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SALT LAKE CITY — Tracy Aviary got its "pink" on for Earth Day, choosing the worldwide environmental day to officially unveil a pair of solar trees painted in resplendent pink and positioned in front of the flamingo exhibit.
Naturally.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Salt Lake bird and nature exhibit was one of dozens of events held across the Wasatch Front to mark Earth Day, first celebrated 45 years ago and widely linked to the beginning of the environmental movement.
The 20-foot pink limbs installed by Utah-based Creative Energies will generate 9,300 kilowatt-hours of electricity and are the third solar installation at the park.
Although the event featured remarks by both Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, an impromptu party crasher stole the show when Newt the flamingo began to walk freely among guests and got nose to beak with Becker.
"I've never been that close to a flamingo before," said Becker, who was clearly awed by his close encounter.
The flock of flamingos will benefit from the shade provided by the solar trees, and Tracy Aviary itself will be able to showcase the unique display of renewable energy generation.
Toby Schmidt, co-owner of Creative Energies, a solar installation company, said it has never put together such a showy display of arrays, and believes these are one of a kind for Utah.
The company partnered with Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky Program, which provided a $52,345 grant to help cover the costs of the $96,000 project.
Alene Bentley, Rocky Mountain Power's customer and community manager, said it has been involved in more than 100 similar community-based projects like the one at Tracy Aviary.
Bentley added that it makes sense for the utility company to invest in renewable resources where it can, noting that PacifiCorp is the nation's second largest rate-regulated utility owner of wind resources.
Earth Day 2015 also marks the first anniversary of the launch of the nation's first university-sponsored community solar program — at the University of Utah.
Administered by Utah Clean Energy, the program ultimately signed up 380 homeowners who made the commitment to purchase solar generation that totaled 1.8 megawatts, or the equivalent of reducing automobile use by 4 million miles a year.
The U. Community Solar Economic Activity Report found that homeowners should break even on their solar investment in approximately 10 years, less than half the warranted life of the panels. Participants spent an average of $16,310 installing solar panels and received average tax credits and rebates totaling $7,841.
Inspired by the success of the University of Utah program, Weber State University also picked this week to announce its launch of the Susie Hulet Community Solar Program, named in honor of advocate and benefactor, the late Susie Hulet.
A solar power workshop will be held in late May to educate Weber State community residents on solar energy benefits and options.
Aside from investments related to renewable energy, Earth Day happenings included everything from tree plantings to face painting.
The Summit Land Conservancy planned to screen a dozen adventure and environmental themed films at the Tower Theatre for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour. Another screening of select films will be Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Prospector Square Theater in Park City.
On Saturday, the Recycling Coalition of Utah is hosting a Recycling Roundup in which people can drop off electronic-waste for free and get documents shredded at no cost.
Mattresses and metals will also be accepted and there will be an opportunity to recycle car seats and bike helmets.
The event will be from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. at Harmons in South Jordan.
