See original article from the Door County Compass

By Steve Kastner
August 22, 2003

BAILEYS HARWOR, WI - The DCEC presented its annual Environmental Citizen(s) of the Year Award this year to an innovative couple, living off-the-grid in their Baileys Harbor sanctuary.

John Stiefel, a registered professional engineer, held a position for 18 years at Sargento Foods, and was previously plant engineer at Gilson Bros. Co. He currently acts as a part-time consulting engineer in residential and commercial design and construction with his own firm, Stiefel Engineering.

He has designed and built three homes, including an exceptional off-the-grid residence at 2125 Grove Rd. in Bailey's Harbor. It runs on a solar electric system with propane generator backup. There is no septic system and no well (State permit). Their water is drawn from a pond. Composting toilets treat human waste, and a natural, greenhouse botanical filter cleans their gray water and returns it to a pure and drinkable state.

Janice Stiefel is a naturalist, researcher, writer, speaker, and nature photographer. She is also the editor of Wisconsin Entomological Society's newsletter and Wisconsin Flora, published by the Botanical Club of Wisconsin. She loves to speak to audiences on wild plants and insects (especially Lepidoptera) and has written numerous many articles and columnsin a variety of publications. She is currently researching and recording (in a data base) the plant, animal, and insect population (especially Lepidoptera) at Hidden Corners Sanctuary, Door Co.

The Stiefels have placed 38½ of their 40-acre land parcel in a conversation easement with the Door County Land Trust.

Previous Environmental Citizens of the Year:

2002
Carl Cochran

2001
Jim and Phyllis Ingwersen

2000
John and Karen Wilson

1999
Carl and Ruth Scholz

1998
Roy and Char Lukes

1997
Estelle Rondeau
 

Door County Environmental Council
P O Box 114, Fish Creek WI 54212
Phone: 920-743-6003 | FAX: 920-743-6727
Info@dcec-wi.org