Join the Permaculture Club: Master the Art of Sustainable Living and Self-Sufficiency!

South Beloit: Sustainable Learning at Willowbrook Middle School

At Willowbrook Middle School in South Beloit, students dive into hands-on experience with the Permaculture Club. This after-school program focuses on sustainable living, teaching kids how to cultivate food and care for animals responsibly.

When the school day ends, club members dedicate their time to tending the garden and caring for goats, ducks, chickens, and rabbits. It’s not just about chores; they build connections with these animals, each picking favorites to bond with. At the school year’s end, with parental permission, some lucky students can even take home rabbits for the summer.

Tara Duncan, the school nurse, leads the Permaculture Club. She started overseeing the program three years ago and has since made it a mission to teach students about responsibility and teamwork. "They learn responsibility and bond with the animals,” she says, emphasizing its importance.

Meeting bi-weekly, students engage in tasks like feeding and cleaning. They also get to use tools and build structures for the garden, giving them practical skills. Doug Elkstrom, a special education teacher, manages the adjacent garden. He began it during the pandemic as a way to keep students busy and involved. "The kids really get involved," he explains, noting how they use compost and food scraps to grow vegetables that get donated to local food pantries.

This year, they’re branching out by growing herbs and fruits alongside traditional vegetables. In fact, the students can expect garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and more in the upcoming harvest, thanks to a grant that helped create raised beds for planting.

Community support plays a significant role, too. Volunteers, including locals like Allison Keller, assist with animal care and gardening throughout the year, even bringing homemade treats for the students.

Farm Stand Fridays allow families to purchase fresh vegetables, where the honor system keeps things simple—the community can drop coins into a donation box. Upcoming events like the Willowbrook Fall Festival promise hayrides, petting zoos, and fun activities, showcasing the results of the club’s hard work.

Programs like this highlight the importance of experiential learning. According to a 2022 survey by the National Gardening Association, about 1 in 3 children reported gaining a greater appreciation for nature through gardening activities. This hands-on experience not only teaches skills but fosters a mindset of environmental stewardship among youth.

As schools increasingly prioritize sustainability, Willowbrook Middle School serves as a promising model for integrating environmental education into the curriculum. By engaging students in practical learning experiences, the Permaculture Club is creating a generation that values self-sufficiency and community support.

For authoritative insights into the benefits of gardening education, check out the American Community Gardening Association which explores how these initiatives impact local communities positively.

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