Chicago Heights' Master Gardener Plants Seeds of Knowledge

"It takes a village to raise a child."

It's old African proverb, and at the Chicago Heights Public Library, community volunteers and businesses make it a reality.

On a recent Thursday, lifelong Chicago Heights resident Margaret Burns-Westmeyer carried in boxes of tree branches, seashells, art materials and microscopes. Oh, and she brought cupcakes, too.

The microscopes were borrowed from the University of Illinois Extension program; the rest of the items Burns-Westmeyer bought herself. A certified Master Gardener through the same university, Burns-Westmeyer has volunteered teaching children about the earth and how to take care of it for the past three years. 

“I got a call from Norma (Rubio, head of the children's department) at the Chicago Heights library trying to set up programs for the after-school kids," Burns-Westmeyer explained. "She wanted them to become good stewards of the planet. Was there anything we can do to help? What could I say but, 'Of course'?”

As Burns-Westmeyer spoke about her role in the after-school program, a young girl showed her a flower she had made out of colored pipe cleaners. Then a young boy asked her to come look at what he saw under a microscope.

“They have been learning about biology, earth science, storm water runoff and more," Burns-Westmeyer said. "In the fall, we planted flowers by the front steps of the library. We’ve seen as many as 55 kids at one time.” 

Rubio said one of the most appealing aspects of the program is the cost. 

“There is nothing much that is free for children," Rubio said. "This is no charge. It’s a good place for them. We meet every Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. We do different activities. It’s open to kindergarten through fifth grade from any town. We try to do something different every week. “

The hard work from these ladies has paid off, as the University of Illinois Extension service presented Burns-Westmeyer and the library with a “Master Gardener Teamwork" award.

“It was quite an honor,” Burns-Westmeyer said. “We went to the convention in Rockford to receive the award. This is special. The kids might not understand the scope of it, but they understand they contributed to it.” 

Burns-Westmeyer recently completed a project with the kids that most Americans would be quite familiar with after last year.

“One week we made our own little oil spill with water, food coloring and olive oil," she said. "We sprinkled oregano in it for pollution. I had the kids use Q-tips and paper towels to purify the water again. Success! One little boy said it would be better not to spill the oil in the first place.”

Rubio said she is hoping more businesses and community groups will volunteer at the library, praising , a South Chicago Heights furniture store, for sending employees to the library with TVs and video games, as well as to talk to the kids. 

“This program is year-round," Rubio said. "In summer, we are going to get a lot of kids. We are looking for volunteers. We’re glad when new faces come.” 

“You don’t have to go any further than your own backyard," Burns-Westmeyer said as she brought out another box of twigs and cocoons. "I am very happy to be doing this in my own town.”

To register your child for this free after-school program or to volunteer, please contact the at 708-754-0323

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