Above: Blacksmith William Rogers working at his methane-fired forge.

The Jackson County Green Energy Park is doing more than capturing methane to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere or groundwater. It's harnessing methane to create new businesses and educate the public about renewable energy and energy conservation.

The Park captures the methane gas from the old Dillsboro landfill and pipes it into a collection system. Then the gas can be used to heat the county's greenhouses and power the studios of resident artisans, including what is believed to be the first methane-powered blacksmith forge in the country.

The greenhouses are used by the County's grounds department to grow their own plants for landscaping county buildings - a major cost savings.
  

Ray's Florist of Dillsboro is utilizing several of the greenhouses to expand it's retail and wholesale florist and nursery business. Owner Ray Nations will facilitate two educational workshps per year for the GEP.

The Park has already garnered several major awards including EPA Land Methane Project of the Year, the NC Energy Office Economic Development Leaership Award, and the Western Carolina University Service Learning Partnership Award.

For more information or to arrange a tour, contact: Timm Muth, Director. 828-631-0271. Email 

Visit the Green Energy Park's website at JCGEP.org