“Bill and Becky have been the most gracious, generous hosts! They've truly opened their home and hearts to us. And I've felt their care, concern, and love every day. Thanks!”
(Courtney Tchida -25- Student program coordinator, U.of Minnesota)
Working from my front porch in Stelle
Bill Wilson Permaculturist - Educator - Communitarian
I consider myself a communitarian, a permaculturist and a life student & educator. I have been an active participant in the unique community of Stelle, Illinois (see below) for almost 30 years.
My work as the co-founder (along with my wife Becky) of Midwest Permaculture involves heightening the awareness and understanding of the general public to the many benefits of permaculture and sustainable living practices. I have done this through the coordination of workshops, permaculture design courses, and other educational events, including my own public speaking engagements.
I am a founding director of the educational, non-profit organization Center for Sustainable Community (located in Stelle) facilitating the outreach of the organization in its formative years as the first Executive Director (2003-06).
Rebecca (my partner of 23 years) and I have four sons, and as of 2 years ago, our first grandchild. Raising our family in Stelle has been a wonderful opportunity and experience.
Public Talks — Workshops — Seminars
Feel free to contact me regarding speaking, seminar or workshop needs you might have. I am able to keep things interesting and moving, and at the same time, my goal is to leave folks feeling inspired and motivated to be a greater part of a sustainable change. Slides (pictures) and video footage are a common part of most presentations.
Key Topics: Introduction to Permaculture The Community of Stelle
Peak Oil - Disaster or Deliverance Living an Authentic Life
The Heart of Sustainability
Hi Bill,
I was blown away by your presentation Sat. It was everything and more than I expected it to be. I am talking with people here today about having you speak.
Sherre Neal, Aurora, IL
Bill,
I want to thank you. I came looking to learn something new and I went away changed. I think about permaculture a lot now. I also hope our paths will cross from time to time. I look forward to your communications (emails). Bill Kadlec, Naperville, IL
Bill,
Thanks for your honest and hopeful presentation on permaculture. I wish I had known of this 30 years ago. You have a way with words that touches people's hearts and makes the hard work seem possible.
Pam Maddox, Batavia, IL
A Bit About Stelle
Stelle (rhymes with well) started as an intentional community in the early 70’s and is located in the NE portion of Illinois, about half way between Chicago and Champaign. As with most beginning-intentional communities, the vision of creating an ideal community proved to be much more difficult than the actual creation of it. We decided to change the closed intentionality or our community in 1982 and opened our doors to the public as a simple homeowners’ association.
Over the years however, there have always been some portion on the community interested in diverse aspects of sustainable living. Because of this and because of the advantages of being a small community (pop. 110), the efforts of 2-3 dozen active residents has resulted in an organic garden co-op, community tool co-op, a dinner co-op, a solar-powered telephone company (which includes solar-powered high-speed internet service), a windmill-assisted fresh-water treatment facility, Illinois’ first straw-bale home, and more. Rebecca and I has been intimately involved with most all of this over our 30 years of living in Stelle.
If you would like more information about the non-profit, educational organization that Becky and I helped to found, and its ongoing efforts: Center for Sustainable Community
