Geodesic dome research was started in late 1996.

The purpose was to develop an inexpensive greenhouse to extend the growing season in northern temperate zones. This new greenhouse uses a design based on Buckminster Fuller's geodesics. This greenhouse is to incorporate data acquisition and control systems to test efficiency of design.

Our first prototype was assembled in September 1996 and shortly thereafter dismantled and put into storage. During autumn of 1999, the dome was reassembled and included numerous improvements. The frame was made from common 1/2 inch PVC pipe and assembled with carriage bolts. At first, the dome used two plastic sheets to form it's outer covering. Later, as a larger piece of plastic was acquired, one sheet formed the entire shell. The one piece shell contributed to a major improvement in wind resistance and rigidity of the frame. The finished structure stood approximately 5.5 feet (1.7 m) in height and 15 feet (4.7 m) in diameter.

April 29, 2000 - Good Spinach harvest, spinach mature since the end of March. Spinach seedlings were started in November of 1999. Strawberries have many flowers and appear quite healthy. Started tomato, marigold, eggplant and pepper seedlings indoors and moved to the greenhouse in the beginning of April .

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