Petaluma Wetlands Alliance Supports UC Davis Research-

The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA) has taken an important step in understanding how renewable energy projects interact with local wildlife. This year, PWA contributed $1,000 to support a research initiative led by UC Davis that focuses on the potential impacts of the newly installed solar panels at Ellis Creek on resident and migratory bird populations.

As solar infrastructure expands across California, questions remain about how reflective surfaces, altered landscapes, and changes in habitat use might affect birds. The UC Davis research team aims to monitor bird behavior in and around the solar array, document any changes in species presence, and assess whether the panels influence flight patterns or feeding areas.

By funding this research, the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance continues its commitment to science-based conservation. The findings will help guide future decisions at Ellis Creek and contribute to a growing body of knowledge on balancing clean energy development with wildlife protection.

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