair is right for you:
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Friday, September 18, 2026, at the STEM Innovation Center at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, in partnership with WPS
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Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Chippewa Valley Technical College, in partnership with Xcel
- Friday, November 6, 2026, at Madison College, in partnership with WPPI (registration coming soon)
These events allow your students to explore careers from electric power distribution to energy efficiency through a series of exciting hands-on demonstrations and stations, including a KEEP station!
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MGE's 10th annual Día de Fútbol celebration will be held Saturday, Oct. 3. Join MGE and KEEP as we celebrate a decade of community energy! Take part in free soccer clinics, interactive activities, and valuable resources for the whole family.
| | Did someone forward you this email? | | The KEEP program is funded with generous support by Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, WPPI Energy, and Xcel Energy. | | | | |
