Stelle Earth Day Open House
With Afternoon Permaculture Seminar
Sunday - May 15, 2005
10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
One of Stelle's most popular events of the year, our Earth Day Celebration is an opportunity for visitors to get an idea of what it is like for those of us living here. You will have the opportunity to learn of the different aspects of sustainability we have pursued over the years. Upon arrival, guests will be given a community map (with highlighted points of interest) along with a schedule of events. Feel free to just wander around the community on your own, or if you prefer, join us for any of the tours.
There is no entrance fee for the day nor is there a fee for the tours. We have added an introduction to permaculture seminar following the open house this year for a modest fee.
We hope you can join us for the entire day!
Featured Events:
Wilkerson Home
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1 Hour Community Guided Tour –
Beginning at 10:30 , 11:30 & 12:30
Our guided tours begin at the Stelle Community Center with a short introductory talk about Stelle before heading out around town. The first stop will be at Stelle's newest eco-friendly home (the Wilkerson's) followed with a walk by the solar powered Stelle Telephone Company, and ending up at Steve and Jan Bell's solar and wind powered home.
Haeme Strawbale Home
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Strawbale Home Tour and Talk –
12:00 , 1:00 & 2:00
All visitors will receive a map on how to get to Jon and June Haeme's strawbale home (3.6 miles from Stelle). Walk through their home and learn how they built it and why. Jon will also discuss his solar and wind applications which help reduce his electric bills to around $10/month.
Click here for an article on construction of their strawbale home - the first in Illinois.
Hayride Garden Tour
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Hayride Tour of Gardens, Pond and Orchard – 12:00 , 1:00 and 2:00
Take a short hayrack ride to our community gardens and orchard for a quick look at how we raise some of our organic vegetables and fruits. Sample fresh asparagus or rhubarb. Learn about the Ruth Stout method of mulching to minimize labor and watering.
Mark Giving a Permaculture Tour
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Permaculture Seminar – 2:00 to 4:00
Mark Hoffman and Bill Wilson, long time residents of Stelle and both graduates of permaculture design certification courses, will provide a general overview of permaculture and how it could revolutionize the way we view agriculture and the way we view and live our lives. After the talk, Mark will give a tour of his yard where he and his wife Guia have built permaculture principles into their organic gardening system. Click here to see some examples of permaculture application in the yard at their Bed and Breakfast. This two hour introduction will provide many examples of how you can apply permaculture to permaculture.
Suggested donation $10 - $15 per person.
Click here to learn about the basic philosopy of permaculture and a description of our upcoming summer permaculture workshops.
Assorted ‘Earth Friendly' Vendors – 10:00 to 2:00
Load up on the Dickman's free range chicken and eggs or the Hoffman's locally produced honey while you're here. There will also be various herbal products from ‘The Herb Basket', some natural stone jewelry, assorted potted plants, some whole grain breads & natural desserts and more…
Other Planned Activities:
• Several Yard/Recycling Sales
• Educational Information Booth
• One or two Open Houses (of homes that are for sale in Stelle)
• Children's Games and Activities
• Organically prepared lunch and snacks & beverages at the Community Center
Click Here for Directions and Maps to Stelle
VISIT THE STELLE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR
LUNCH · SNACKS · BEVERAGES
(Activities Subject to change without notice. Thanks!)
