BHS ECO Club Courtyard Project
Batavia High School Eco Club Transforms Courtyard to Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
For 20 years, a 170’ x 35’ courtyard at Batavia High School, a result of building expansions, has been underutilized; filled only by a couple of trees, green grass, and a picnic table. The BHS Eco Club, however, under the director of Cultural Studies teacher Elizabeth Faulhaber, had a vision of converting this space into an environmental project that would benefit their club studies, in addition to all students at the high school in a multitude of ways. The BHS Eco Club presented a plan to the BHS administration to
transform the space into a tranquil retreat for student mental health breaks and reflection, a science and ecology club classroom, and service project opportunity for special needs students.
With the club student’s pledge to raise funds for the project, secure professional help for the design and installation, and a commitment to follow through, BHS Administration readily sanctioned the project and offered enthusiastic support. The next step was for the club to find a construction partner for the project. Mayank Aggarwal, Eco Club President, and Eleni Salas, Vice President, presented the vision to management at Aquascape, Inc. of St. Charles, a leading designer and manufacturer of water gardens. Aquascape was so impressed, they agreed to donate a phase one design in addition to labor for installation. Students from many BHS clubs and sports volunteered to assist.
Enthusiasm for this project has been widespread throughout Batavia with donations of limestone and picnic tables from the City of Batavia and trees and plants from the Muetze Family. Grants have also been received from Batavia Lions Club, Batavia United Way, Batavia Rotary/Interact Club, Batavia Woman’s Club, and Chip In Batavia. With the help of future donors and partners, the design allows the unlimited potential for expansion of the water feature, gardens, outdoor speakers, pergola for shade, and more. This will be a project for the BHS Eco Club for years to come.
In a statement from David Kleinschmidt, Vocational Special Education Teacher, he says, “Our students have significant academic delays accompanied by communication and cognitive needs that require an alternative learning environment and instructional strategies. This space will help with the sensory needs of our students. The different types of surfaces, smells, and sights that the project will provide will fulfill those students needing sensory accommodations. For our students on the vocational track, it will
provide many jobs and tasks that go along with their curriculum of learning. We are really excited about this opportunity for the whole BHS community.”
