"Solarize" is a project of the Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) designed to remove barriers for residential and commercial solar installations and to build community while doing it. Solarize educates the community about solar options and provides financial incentives for solar electric installations; in southwest Minneapolis workshops are organized by KFNA and held in partnership with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) and Applied Energy Innovations (AEI).

Our growing network of “Solarized” neighbors act as ambassadors so neighbors can meet others who are already using solar power and can explain the hurdles they faced as well as the benefits they reap. KFNA also acts as a the middleman between solar installer and customer, grouping like questions for ease of answering by the installer and continuing to push for answers in plan English, rather than techno-speak. This way we are connecting people with a shared interest together, and building a relationship with the community organization, as well as simplifying communication for the installer. 

Social media sites can be daunting but with the easy step-by-step tutorial homeowners will realize what a great resource these sites can be during project planning. This 30 minute session will guide you through two social outlets, Pinterest.com and Houzz.com, that designers use to gain inspiration and better understand clients’ design needs. Castle Building & Remodeling will talk about the features of each site and how they can both be helpful to a homeowner when making design based decisions for their project.

There will be an interactive segment allowing the audience to work with presenters on the steps of designing a project through both social outlets. Individual Q-A time afterwards to answer more specific project based questions.

It’s not impossible. A Minnesota Housing representative will talk about low-interest options for financing your home improvements and how to apply for them.

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s Green Team provides a hands-on activity making non-toxic cleaners for people to take home and use. The message: Something we can all do for cleanerwater. This team of youth also provides general information about clean water and other non-toxic products you can make.

This 30-minute presentation by Lisa Janusz of Inspire Chi will give you a quick overview of Feng Shui and then talk specifically about your front door, its significance and how it
relates to your life.

Learn about the best plants for a monarch butterfly habitat and how to plan your garden. A brief taste of the in-depth May workshop by presenter Vicki Joy Bonk who has served as the Nokomis Naturescape park stewardship leader for 15 years.