Building Community: Annual All-Staff Volunteer Day at Center For Wildlife
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do—but we know it doesn’t begin and end with solar panels. That’s why, on May 20th, the Maine Solar Solutions team spent the day volunteering at the Center for Wildlife (CFW) in Cape Neddick.
It was our second all-staff volunteer day, and we couldn’t have chosen a more inspiring place to give back. The Center cares for thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals each year and runs education programs that help people better understand the wildlife and ecosystems we all share.
What We Worked On
Our team split into two groups and tackled a range of outdoor projects across the property. By the end of the day, we had:
- Planted a native garden to support local wildlife, including bees and butterflies
- Weeded and refreshed their existing pollinator garden
- Built and installed raised plant boxes
- Enhanced animal enclosures with new substrate in the mammal clinic and fresh trees for the ambassador animals
- Completed electrical work around the facility
- Helped with campus trail cleanup
During lunch, the Center’s dedicated staff gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of their facility and introduced us to some of the animals in their care—including turtles, porcupines, and a charming barn owl named Lucy. It was one of the most memorable and educational experiences we’ve shared as a team.
Why This Was Important To Us
At Maine Solar Solutions, we believe our work goes beyond panels and wiring—it’s about supporting people, strengthening communities, and protecting the environment we all depend on.
As a licensed electrical contractor, we take pride in the technical side of what we do. But it’s just as important to step away from our day-to-day work and give back in other ways. Volunteering with organizations like the Center for Wildlife helps us stay grounded in our mission—and reminds us who we’re really working for: the people, creatures, and ecosystems that also call Maine home.
A Solar Connection
We were also proud to support the Center for Wildlife in meeting its energy goals through the on-site solar array we installed, made possible by a generous donation from the Full Gallop Foundation. The system helps reduce electricity costs for the Center, which powers an education center, medical facilities, and specialized aquatic habitats. By lowering operational expenses, more funding can go directly to animal care and rehabilitation.
Looking Ahead
Our team is grateful to the Center for Wildlife for their critical work and for welcoming us for the day. There’s already talk of returning to celebrate the new solar array with a ribbon cutting, see how the gardens have grown, and reconnect with our new animal (and human) friends. It was a powerful reminder that small actions, like planting native species or showing up with a rake, can have a lasting impact when people work together. We’re honored to have been part of it.
Learn more about the Center for Wildlife: www.thecenterforwildlife.org
