At the Hoosier Energy Environmental Education Center, a mascot helps engage students who are excited to learn about the environment.

At first, this mascot did not have a name. To find one, suggestions were gathered from students visiting the education center. A committee of officials from the Department of Education, the Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management picked the winner.

From that point on, the fuzzy, costumed turtle had a name — Freshwater Fred.

Today, Freshwater Fred frequents co-op annual meetings and festivals throughout central and southern Indiana.

A learning resource

• What: Hoosier Energy’s Environmental Education Center
• Where: Sullivan
• Renewable energy on site: solar array, wind turbine, solar water heater
• More info: hepn.com/environmentaleducation.asp