Once again, the Thornridge High School (TRHS) Science Club has proven themselves good stewards of the environment. Over the last year, these students have completed two beach cleanups, removed invasive species at different forest preserves in Cook County and found joy in nature kayaking the Des Plaines River with their sponsors, Jennifer Raich and William Hedden.
In preparation for creating their own butterfly garden at Thornridge, 8 students spent last Saturday visiting McDonald Farm in Naperville. They received a private two-hour tour led by Jordan Wilson, the Youth Program Manager for The Conservation Foundation.
Jordan customized her tour knowing that the students were most interested in how to maximize sustainability when planting a garden or caring for a farm. The farm’s solar panels and wind turbine provide 75% of the farm’s energy needs. The students sampled water purified on site with a hydropanel, which collects water vapor from the air, condenses it into liquid water, and filters it for drinking. They also learned about the importance of pollinator species and the risk to our food supply if we don’t create migratory corridors. Monarch butterfly populations have been reduced by 85% in the past two decades, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Milkweed is one plant that can encourage monarch butterfly population growth.
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The TRHS Science Club students are up to the challenge and are planning a butterfly garden watered by a rain barrel and maintained without chemical pesticides. They now know that planting mint or lemongrass is one way nature prevents pests. The Conservation Foundation has offered the students starter seeds, composting soil and even materials to build a raised garden. The students presented their garden plans to District 205’s Student School Board of Education and Thornridge Principal Dr. Moore last spring and received approval to begin their garden. They are anxiously waiting for an agreed upon approved location on campus by the District 205 Operations Department Supervisor and Dr. Moore.
“Dream Big” is a mantra of visionaries and these students envision the day that TRHS will show the community other projects that will create a more sustainable world. One such project they have in mind is rooftop solar. It is a win-win since it will reduce the school’s electric bill and reduce our reliance on dirty and expensive fossil fuels. Student initiatives at other school districts have done just that, why not the Falcons?
