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Classroom lessons take root in Fremont Township community garden

Eighty sixth-graders from Fremont Middle School near Mundelein applied their classroom lessons in the field Wednesday as part of a yearlong personalized learning program.

Everyone got their hands dirty with various tasks at the nearby Fremont Township community garden, which has evolved in recent years to an outdoor classroom in its own right.

Students prepared and filled beds with hundreds of native plants, shoveled compost and even tamped concrete for sign posts.

"This is a long-term project that's going to last," said Alicia Dodd, caretaker of the extensive garden she has fostered into a working showcase of environmentally friendly and educational features.

"In my opinion, it's a very organic learning process," Dodd said.

Students scurried like ants around the township complex on Route 60 near Fremont Center Road.

"It feels really good when all our hard work comes together," said sixth-grader Evan Niernberg, who helped dig holes for posts to support an informational sign next to a rain garden.

About half the sixth grade was on the field trip under the direction of Emily Loerakker, science and social studies teacher.

"This year, we have a pilot program for personalized learning at the middle school," Loerakker said.

Lessons throughout the winter supported the effort.

"We highlighted community partnerships. This started in the fall when the kids worked here but they pointed out some needs the garden had," she added.

On the list were signs to identify what's there and provide facts for visitors.

That meant designing and producing prototype signs and pitching the ideas to Dodd and teachers, an exercise that involved science, math, writing and other skills, including construction.

Smaller signs to be installed are designed to be rotated and carry clues for scavenger hunts.

"The second big part (of the learning program) is educating the public," Loerakker said.

Wednesday's field trip was the first of the spring, with more planned. Nine groups of students were assigned nine tasks, she said. The work included planting a variety of sedges, grasses and other plugs for a woodland garden near the entrance to the township office.

Barb Emde and Neil Whitman, master gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension in Grayslake, gave advice and showed kids proper planting and watering techniques.

Dodd, an advocate of environmental protection and education, said youngsters will be the key to undoing some of the missteps of the past.

"Sometimes I can't reach adults, but kids are receptive to it," she said.

  Fremont Middle School sixth grade student Julia Ferrin moves mulch Wednesday at the Fremont Township community garden. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
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