“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 am a communitarian (study of how communities really work), permaculturist, life student & educator and hold two Permaculture Design Course Certifications as well as an Advanced Permaculture Training Certificate. Permaculture is in my blood.
Having moved from one business or job to the next in a quest for satisfying work or what today we call ‘right livelihood’in my earlier years, and not being able to find it, at age 40 I “snapped” (as my wife and partner Becky called it) and started driving a semi-truck. My thinking was that if I was going to have to do work that didn’t really satisfy me, by driving a truck through the long-quiet nights I would at least have my own thoughts to myself to contemplate what my life's work might be.
Over a 13 year period of driving I found clarity on this and Midwest Permaculture is that manifestation. The purpose of Becky's and my work in this business essentially involves heightening cultural awareness to the many benefits of creating a more authentic and sustainable way of living. A culture that has learned to care for both people and planet, leaving our communities and surrounding areas in better condition than when we found them over successive generations, is the work before us all.
Rebecca and I have also become trainers of the inspiring Transition Town Initiative that has recently caught a foothold in the United States. We feel that the Transition Town approach to relocalization is the people piece of permaculture.
We have been active participants in the unique community of Stelle, Illinois for over 30 years. Becky and I have four sons and two young grandchildren.
Thank You for Visiting our Website.... Bill (& Becky)
Janaia Donaldson is the host of Peak Moment. Here are some messages she received:
Janaia.... I just watched your 'Heart of Permaculture' video interview with Bill Wilson. It was wonderful, powerful and touched my heart completely. My passions are so aligned with what was discussed and explored. Thank you very much for doing what you do and sharing it with all of us.
Many blessings Cate F.
Australia
"This man just summed up the entirety of life in this short interview. Bravo!!!! I thank you both for this interview, keep up the continued efforts!!!!"
"Bill Wilson seems like the ideal type of person for a teacher. Good thing he left trucking career."
"Wonderful - one of the best! I love Bill and his philosophies. I took the online part of the Midwest Permaculture PDC last spring. Even if I never get out there for the hands-on week, the online webinar was well worth the time and money. "
"Wow, what charisma. At the end of the interview, i think, you felt the same.
Thank you very much, and greetings from germany."
"One of the BEST Peak Moment interviews. Thanks!"
3-hour Introduction to Permaculture Seminar with Bill Wilson
Bill offers his signature seminar live, either in person or over the internet.
The 3-hour seminar contains all of the information shared in the free YouTube permaculture series plus more, including video footage of Bill Mollison (permaculture's founder) visiting permaculture spots around the world.
Click Here for more Information about the seminar and for the currantly scheduled dates and locations where Bill is speking.
Bring in Bill for Talks -- Speeches -- Workshops -- Seminars
Bill is always interested in possible speaking opportunities as this serves Midwest Permaculture's primary goal of raising cultural awareness of the many possibilities behind creating a more permanent-culture.
Please email or call (815-256-2215) Becky for availability and fees.
Topics Bill Typically Speaks On: Introduction to Permaculture The Transition Town Initiative
Peak Oil - Disaster or Deliverance Permaculture Rain Garden
The Heart of SustainabilityThe Community of Stelle
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. After 10-years of much struggle (some fabulous experiences and times as well), we decided to change the closed intentionality of 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, community wide WiFi), a windmill-assisted fresh-water treatment facility, Illinois’ first straw-bale home, and more. Rebecca and I have 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
