Top of page

Solar energy center begins operations with support from Wake Forest University

Solar panels in a field.

Wake Forest University and eight other colleges and universities in North Carolina and Pennsylvania have collaborated to bring a western Kentucky solar energy center online. A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC developed the Sebree Solar II Energy Center in Henderson County, Kentucky; the project became operational on Aug. 7, 2026. The 150-megawatt solar facility…


Sabin Center conference explores leading in times of environmental crisis

When systems shift in times of crisis, leadership needs change, too. For its annual fall conference, Wake Forest University’s Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability highlights resilient leadership approaches to navigate these challenges, from research and innovation to storytelling and brand-building. “Sustainable, Just and Abundantly Wild: Resilient Leadership for Our Era” features expert scientists, business…


Wake Forest-CINCIA researchers brief pope on Amazon mercury pollution

Scientists from across the Amazon have delivered to Pope Leo XIV a briefing on mercury pollution in the region—documents that include the findings from decades of research at the Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation (CINCIA), established in partnership with Wake Forest University’s Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability. “Today we were able to put more…


Mapping the Forest

It took one drone, 300 million laser data points and seven teams of students on foot to map Wake Forest University’s trees.   Led by Ovidiu Csillik, an assistant professor of remote sensing in the environment and sustainability studies program, the project produced a publicly accessible, interactive 3D digital map of more than 1,000 trees and…


On Earth Day: Here’s how economics can save the Rhinos

As the world marks Earth Day, a troubling paradox has emerged in the fight to save one of the planet’s most iconic species. Data from the December 2025 CITES CoP20 global forum—a gathering where governments worldwide set the rules for international wildlife trade—highlights a startling trend. While South Africa’s anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts yielded a…


The shepherd of Robinhood Road

On a cold December morning in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, activist, artist and filmmaker Joel Tauber walked with Rebecca and Sarah, guiding them with a firm grip as they dashed across Robinhood Road during morning rush hour. People honked their horns and waved as they drove by, drawn by the unusual sight of two sheep on…


Heat waves are here. Can tomatoes keep up?

While nothing says “summer” quite like the taste of a perfectly ripe tomato, excessive heat during the growing season can prevent tomato plants from bearing fruit. Gloria Muday, the Charles M. Allen Professor of Biology at Wake Forest University, studies tomatoes and how to make them more heat-resistant. Her research laboratory focuses on understanding the…


The plastic problem: How to solve it

Plastic is a product that is ubiquitous in today’s society, says Sarah Morath, Wake Forest professor of law and author of the book “Our Plastic Problem and How to Solve It.” The World Bank estimates that every person on the planet generates an average of 1.6 pounds of plastic waste daily. Morath explains the extent…


WFU Environmental Justice Summit to feature civil rights activist Rev. Ben Chavis

Environmental justice and civil rights activist Rev. Ben Chavis will deliver the keynote address at Wake Forest University’s spring Environmental Justice Summit.   “Environmental Justice in the Midst of Polycrisis: Where Do We Go From Here?” will be held on Wednesday, April 30, in Benson University Center from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Chavis is a…


Wake Forest News

336.758.5237

Meet the News Team »

Archives