Willowbrook Middle School Empowers Students Through Permaculture Club
South Beloit, IL — At Willowbrook Middle School, students are getting hands-on experience in sustainable living through the school’s Permaculture Club, which meets bi-monthly on Thursdays after school. Members, including students Eleanor, Kensey, Maizie, and Elijah, dedicate time to caring for goats, ducks, chickens, and rabbits, nurturing both the animals and their own sense of responsibility.
Under the supervision of school nurse Tara Duncan and Special Education teacher Doug Elkstrom, the club combines farming and gardening education with enjoyment. Students engage in various chores—feeding animals, cleaning pens, and tending to a large garden started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The produce, which includes vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, is donated to local food pantries, promoting community support.
"We learn responsibility and bond with the animals; it’s a lot of fun," Duncan said. The club not only fosters animal welfare but also cultivates valuable life skills. Students participate in building pens and fences, spreading hay, and maintaining the gardens. Alongside their animal care duties, they grow herbs and fruits, enhancing their knowledge of food production.
As summer approaches, the animals and garden are maintained by nearby farmers and volunteers. Community involvement extends through initiatives like Farm Stand Friday, where fresh vegetables are offered with a donation option, and the upcoming Willowbrook Fall Festival, which will feature hayrides, a petting zoo, and club harvests.
Through the Permaculture Club, Willowbrook Middle School is shaping a generation of environmentally conscious students, equipping them with the skills and values essential for sustainable living.
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