Calendar of Events

Check out our upcoming events.

Click on the links to learn more.

Seminars – Workshops

So You Think You Want To Live In the Country? - Saturday July 11, 2009
Have you ever thought about getting a few acres in the country and enjoying a more sustainable life? This is the workshop with the information you need to help make sound decisions as you begin to explore the possibilities of country living.
Presented by: Julie Larsen

Cheesemaking - Saturday July 12, 2009
Making your own simple cheeses and dairy products is easier than you think once you know the techniques, ingredients and equipment. Learn how to make your own delicious cultured dairy products including yogurt, buttermilk, queso blanco, ricotta, mozzarella and chevre.
Presented by: Deborah Niemann-Boehle of Anitquity Oaks

Pond Renovation Workshop - Saturday July 18, 2009
Learn how to use permaculture principles to balance the health of your pond and turn it into a multi-purpose feature for producing food and wildlife habitat. This day long workshop includes hands-on activities and lunch. Presented by: Rex Watters of Indiana DNR, Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture, and CSC Land Education Director Bill Land.

Beekeeping Part II and Open House - Saturday August 1, 2009
Whether you are a new beekeeper or have had hives for a long time, you won't want to miss this opportunity to ask questions of an experienced panel of local beekeepers. With 110 years of beekeeping experience between them, there isn't much they haven't encountered in their hives or techniques they haven't tried. Bring your questions and definitely a notebook.
Presented by: Local beekeepers from the Kankakee River Valley Beekeepers Association

Cob Construction Workshop - Saturday August 22, 2009
Calling all natural builders and anyone who wants to learn how to build an inexpensive, backyard oven out of clay, sand, and straw. Keep your energy costs low for the summer by cooking outside. It can be used for bread, pizzas and anything else you can think of. Presented by: Anna Wolfson of Wolfson Earthen Finishes

Our Ongoing Events

CSC Monthly Open House
On the first Saturday or Sunday of most months you can meet CSC folks and tour Stelle. Includes an open discussion on what's going on with CSC. Most months feature an afternoon speaker. 10am - 4:00pm Includes lunch. Not scheduled during winter months.

Stelle Community Open Houses

Stelle's Earth Day Open House (Sunday May 3, 2009)
One of Stelle's biggest events of the year, this is when Stelle opens its doors to celebrate Earth Day. Enjoy tours of the solar homes, windmills, the solar powered telephone company and high speed internet system, community gardens, chicken co-op, and the Haeme's strawbale home.
Presented by members of the Stelle community

Solar Home Tour - First Sunday in October
Stelle's Annual Solar Home Tour is hosted by the Center for Sustainable Community and a handful of residents as part of the National Annual Solar Home Tour event. The major focus of this day is to offer opportunities for groups and individuals to learn more about solar power. The community of Stelle has a large number of solar power applications for residential use and also has the first, solar-powered, off-the-grid telephone mutual and internet service provider in the United States. By offering ongoing presentations throughout the day we are able to share our love of renewable solar energy with others. Presented by members of the Stelle community

Public School Field Trips and Large Group Tours
Over the years we have hosted groups requesting a visit to Stelle. In recent years we have been taking some of the local public school children for a romp through our orchards and gardens in the fall and then giving them the hands on experience of making their own apple cider with an old time cider press. Call 815-256-2204 or email us to request a group tour.