On Thursday, September 18, 2025, we celebrated the installation of a rooftop solar array that will power our programs and deepen our mission: to cultivate and inspire 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 for creating a healthier environment on behalf of generations to come. This new solar project builds our mission by showing how sustainability can be woven into daily life. By bringing renewable energy to the rooftop, we’ll help 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 opened with remarks from staff and trustees, Carolyn and Joy Scott, highlighted the vision and perseverance that brought the project to life. We were joined by the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting, marking the official celebration of this milestone. Representatives Aaron Benson and Josh Barbara from Solar Connection, the installer of our solar system, shared an overview of the project and anticipated impact. After the ceremony, attendees gathered inside for refreshments, tours of The Nature Place, and an opportunity to connect and 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 our annual electricity use, immediately reducing energy costs and lowering our 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. Our estimated annual energy cost savings of roughly $12,000, which will be reinvested into operations and programs, strengthening our 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 Solar Moonshot Program, BQuest Foundation, Focus on Energy, The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, and donations from our community.
A Brighter Path Forward
This solar installation is part of our broader commitment to sustainability. 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, we’ve tangibly invested in La Crosse’s community, environment, and clean energy future. By reducing operating costs, we 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 our Solar Array Installation page. To learn more about the Solar for good program, please reach out to [email protected].