Nicodemus National Historic Site

NICODEMUS–Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) and Nicodemus National Historic Site in Nicodemus are pleased to announce a successful joint application for funding under the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative.

With the newest additions to the Nicodemus site’s vehicle and equipment fleet – a propane-powered pickup truck and propane commercial mower – the park’s fleet and all grounds equipment will operate petroleum-free, using only electricity, propane or hybrid-electric drive systems.

MEC is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program, a network of nearly 100 organizations working to enhance America’s energy and environmental security. MEC manages Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition, which worked closely with the park to help it achieve 100% clean fuel equipment, an important milestone for its long-term goal of becoming a Climate Friendly Park.

The National Parks Initiative has provided funding for high-efficiency vehicles, low-carbon fuels and alternative energy infrastructure in 22 different parks and monuments since its inception in 2010. This partnership helps park managers cut costs, lower fuel consumption, clean the air and preserve the landscapes and environments of what has been called “America’s Best Idea”.

“Even small changes in park management can make a big difference, environmentally and financially”, said David Albrecht at Metropolitan Energy Center, who worked on the project along with Park Superintendent Angela Wetz and Facility Operations Specialist Bill Doerrer.

“What we do to help cut emissions and fuel consumption and the Park Service’s goals of protecting the environment fit together beautifully.” In this case, propane produces approximately half of the carbon emissions gallon for gallon, that diesel does when operating a vehicle, mower or other equipment. What’s more, diesel particulates are a thing of the past when using propane, which also extends engine life.

Using propane also eliminates the need for Nicodemus site staff to take the 25-mile round trips to refill diesel fuel cans.

A different kind of history will be on display at the official roll-out of the park’s clean and green vehicles – a human history commemorated annually during the Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration.

Though the unincorporated town officially had only 59 residents according to the 2010 Census, it becomes one of the larger towns in western Kansas during the last weekend in July every year.

Thousands come from across America for Homecoming, in which families with ties to the town return to their roots and celebrate a shared heritage of freedom, enterprise and courage. Settled by African-American pioneers a decade after the Civil War, Nicodemus is the oldest surviving African-American community west of the Mississippi, and a repository of historic architecture, deep-rooted tradition and a little-known facet of frontier history.