Wildtype Native Plant Nursery – Mason, Michigan

Bill Schneider – Mason, MI 

In the landscape near Lansing, Michigan, lies Wildtype Native Plant Nursery, a bastion of horticultural innovation spearheaded by Bill Schneider. For over a quarter-century, Schneider has cultivated expertise in native Michigan flora, championing genetic diversity while nurturing robust wild seed stock. With a dedicated team of 5 full-time employees and an additional 15 seasonal staff, the nursery is a beacon of sustainability in the heart of the Midwest.

Recently, Schneider embarked on a transformative journey, propelled by a commitment to environmental stewardship. Securing a REAP grant, he undertook the installation of a 35kW solar array, driven by a personal challenge to align his practices with his environmental ethos. “It was time to walk the talk,” Schneider remarked, emphasizing the significance of embracing renewable energy solutions.

Initially skeptical of the REAP program, Schneider’s reservations dissolved upon hearing fellow farmers’ success stories. To his delight, REAP surpassed all expectations, seamlessly integrating efficiency with prudent allocation of resources. “It just clicked,” Schneider reflects, noting the program’s accessibility and tangible benefits for his business.

The REAP grant served as a pivotal catalyst, enabling Schneider to realize his vision for sustainable energy adoption. Describing it as a “game-changer,” he credits the grant for making the project financially viable. Harnessing the sun’s inexhaustible energy, the nursery witnessed a remarkable reduction in utility expenses, from $550 to a mere $100 per month. Schneider’s sense of achievement extended beyond mere economics, as the project also generated employment opportunities for 6-7 contractors.

The economic rationale behind solar energy adoption is compelling, Schneider contends, emphasizing its potential to drive both financial savings and environmental dividends. With a short 7-year payback period and a lifespan of 30 years, solar panels funded by REAP promise enduring benefits, stabilizing energy costs while mitigating climate impacts.

In Schneider’s view, agriculture stands at the precipice of an energy revolution, with vast untapped potential in rooftop and uncultivated spaces. Leveraging programs like REAP to harness renewable energy represents a pragmatic solution to address pressing climate and energy challenges. As Schneider aptly concludes, “The sun shines for us all – it’s time we make the most of it.”