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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY:
DarkSyde Acres is doing its part to lower its impact on the environment every day. Recently we’ve been able
to increase those efforts greatly with the use of solar energy. The amount of resources required to bring
us electricity is staggering. At DarkSyde we are supplementing our energy source and reducing our fossil and
nuclear consumption with the use of solar energy. With nearly forty acres of land inhabited by free-roaming
equine we have a considerable amount of distance we need to secure with electric fencing. Electric fences
are needed on ranches and farms with large livestock in order to help ensure the safety of the animals
residing there. Though electric fencing is the safest and most humane means of protecting our equine the
cost to operate on such a large scale is prohibitive. In addition, and more important than the expense is
the amount of energy consumed by providing a constant power flow to such an expansive area.

In many areas of DarkSyde Acres we have been able to implement natural fencing solutions such as wild
raspberry hedges and vegetation embankments used in combination with non-electric fencing. The perimeters
of our acreage that require the use of electric fence has been taken off of the main power grid and
replaced with solar energy. These solar boxes allow DarkSyde to reduce its overall energy consumption
as well as reducing the annual cost of operations. The financial savings alone have provided us the
ability to better care for our growing number of resident “hard case” furry friends.

In addition to our electric fences, a growing amount of our decorative and outdoor safety lighting
is also being replaced with self-charging solar units. Future plans for solar energy include
lighting for our staff and guest parking lots, main and service gate lighting, scene lighting for
our haunted hayride, and pasture lighting for our horses. Also in our future plans is a completely
solar powered greenhouse. Your sponsorships and donations are making these dreams into realities.

It is our goal that one day DarkSyde Acres be completely self-sufficient and leave as little impact
on our environment as possible. With your help and continued support we can all make a difference.