Skip to Main Content

Alumna Featured in Emmy-Winning Prairie Sportsman Episode

Megan Benage holding an emmyMegan Benage has accumulated many titles in her career, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science at Purdue in 2005 and a master’s degree in restoration ecology in 2007. Benage, now a regional ecologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources division of ecological and water resources, gained a new title on Oct. 5, Emmy winner.

Benage was honored for her participation on the PBS show Prairie Sportsman, which won an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy from The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for an episode entitled “Pollinator Friendly Solar.”
The idea of pollinator friendly solar was hatched by Benage and her coworker Kevin Mixon a few years ago. The pair worked with the Department of Commerce and Board of Water and Soil Resources to write guidelines and make pollinator friendly solar part of the permit process for commercial solar projects. Benage and Mixon’s work has developed into industry collaborations with native seed companies, bee farms, breweries and restaurants thanks to the work of Fresh Energy and other key partners.
The Pollinator Friendly Solar episode, which features the 1,200-acre North Star Solar Array, was honored in the Emmy’s Business/Consumer Feature Segment category. Instead of being planted with traditional turf grass, the array was planted with native grasses and wildflowers in the perimeter, which creates habitat for bees and other wildlife.

In addition to Benage’s involvement in the episode, the cast and crew also included producer Cindy Dorn, editors/videographers Dyland Curfman and Max Grabow, assistant producer Bret Amundson and voice artist Lisa Cownie among others.
Those interested in learning more about the science surrounding prairie conservation, restoration/reconstruction, and management can listen to Benage's podcasts found here: Prairie Pod.

Featured Stories

Ag Barometer
Farmers say current conditions on U.S. farms are weakening

Farmers say current conditions on U.S. farms are weakening

Read More
Leo Koenigsfeld
Leo Koenigsfeld - Graduate Ag Research Spotlight

Leo Koenigsfeld grew up in a small town in central Missouri with the unlikely name of...

Read More
Bill and CD Young at a table in front of greenery in the Spirit and Elephant restaurant.
Purdue hosts new plant-based product development competition

A generous gift from the Young Family will drive food innovation at Purdue University over the...

Read More
Austin Grant with colleagues during his summer internship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
FNR Field Report: Austin Grant

Austin Grant, a senior majoring in aquatic sciences with a minor in military science and...

Read More
Kingsly Ambrose in front of the solar system model in Discovery Park on campus.
ABE professor recognized for advancing ag safety and health

Kingsly Ambrose, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, was...

Read More
Rice inspects insects in the lab
When passions connect: insect biology meets history

Her love for insects started early. “From the moment I could walk, I was outside looking at...

Read More
To Top