Environmentally conscious citizens, officials and business leaders are ready to showcase what’s already going on around Austin and what will push the future of clean energy.

The Sierra Club, in conjunction with the Izaak Walton League, Austin Audubon Society and the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, will host a clean energy tour of Austin, starting 10 a.m. Friday at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

From there, guests can start off with information about the benefits of the nature center’s new solar panels, which are also being used as educational tools for Riverland students. Dave Thompson from Austin Utilities will be on hand to talk about wind energy provided by Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, along with energy rebates offered by Austin Utilities. Other projects to be highlighted include solar panels and other renewable and energy-efficiency improvements, in residential and commercial settings. Speakers will discuss the projects and money saved. The tour will highlight these solutions as local examples of the continuous path from the reliance on coal.

Nature Center Director Larry Dolphin said he is excited for the project and always more than willing to host events for conservation groups like Sierra Club.

Advance registration is requested. Contact Justin Fay at 612-659-9124, extension 310.