On Thursday, September 18, 2025, The Nature Place in La Crosse celebrated the installation of a rooftop solar array that will power its programs and deepen its mission: cultivating meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. Partners, supporters, and community members helped recognize these exciting renewable energy milestones as a manifestation of community, education, and the shared vision of creating a healthier environment for generations to come.
A Mission Rooted in Connection
Affectionately known as “nature’s living room,” The Nature Place is a nature-focused community center for La Crosse and beyond. Its doors are open year-round to people of all ages, inviting them to learn, gather, and connect with the natural world. From hands-on school programs and family nature days to science-based community events, camps, and inclusive gatherings, The Nature Place fosters joy, curiosity, and belonging.
This new solar project builds on that mission by showing how sustainability can be woven into daily life. By bringing renewable energy to the rooftop, The Nature Place is helping people understand the power of clean energy and the ripple effects it can have on both the environment and the community.
A Day of Celebration
The ribbon-cutting event was filled with gratitude and excitement. The program began with remarks from Mary Freybler, Director of Development at Central Conservation; Rebecca Schwarz, Director of The Nature Place; and trustees Carolyn and Joy Scott. Their reflections highlighted the vision and perseverance that brought the project to life.
The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce provided the ribbon-cutting, marking the official celebration of this milestone. Representatives Aaron Benson and Josh Barbara from Solar Connection, the installer of the solar system, shared an overview of the project and its anticipated impact. After the ceremony, attendees gathered inside for refreshments, tours of The Nature Place, and time to reflect on the significance of the day.
Powering the Future with Solar
The newly installed 79-kilowatt rooftop solar array, comprising 120 panels, will offset an estimated 68% of The Nature Place’s annual electricity use, immediately reducing energy costs while lowering its carbon footprint. The system’s lifetime impact is equivalent to driving 230,240 fewer miles, conserving 1,425,106 pounds of coal, and planting 34,203 trees.
The installation is both a technical achievement and a teaching tool. Real-time data on energy production will be incorporated into educational programming, giving students and visitors a direct way to see the benefits of renewable energy in action. Estimated annual energy cost savings of roughly $12,000 will be reinvested into operations and programs, strengthening The Nature Place’s ability to serve the greater La Crosse community.
Partners in Sustainability
This project was made possible thanks to a network of generous partners and supporters who believe in the power of clean energy to transform communities. The Couillard Solar Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the transition to clean energy for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, provided a solar panel grant through the Solar for Good Program to help make the installation a reality. Additional support came from the Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation and the Solar Moonshot Program, BQuest Foundation, Focus on Energy, and The Paul Fleckenstein Trust. Other major donations came from The Nature Place community members Kathie & Rob Tyser, the Cleary Family, Michael Aleckson, and other community donors.
A Brighter Path Forward
The solar installation is part of a broader commitment to sustainability at The Nature Place. Previous upgrades, such as efficient lighting and occupancy sensors, have already reduced energy use. Looking ahead, the organization plans to build on this momentum with a new outdoor pavilion/classroom powered by solar energy, sustainable renovations to an existing barn to transform it into a community event/education space, and future HVAC system upgrades to further increase efficiency.
By installing solar, The Nature Place has tangibly invested in La Crosse’s community, environment, and clean energy future. By reducing operating costs, the organization can channel more resources into the experiences that inspire and connect community members to the natural world. By showcasing solar power in action, it provides a living classroom for sustainability. Through support and collaboration with donors, partners, and supporters, it proves that when a community comes together, remarkable change is possible.
To learn more about this project or to support its ongoing fundraising campaign, visit The Nature Place’s solar project page.