One Man’s Mission to Preserve and Propagate Michigan’s Native Plants
The Quest for Sustainable Growth
Ingham County, MI – Bill Schneider owns a nursery of native plants in Mason, Michigan. Over 26 years, he has grown a haven for Michigan’s native shrubs and wildflowers. What started as a backyard plot, now cultivates a stock of wild seeds that help others prevent erosion and encourage pollination in home and business landscapes.
But one thing didn’t sit right with Bill. “Agriculture has an energy crisis,” he said, as his energy bills kept mounting and he started to wonder about the sustainability of his nursery and its 5 full-time employees and 15 seasonal staff. But he was determined to find a way.
Skeptic Turned Advocate
Then, Bill heard about the REAP program. REAP stands for Rural Energy for America Program, serving farms, ranches, and rural small businesses with renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
Bill was skeptical at first, but some fellow farmers nudged him to take a closer look. REAP offers grants for solar panels that significantly reduce utility bills. He applied, and the grant covered most of the costs of installing the solar panels. Post-installation, his monthly utility bill dropped more than 500%, from $550 to $100 a month. That’s not all that Bill gained, though.
A Flourishing Future Powered by the Sun
Bill’s journey with REAP showcases the untapped potential of solar energy in horticulture. It also allowed Bill’s nursery to align with his mission to preserve and propagate Michigan’s flora. With a bit of sunlight and innovation, sustainability and success can grow hand in hand.
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