Xcel Energy Partners with Arboretum to present Powerhouse Plants Exhibition

 Chanhassen, MN (Feb 28, 2010) - Xcel Energy has signed on as presenting sponsor for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's 2010 "Powerhouse Plants" summer exhibition.  

The exhibition offers new perspectives on plants and how they fuel our lives and imagination.  It includes information about organic and sustainable farming methods, renewable energy and how to grow  your own food.  It runs June 5 through Oct. 10 at the Arboretum.

Receiving this high level support from Xcel Energy was crucial to the development of the exhibition," said Mary Meyer, Interim Arboretum Director.

For more than a decade, Xcel Energy has been a valued partner of the Arboretum and a major supporter of the organization's conservation-focused summer exhibitions.  It also matches employee gifts to the Arboretum. 

"Xcel Energy is committed to environmental leadership, which includes outreach and education," says Laura McCarten, Xcel Energy Regional Vice President. "The Arboretum's programs teach young people ways they can make a difference and we're happy to support those efforts."

The Xcel Energy Foundation was a pioneering supporter of the Arboretum's Reaching Out to Urban Schools initiative and remains a major supporter. In this program, school partnerships, field trip and Plantmobile scholarships are provided for economically disadvantaged urban schools. These experiences forge a critical connection with the natural world by bringing live plants, experiments, hands-on science lessons and other activities into the lives of urban children.

"We applaud this partnership and honor Xcel Energy and the Xcel Energy Foundation for their strong commitment and generous, ongoing support of the Arboretum," said Meyer.

-The End-