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Wilmette Today
By the People, for the People
Northfield Students, Residents Collaborate to Win Green Grant
Sunset Ridge School's Green Club and local sustainability group Go Green Northfield team up to build a rain garden at the school.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:50am
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Students at Sunset Ridge School in Northfield, Illinois, have teamed up with the local sustainability group Go Green Northfield to win an $858 grant from the Illinois Green Alliance. The grant will be used to build a rain garden at the school, with the students playing a key role in researching the project and preparing the grant application.
Why it matters
This collaboration between students, teachers, and a community sustainability group highlights the power of grassroots environmental efforts, especially when young people are engaged. The rain garden project will not only beautify the school grounds but also promote sustainability education and awareness within the Northfield community.
The details
Go Green Northfield reached out to Sunset Ridge School Principal Dr. Ivy Sukenik about the grant opportunity, leading to a partnership with the school's Green Club, co-sponsored by fifth-grade teacher Matthew Wilkinson. The students conducted research on plant selection, soil conditions, and site preparation, while the adults handled the grant application process. After submitting the application in December, Go Green Northfield learned in January that they had received the full $858 requested from the Illinois Green Alliance.
- The grant application was submitted in December 2025.
- Go Green Northfield learned they had received the grant in January 2026.
The players
Go Green Northfield
A local group dedicated to sustainability practices and environmental awareness in the Northfield community.
Sunset Ridge School Green Club
A student-led club at Sunset Ridge School that focuses on finding ways to make the school more sustainable and help the environment.
Dr. Ivy Sukenik
The principal at Sunset Ridge School.
Matthew Wilkinson
A fifth-grade teacher at Sunset Ridge School who co-sponsors the Green Club.
Sarah Cohn
A member of Go Green Northfield.
What they’re saying
“They were very excited because they had put in a lot of time. I think that they're also excited to have a role in planting and caring for the garden. I think they're excited to take ownership of that.”
— Matthew Wilkinson, Fifth-grade teacher and Green Club co-sponsor
“It was like they won the lotto.”
— Sarah Cohn, Go Green Northfield member
What’s next
The students are currently working on acquiring the plants for the rain garden, and they are also collaborating with the Sunset Ridge art teacher to include a student creative component. The garden is expected to be completed in May 2026.
The takeaway
This project demonstrates the power of community-school partnerships and student engagement in addressing environmental challenges. By working together, the Sunset Ridge Green Club and Go Green Northfield have secured funding to create a sustainable green space that will benefit the school and the broader Northfield community.
