Current Projects
Old Shed
Since Stelle was founded, there has been an old shed on the property. Over the years it was used for many things, including a horse barn and equipment storage. As with all things, time has taken its toll on it, and members of CSC and citizens of Stelle worked to rehabilitate this structure. We have re-sided and painted three of the four walls as well as replaced some of  the windows.  This year (2011) we plan to finish the final wall, repair/replace the remaining windows and repair the tin roof to insure that this beloved piece of CSC property will be functional and attractive for many years to come.  We also have plans to add a barn quilt, which has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.
Austrees
The Austree is a type of hybrid willow that is capable of growing 10 to 15 feet per year.  Though its wood is soft, it burns like a hard wood. The Native Americans would take only enough wood for what was immediately needed and leave the tree to continue growing so they could use wood from that tree again. The CSC intends to use this practice to demonstrate the benefits of allowing these trees to exist to create a renewable-energy source. We are experimenting with how new sprouts are able to weather the winter in pots prior to ground-planting in spring. We have planted about 15 trees and plan for more plantings next year.
Composting
CSC and Stelle have long worked to recycle and compost waste materials. Composting is the decaying of organic matter for use in fertilizing the soil. Fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, leaves, manure, and many other things can be used and are broken down by creating a  pile and turning it periodically. It is like creating nurient-rich dirt with discarded items! It can help your garden production tremendously.
Quonset Hut
This year, a former resident and member of the CSC, has put much effort into the restoration of the CSC's Quonset hut. This structure is approximately 40 feet long and 40 feet wide and has been used for a variety of things during its existence. The restoration included removing many items that were in storage for years and cleaning the interior, sealing the structure to protect it from the elements, adding new siding in needed areas, and creating a battery-powered light system.
Raspberries
A 45'X25' plot of thornless raspberries  was planted in 2008. It is a bi-annual crop, which means it produces berries twice a year. We intend to create a new patch near the existing bed and double our production in the coming years. The raspberry bed is located on orchard property near the creek in a shaded area that is ideal for peak production.
Mapping
In October 2009, Orchard co-op members and the Land-Education Director mapped the orchard to scale and numbered each tree to create a log for future reference.  Documenting the life of each tree; it's growth, when it was pruned, what fertilizers have been applied, it's productivity, etc., is invaluable for helping to determine the most effective ways to keep them healthy, productive and beautiful throughout their lifetime.  We are working on similar maps of the gardens and the pond.
Irrigation
In recent years rain catchment tanks have become a mainstay in the town of Stelle. You will notice many 55 gallon drums connected to the downspouts of houses. The CSC garden has a 100 gallon catchment  tank attached to the small shed. The chicken house also has a catchment tank that holds 150 gallons of rainwater. A 300-gallon tank has been installed on the hill near the pond. We pump water from the pond into the tank and use the force of gravity through a hose to water the gardens.
Dragonfly Circle
At one time the old shed was a horse barn and the fenced-in circle was a corral used to exercise and train the horses.  Several inches of sand were added at some point making the soil easier to work and improving the drainage.  It has  been used for many different kinds of plantings over the years.  Since it is right next to the road we now plant edible and ornamental flowers, herbs and crops with aesthetic appeal that can be enjoyed while driving by.