Natural Enquirer: July-August

Natural Enquirer N e w s l e t t e r f o r S p r i n g Va l l e y S u p p o r t e r s a n d Vo l u n t e e r s

Vo l 1 0 • J u l y / A u g . 2 0 1 9

In this issue...

Summer is a season of sensual delights – from the smell of freshly mowed hayfields (or lawns for suburbanites), to the taste of meat off the grill and fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden or local farmer’s market, the sound of cicadas buzzing in the treetops, and the feel of a cool lawn on bare feet in the evening. The list of things evocative of summer is surely endless! In this issue of the Natural Enquirer, we’ll examine two things emblematic of summertime – birdsong and rhubarb; as well as introducing a new column called Make Time for Earth. While Walter Plinske’s fascinating historical look at the causes and dangers of food contamination in centuries past are more of a cautionary tale on how not to prepare for a summer picnic, an article on grassland bird song and the history of rhubarb will hopefully prove more inspiring. You may even decide to head out to Spring Valley with binoculars in search of indigo buntings and bluebirds. Of course, do this after you’ve baked a strawberry-rhubarb pie. The pie will be cool and ready to enjoy after your hike! Happy summering!

Inside Song of the Grasslands................................... 2-3 Got Rhubarb?................................................... 4-5 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 6-9 Make Time for Earth.............................................9 Ptomaine Times..................................................10 Spring Valley General Information....................14

Volunteer News Contents Volunteer Information........................................11 Volunteer Calendar....................................... 12-13

Schaumburg Park District

Visit parkfun.com and take our Spring Valley Program Survey.

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Song of the Grasslands

by Dave Brooks

Meadow with Hedgerow

B

irdsong can evoke a variety of moods. Some, like the woodland thrushes, are beautiful and ethereal. Some, like cedar waxwings, kinglets, and other small woodland birds, sound almost like a whispered secret. Out on the open grasslands, most birdsong is belted out like a Broadway show tune—loud, melodic, and full of gaiety.

During late spring and early summer, all this singing reaches a fever pitch. It is the breeding and nesting season, and the male birds have a lot to sing about; however, the song of the grasslands is getting harder to harder to hear since many of our prairie and meadow bird are now scarce due to habitat loss.

Given the fact that birds of open habitats often have to communicate over long distances, the volume and clarity of their song is paramount and only occasionally matched by the loudness of their attire. Since they are more easily visible out in the open, one might assume that bright colors would provide another way to be noticed by other males (i.e., “Stay away, buster!”) and females (i.e., “Come hither!”). While all these birds are attractive in their own way, only a few possess the striking colors found in the males of many of our woodland birds. In fact, it is usually those birds that inhabit the transition areas between woodlands and grasslands that are endowed with the showiest colors.

Two closely related, and fairly common, birds of brushy fields and the edges of woodlands are the American goldfinch and indigo bunting. The former is probably better known than the latter, since goldfinches are common at birdfeeders, although in winter the males have lost their vibrant yellow breeding plumage. It is in spring and summer that both are at their finest, both visually and vocally. The male indigo bunting is often mistaken for a bluebird, although the two can be differentiated by the fact that the bunting is entirely blue while the bluebird has only a blue back and head. The songs of the goldfinch and indigo bunting betray their close relationship, as they sound like dialects of the same language, although the indigo bunting is the more melodic of the two.

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American Goldfinch

Bobolink in Prairie

Eastern Bluebird

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

The eastern bluebird is a well-known bird of open woodlands, orchards, and fields. Although their numbers plummeted during the middle of the twentieth century, mainly due to competition from non-native birds such as European starlings, they are now quite common in areas where nesting boxes and habitat restoration provide them with suitable breeding sites. While the bluebird is easily identified by its sky-blue back and rusty breast, their liquid warble is equally attractive, sounding at times like a robin (to whom they are closely related) with a cold.

One of the first signs of spring in our area is the bubbly song of the male song sparrow, a common bird of brushy fields and woodland edges. Beginning in late February, the males arrive and begin establishing breeding territories. They are aptly named, singing repeatedly from an exposed perch, often throughout the day. Many birdwatchers are confounded by the drab coloration of sparrows, since the many different species look pretty much alike.

Sparrows, in fact, point out the importance of songs in identifying different birds, admittedly more a matter of survival for the birds than for birdwatchers. While not all sparrows are noted songsters, they all have unique calls, which are recognizable to other sparrows.

Another fairly common sparrow of brushy fields, and also aptly named, is the field sparrow.

The song of this bird is distinctly different from its afore-mentioned cousin. It consists of the same whistled note repeated a dozen or so times, increasing in cadence to a staccato at the end, so that it resembles the sound of a ping pong ball bouncing itself to a standstill.

These birds prefer a more open habitat than the song sparrow, although one can often find the males of both species singing simultaneously from nearby perches.

Eastern Meadowlark

The birds of the wide open, treeless grasslands are the least common in this area, although this wasn’t always the case. Anyone who grew up on a Midwestern farm or has spent time anywhere in the rural Midwest where large treeless pastures are still maintained for livestock would probably recognize the calls of the Eastern meadowlark and bobolink.

The clear whistled song of the meadowlark seems perfectly designed for the wind and the wide-open spaces. The bobolink’s song is among the most unique and distinctive of local birdsongs, having been described as sounding like the little R2-D2 robot from the Star Wars films. Both are birds of the prairie. The fact that most of the Midwest’s original native prairie vegetation has been replaced with plants from Europe and Asia hasn’t adversely affected these birds. What has impacted them are the ways in which the new agricultural landscape is managed.

Field Sparrow

Unlike birds that thrive in brushy fields or woodland edges, which often nest in trees or low shrubs, all true grassland birds are ground nesters; therefore, they require the presence of a grassy groundcover to nest and fledge their young. Any disturbance to the grasses, either through tilling, mowing, or burning during the critical nesting period (basically, April through July) results in the destruction of the nest and/or young birds. While some parts of the country still contain enough large open grassland to sustain these birds, changing agricultural practices have resulted in much pasture being plowed up for cultivation of corn and soybeans or mowed for hay. Since 1950, Illinois’ prairie bird species have declined over 90%. Most of these birds require a sizable expanse of treeless grassland (often from 20 to 90 or more acres) and will not settle for just a few acres. Sometimes, even the presence of an old tree-lined fencerow is enough to make an otherwise large meadow not quite large enough for the needs of certain birds.

Indigo Bunting

Song Sparrow

In the Chicago area, where farmland is scarce, county forest preserve districts own most of the remaining grasslands. Many of these old farm fields have been fallow for many years and have become filled with brush and young trees. In other words, they are no longer grasslands in the strictest sense. While birds that like brushy areas, such as the song sparrow, field sparrow, and goldfinch are plentiful, birds of the true grasslands will not live there. To accommodate the rare prairie birds, many agencies have been removing the tree-lined fencerows and brush along the edges of some meadows.

Since each of the grassland bird species mentioned above has habitat requirements as different as their distinctive songs, they will collectively benefit from land use practices that provide a mosaic of different habitats—restored tallgrass prairies, large pastures with shorter grasses, brushy fields, open woodlands, etc. In this way, we can insure that no part of the grassland choir falls silent in some future summer.

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Got Rhubarb?

by Patty Kennedy Green

W

hen you first walk into the gardens at the Heritage Farm in late spring, you are hit by an amazing sight. Your eyes can’t help but fall upon a large patch of strange leaved plants to the right of the porch—our enormous patch of rhubarb. It is an impressive and slightly alien sight to most casual visitors. Upon seeing it, some might say “Yum!” while others might scratch their heads in puzzlement and admit they know nothing of such a plant.

Rhubarb is not the popular culinary plant that it used to be. In fact, it gained most of its popularity during the late 18th to early 19th centuries as sugar became cheaper for the middle class to purchase. When sugar was rationed during WWII, the plant’s popularity dwindled and afterward, it never regained the appeal it had before the war; however, rhubarb’s story does not begin and end with its culinary popularity. It has a past that dates back thousands of years.

Rhubarb started out as a drug. In 2700 B.C., the Chinese claimed its roots could be used to treat malaria, constipation, fever, and many other ailments.

Today, studies show that the use of the root in medicine is not just a placebo.

They contain compounds which do work as a laxative and help cleanse the digestive track.

By the first century A.D., the plant had made its way to Greece. This is where the etymology of the word rhubarb becomes fascinating. The word comes from the Greeks who called it rha barbaron. Rha is an old Greek word for the Volga River in Russia but it also might mean “from the east.” Barbaron (non-Greeks) refers to the foreign farmers and traders that spoke a different language from the Greeks. In these terms, the word rhubarb makes perfect sense since the plant originated from China (the east) and most likely traveled to Greece by way of the Volga River and other trade routes.

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Rhubarb

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Rhubarb did not appear in most of Europe, however, until the 13th century when explorer Marco Polo introduced it. Again, it was touted for its medicinal attributes. It was thought to be a “cure all” medicine and highly sought out.

As mentioned earlier, rhubarb’s culinary popularity can be attributed mainly to the price of sugar. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, sugar became easier to obtain and was put in more foods for flavoring. Pies and tarts became more common and with a spoon full of sugar, rhubarb became a popular filling.

If, however, the popularity of eating rhubarb can be traced to one man and place, we will have to thank a south London strawberry and rhubarb grower named Joseph Myatt. In 1824, he had his sons bring five bunches of rhubarb to sell at a local market, but not one sold. The next week, the sons tried again with ten bunches and a recipe for rhubarb tart. All 10 bunches sold and the love of rhubarb as a food grew from that moment on.

While writing this article, I came across a lot of great information about rhubarb and some crazy facts. Besides its history, I’d like to share some bullet points from an online article written by David Trinklein from University of Missouri Division of Plant Science.

Rhubarb is very high in vitamin K, and contains significant amounts of vitamin C, manganese, potassium, calcium and dietary fiber.

• Generally, the deeper the red color of a rhubarb stalk, the less tart it will be.

• In 1947, rhubarb was legally classified as a fruit by the U.S. Customs court in Buffalo, N.Y even though botanically it is a vegetable.

• Lanesboro, Minnesota is the self-proclaimed rhubarb capital of the state and holds an annual rhubarb festival featuring, among other activities, a rhubarb stalk throw contest.

• Rhubarb leaves are considered to be toxic and can be used to make a natural insecticide.

• The use of the word “rhubarb” to describe a heated argument in baseball was first made in 1938 by a sportscaster who thought the argument “suggested an untidy mess, a disheveled tangle of loose ends like the fibers of stewed rhubarb.” (https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2016/3/Rhubarb-The-Pie-Plant/) Finally, what rhubarb article would be complete without a recipe for strawberry rhubarb pie?! June 9th is National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie day (you probably missed it this year, but mark your calendars for next year’s celebration!). This recipe comes from NationalDayCalendar.com. Enjoy!

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Ingredients: Pie Crust – Homemade or bought.

3-4 cups rhubarb, chopped 3 cups strawberries, sliced 1 1⁄3 cups granulated sugar 1⁄4 cup cornstarch 1 Egg White Instructions: Using a large mixing bowl, add chopped rhubarb, sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well.

Prep Time:................30 mins.

Cook Time:...............50-60 mins.

Servings:..................8 Inspiration: A special shout out to Nadine Philp for this deliciously simple recipe!

Spoon mixture into pie pan containing pie crust. Place top crust over mixture and pinch outer edges to seal. Cut vent slices into top crust, brush on egg white over top and place in oven. Bake in 400 degree pre-heated oven 50 – 60 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 15 to 20 minutes. Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or whipped topping. (https:// nationaldaycalendar.com/strawberry-rhubarb-pie-recipe/)

References: Dean, Sam. “The etymology of the Word Rhubarb.” Bon Appétit. March 21, 2013. https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/the-etymology-of-the-word-rhubarb “History of Rhubarb.” High Altitude Rhubarb – Organic Farm and Nursery. https://highaltituderhubarb.com/history-of-rhubarb/ “Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.” National Day Calendar. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/strawberry-rhubarb-pie-recipe/ Trinklein, David. “Rhubarb the Pie Plant.” Integrated Pest Management University of Missouri. March 2, 2016. https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2016/3/Rhubarb-The-Pie-Plant/

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Click on program/icon for information and to register online.*

*To create a new account, visit the registration desk at the CRC or download an internet registration form at parkfun.com under the registration tab.

Programs will be cancelled three days in advance if minimum is not reached, so register early!

Spring Valley offers an early bird discount on programs. Prices in the current brochure reflect that discount and will be in effect until one week before the date of the program. At that time, fees will increase 15%. Programs with insufficient registration will be cancelled at noon three days before the program. Please take advantage of this opportunity. It is our attempt to serve you better!

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Summer Camps

Dino Tracks

at Spring Valley

Sunday, July 21 • 10-11 a.m.

Did dinosaurs once roam Spring Valley? Answer this and other question as we dig up the truth!

NEW • Lil’ Insect Trekkers

Spring Valley offers a variety of summer camps (full and half-day) for children 5-15 years old.

Saturdays • 3-4:15 a.m.

July 9 - Dragonflies & Bees Aug. 6 - Butterflies & Moths Join a naturalist for a nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration.

For more information, call 847-985-2100 or click here.

NEW • Lil’ Nature Trekkers

Saturdays • 9:30-10:45 a.m.

July 13 - Life Under Logs Aug. 3 - Bats Join a naturalist for a nature-based story, craft and outdoor exploration.

FAMILY

The following programs have a special family rate. By registering ONE child, it is assumed that a minimum of two people (one adult and child) or a maximum of four people are attending. Do NOT register additional people, they may pay on the day of the program.

Family Rock Hounds

Sunday, Aug. 4 • 10 a.m.-Noon Examine rocks found in Illinois and elsewhere to discover the minerals from which they are made.

Firefly Fandango

Family Campout at Spring Valley

Sat./Sun., Aug. 17-18 • 4 p.m.-10 a.m.

Sleep at Spring Valley. Nature walks, campfire cooking and other activities are planned.

NEW • Low Carbon Diet Family Program Saturday, July 20 • 10 a.m.-Noon Explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint and ameliorate global climate change.

Saturday & Sunday, July 13 & 14 8:45-9:45 p.m. • Nature Center

YOUTH Birding Buddies

Witness one of nature’s marvels as the summer sun sets on Spring Valley’s prairies and woods. Beverages will be served.

Wednesdays • 3-5 p.m.

July 10 - Cardinals & Goldfinches Aug. 7 - Hummingbirds & Swallows We will use binoculars and field guides to identify common birds, while studying their behavior.

Day-of registration closes at noon.

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

NEW • Budding Artists Series

Monarch Butterfly Releases

Mondays • 3-5 p.m.

July 15 - Shapes Aug. 12 - Sculptures Discover your artistic side at Spring Valley. We’ll paint, draw and create new works of art.

Located just outside the rear entrance of the Nature Center.

NEW • Garden Party Series

Learn how YOU can help monarch butterflies at home!

See eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies!

Tuesdays • 3-5 p.m.

July 16 - Fruits & Veggies Aug. 6 - Flowers & Butterflies Enjoy the bounty of summer’s crop and lend a hand in Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden.

Daily, June through September

10:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m.

NEW • Hooray for Herpetology

Thursdays • 3-5 p.m.

July 11 - Turtles Aug. 8 - Snakes Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians! We will search and study for some of our cold-blooded friends here at Spring Valley.

Will not occur on chilly, rainy or windy days OR when no adult butterflies have emerged from their chrysalises.

Make It & Take It Sundays FREE! July 7 • Aug. 11

Buzzin’ About Insects

Drop by the Nature Center any time between 1-3 p.m. to enjoy a simple nature based craft to take home. Make butterflies, caterpillars, ladybugs and other interesting animals!

Insect Safari

Wednesdays • 3-5 p.m.

July 17 - Dragonflies & Bees July 31 - Butterflies & Moths We’ll hike the trails to catch and study insects, play some games, do a craft.

Sunday, July 14 • Noon-3 p.m.

Nature Center

Dive into the wonderful life of insects through games, pictures and activities, focusing on the details that make each unique. Drop by the Nature Center and take your own hike to explore all the buzzin’ around Spring Valley.

Just Desserts

Saturday, July 13 • 1-4 p.m.

Explore the world of black raspberries and gather some to make a cobbler over an open fire.

Food and beverages available for purchase.

Sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club

Puddle Hoppers

Saturday, July 13 • 9 a.m.-Noon We will explore the pond and marsh and any puddles we find along the way to the creek.

Farm to Fork Festival Wednesday, Aug. 14 • 5-8 p.m.

Nature in Your Backyard:

Join us for a celebration of fresh, seasonal, regional foods! This unique adults-only event will feature some of the area’s top chefs preparing and serving up dishes derived from locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. Locally made beers and wines will be offered as well. Heritage Farm on a summer evening will provide the perfect setting to enjoy an unforgettable meal. Registration Deadline: Aug. 9.

Ruth MacIntyre Conservation Area

Free

Friday, July 12 • 7-8:30 p.m.

Join Spring Valley naturalist, David Brooks for a walk to learn about some of the highlights this site. Program will be postponed if weather is inclement.

Call Spring Valley for information and directions.

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Heritage Farm

German Beer Garden

Free to attend

G e r m a n

B i e r g a r t e n

Saturdays, July 20 & Aug. 24 • 4-7 p.m.

Volkening Heritage Farm | 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg

Local Market Days

Bring a picnic dinner for the family and enjoy an evening at the farm!

• Traditional German Biergarten • Featuring Local Craft Beer & Soda • German Music • Pretzels & Pickles • Backyard Games

Saturdays • 9 a.m.-Noon July 13 & Aug. 10

Admission includes a pretzel or pickle, and reusable glass per ticket. Beer and soda will be available for purchase.

201 S. Plum Grove Road • Schaumburg

Last call is at 7:30 p.m.

Event runs rain or shine.

Visit the Heritage Farm Museum Shop to sample and purchase locally made and grown foods along with other goods. Everything from locally raised meat and cheese, to handicrafter designed goods will be available for purchase.

Admission: $5 per person Children 3 yrs and younger are free

Prost!

k c to S a B

Weekly Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm

ool ch

Saturdays and Sundays until mid-November Wednesdays and Fridays starting June 5 • Noon-2:30 p.m.

Drop in

any time!

Beginning June 5, from noon to 2:30 p.m., relax and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through Heritage Farm as staff relates information about the farm, animals and the history of Schaumburg’s farm families. Dress for the weather.

• Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays • Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis the day of the ride and no earlier than 15 minutes before the start time.

• Tickets are $4/person; children 3 and younger are free.

• Wagon holds a maximum of 15 people.

• Rides begin and end next to the Farm Visitor Center.

Campfire Friday, Aug. 16 7:30-9 p.m.

Note: Wagon rides may be cancelled due to extreme weather (storms or heat) and/or animal health issues. Wagon rides will not be offered on Special Event days. Please call 847-985-2102 or check parkfun.com for updated information.

$2 per person at the door S’more supplies will be available. $1 for two!

Nature Center | 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg Give summer the perfect sendoff with our Back to School Campfire! Enjoy a night by the fire as we celebrate the beginning of summer vacation with family and friends. Take a wagon ride, roast marshmallows and enjoy the beauty of the night.

Sponsored by Spring Valley Nature Club

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Heritage Farm Drop-in Programs

Drop-In Thursdays

Anytime between 10 a.m. and Noon $3/person

Appropriate for ages 3 years and older

July 11: Leather Works

Visit with our local craftsman to see all the uses for leather on the farm and then make a leather bracelet or other creation for yourself.

Aug. 15: Sundae School

Help make ice cream from scratch! After you have churned, make your own sundae and enjoy this cool summer treat.

NEW • Christmas in July

Starting with this issue of the Natural Enquirer, we’d like to Make Time for Earth. Summer is the season of fresh produce; grown in your own or a community garden, purchased at a farmer’s market or our own Local Market Day at the Heritage Farm, or wisely selected at your grocery store of choice. So, let’s take a quick look at some steps we can take that will benefit Earth.

Thursday-Sunday, July 25-28

Fröhliche Weihnachten! For four days, Heritage Farm will become enchanted with Christmas in July. Enjoy all that Christmas has to offer during the warmth of summer.

July 25: $3 Cookie Creations Drop-In Day • 10 a.m.-Noon Kick off Christmas in July at Heritage Farm by seeing popular cookie styles of the 1880s baked in our wood burning stove. Also delight in decorating your own yummy cookie and eat it too!

Choosing food that is locally grown reduces the amount of time and distance travelled from the point of origin to your table. That, in turn, reduces the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. But what about waste? Did you know that roughly 50% of all produce (fruits & vegetables) in the U.S. is thrown away annually—some 60 million tons (or $160 billion) worth? This accounts for almost 25% of the carbon footprint of the total food waste in this country and, for a family of four, averages nearly $1,600 annually!

July 26: $4 Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides • Noon-2:30 p.m.

Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the grounds. Listen to the charming sound of the sleigh bells and see the wagon dressed up in the Christmas Spirit.

July 27: Ornament Making • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • FREE

Decorate your own rustic wood made ornaments for Christmas this year.

July 28: Meet St. Nick • Noon-3 p.m. • FREE

Come to the Museum Shop and visit with St. Nicholas by the fireplace.

FREE

Star-Gazing Party

Wasted food is the single biggest component in our landfills. One reason is the arbitrarily set expiration dates on food. Also, since fruits and vegetables tend to bruise, brown, wilt, oxidize, ding, or discolor easily, consumer’s expectations about appearance result in many usable items being discarded. The packaging that is often used increases waste since many times what is purchased is more than what is needed.

Saturday, Aug. 10 • 8:30-11 p.m. • Nature Center

Enjoy a star-studded party celebrating the beautiful summer sky. It’s time for the Perseid Meteor shower which can be seen from July 23 through Aug. 20 with the peak on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Several telescopes will be available to view the summer constellations and planets. while waiting for meterors to appear! There will be lots of star-related activities inside the Nature Center. Roast marshmallows around the campfire. You’re guaranteed to have a great time!

Being mindful of the choices we make could easily reduce this waste. Planning ahead and buying only what is needed will also help.

Sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Ptomaine Times

I

by Walter Plinske

n the 19th century, every time a person stopped at an eatery to drink water or eat food, they were taking very big risks. Then, as now, food poisoning was a major potential problem when consuming food may have been undercooked, poorly preserved or contaminated by an unhygienic food handler. If one became seriously ill then, there were no effective medications to help fight the infection. Some of the medicinal cures that were current then are now seen as dangerous drugs. People routinely took cocaine for toothaches, arsenic for cancer, and morphine for anxiety.

Regardless of the source of infection, people were often said to have contracted “ptomaine poisoning”.

Wikipedia informs us that the term “ptomaine”, pronounced “toe-main”, is from the Greek, meaning fallen body or corpse. The notion was coined in the 1880s to describe a poison that was produced in decaying matter. Before the understanding of bacteria became accepted, these substances were thought to be the main source of food poisoning. Today, the term is no longer used in medical practice.

19th Century Cures

In those days, inadequate refrigeration was a major source of poor food preservation. Though ice was available in a limited way, many foods had to be consumed within a matter of days or the risk of spoilage was great, especially in warm weather. Every effort was made to cook foods well, to dry them in the sun, or to salt certain portions that could not be consumed right away.

Poorly preserved food was not the only culprit. In those days, food was adulterated in many ways, to the detriment of the consumer and to the dismay of the modern observer today. Some olive oils had a high lead content caused by the lead containers used to clarify the oil. Bright green candies were colored by “sapgreen”, Toothache Cure a colorant with high copper content. Vinegar was frequently mixed with sulfuric acid to increase its acidity. Milk was often watered down and colored with chalk or plaster, substances that were also added to bulk up flour. Lead was added to wine and beer. Coffee, tea, and spices were routinely mixed with dirt, sand, or other leaves.

Poor food preparation also caused people to suffer. Unsanitary cooking utensils could carry the Staph bacterium. In a matter of hours, a subject could develop nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. There was no actual treatment for this kind of food poisoning, so the affected would simply endure their misery for a day or so. Undercooked eggs were another culprit. 24 to 72 after ingestion, the sufferer could develop abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever caused by the Salmonella E. coli bacterium. And if undercooked meat was contaminated with fecal matter, the unfortunate one could develop food poisoning by the E. coli bacterium. Severe cases of this would cause destruction of the red blood cells and kidney failure and the demise of the victim.

Salmanella

In addition to all these ways, one could be poisoned in dozens of ways not only by food but also by water. Water wells were often polluted by their proximity to latrines and other sources of fecal contamination. While the E. coli bacterium was probably more prevalent, the most dreaded agent was also occasionally present. It was the bacterium Vibrio cholera, the source of cholera. Ingesting this bacterium in contaminated food or water could result in a massive diarrheal disease that could kill a previously healthy person in hours. This disease killed thousands in the 19th century and is still present today in some parts of the world.

A most insidious way in which one can be poisoned is illustrated by the notorious case of typhoid Mary Mallon in early 20th century America. Typhoid Mary was a cook who was identified in 1907 as a carrier of the typhoid germs (which can exist in the body of a healthy “carrier”). Her condition was discovered following repeated outbreaks of the disease among the families she worked for. Because of her subsequent persistent neglect of personal hygiene, she was eventually detained in solitary confinement for life. “Typhoid Mary” has since entered the canon of public health as an awful warning against unhygienic personal behavior.

Since that time, dangerous food and the term food poisoning have tended to refer to bacterial contamination rather than toxic chemical contamination. People still need to worry about pesticide residues, preservatives, and food dyes, though. With the aid of mass production and distribution, bacterial contamination is still with us, but in a more global way. The trials of the old times have never left us, they have simply morphed into a more modern dilemma. Perhaps the inhabitants of the future will be astounded that today we still live in the shadow of death by pursuing one of life’s simple pleasures, eating!

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Volunteer News

Dates to Remember

Volunteer Want Ads

If you are interested in helping with any of the following activities, please call Judy at 847-985-2100 or e-mail her at juvito@parkfun.com.

Star-Gazing Party

Farm Livestock Care Volunteers Needed

Provide food, water, and care for farm animals once a week on Saturday mornings. Commitment of at least one year, ability to lift 25 pounds, no allergies to mold or dust, comfortable around livestock (previous experience a plus), and ability to work in extreme weather a must. Must be 18 years or older.

Buzzing About Insects

Sunday, July 14 Noon-3 p.m.

Join us as we explore the world of insects through games and activities. Volunteers are needed to assist children’s activities.

Saturday, Aug. 10 • 8:30-11 p.m.

It’s time for the Perseid Meteor Shower so come out for star gazing through telescopes and binoculars and enjoy various star related activities. Volunteers are needed as telescope assistants.

Back to School Campfire Friday, Aug. 16 7:30-9 p.m.

Celebrate the end of summer with a campfire complete with s’mores.

It’s Picnic Time!

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 2 and plan to join us at this year’s Volunteer Family Picnic.

Bring a family member or friend to join in the fun.

We’ll provide all the fixins’, just bring your appetite!

The picnic is co-sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club which will present its Ellsworth Meineke Award to a deserving club member and/or volunteer.

Invitations will go out in the mail in July.

Pats on the back to the following volunteers...

• Lynn Eikenbary, Renata Riccobon, Eileen Skiba, Judy Velan, and Carolyn White for helping with the spring Green Thumbs school programs.

• Gail Ameer, Jim Baum, Diane Crater, Peg Dorgan, Lynn Eikenbary, Patty Gucciardi, Valerie Kot, Carol Thomas, and Angela Waidanz for assisting with various bird counts.

• Lynn Eikenbary, Penny Perles, Steve Prorak, Roy Svenson, and Carolyn White for leading the Mighty Acorns groups this spring.

• Jeanne and Rich Banducci, Peg Dorgan, Lynn Eikenbary, Karen Mueller, and Patty Gucciardi for keeping our feathered friends fed and happy.

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• Monday, July 8......................1:30-4 p.m.

Handy Crafters Meeting • Sunday, July 14.................. Noon-3 p.m.

Buzzing About Insects • Friday, Aug. 2........................5:30-9 p.m.

Volunteer Picnic • Saturday, Aug 10................ 8:30-11 p.m.

Star-Gazing Party • Monday, Aug. 12...................1:30-4 p.m.

Handy Crafters Meeting • Friday, Aug 16.......................7:30-9 p.m.

Back to School Campfire

Welcome New Volunteers…

• Diane Ariola • Ned Bruns • Jennifer Corsaw • Nick Fleming • Katie Hunt • Steve Larson • Darlene McDowell • Adrienne Mikkelsen • Marylou Patrick • Teresita Shimomura • Bonnie Sokolowski • Linda Terp • Trinidad Valdez • Christine VanDuys

• Barbara Bratt • Sue Carr • Cate Fitzgerald • Jeff Goesel • Olga Ivaniuk • Gene Leicht • Mary McNally • Karen Mueller • Christine Rayner • Wayne Slover • John Terp • Debra Tutek • Anabel Valdez-Hudson

Happy Birthday to…

July

9 Darlene McDowell Jack Ponzetti 11 Katie Hunt 12 Diane Crater 13 Andy Caccavari 16 Kathryn Gotz 17 Barb Royce 18 Laurie Tatom 19 Brooklyn Olsen

21 Donna Turner 24 Deb Eriksen 25 Joe Vito 26 Sue Gallios Tom Poklen 27 Nancy Fallen 28 Kathy DeGeus 31 Kayley Stoner

August

3 Connie Nelson Sanford 8 Janet Bedsole Marilyn Motley Linda Steck Trinidad Valdez 9 Lorenzo Vendramin 12 Bev Calahan Michael Chwal Dennis Raimo Judy Wood 14 Hedy Otte Diane Shore Carolyn White

18 Janet Kraus 20 Donna Johnson Junaid Khan 22 Amanda Kraus Kristi Overgaard 24 Sandee Lovisa 26 Carol Anagnostopoulos 28 Pete Justen Lydia Tarasiuk 30 Nancy Filo 31 Nancy Schaefer

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r

Sunday

Monday

1 M-W

Tuesday

JULY 2019

2

Wednesday

3

4

•Summer Camp Sampler 9am

•All About Fish 9:30am •STEM in the Prairie & Garden 9:30am

8 M-F

9

•Lil’ Insect Trekkers 3pm •Wiggles, Squiggles & Giggles 9:30am •Animal Crackers 9:30am

14

15

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

M-F •Firefly Fandango 8:45pm

21

•Dino Tracks 10am

•Budding Artists 3pm

22 M-F

16

•Garden Party 3pm

•Wee Sprouts 9am •Chores and Chortles 9:15am

10

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

17

28

29 M-F

•Chores and Chortles 9:15am •Animal Crackers 9:30am

6

13

•Local Market Day 9am •Puddle Hoppers 9am •Lil’ Nature Trekkers 9:30am •Just Desserts 1pm •Firefly Fandango 8:45pm

19

•Budding Artist 3pm

20

•Low Carbs 10am German Beer Garden 4pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

24

•Summer Camp Sampler 9am •Lil’ Gardeners 9:30am •Science Sleuths 10am

30

•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

18

•Nature Pirates 10am •Lil’ Dig 1pm

25

26

•Christmas in July – Cookies 10am

•Summer Camp Sampler 9am

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

•Christmas in July – Wagon Rides Noon

27

•Christmas in July – Ornament 11am

•Lil’ Creek Stompers 1pm •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

•Christmas in July – St Nick Noon

12

•Weekly Yoga at the Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

•Insect Safari 3pm

•Skills for Outdoor Survival 9:15am •Insect Safari 9:30m

23

11

•Drop In Day – Leather Works 10am •Hooray for Herpetology 3pm

•Lil’ Nature Keepers 1pm •Voyageurs Camp 2pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

•Puddle Paddlers 9am •Historian’s Apprentice 9:30am

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Saturday

Independence Day

•Birding Buddies 3pm

•Safari Adventures 10am •Paint by Nature 10am

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

Buzzing About Insects Noon

Friday

•STEM in Nature 9:30am •STEM in the Woods & Water 1pm Spring Valley Nature Club 7pm

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Thursday

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•Insect Safari 3pm •Story Time Explorers 9:30am •The Big Dig 10am

•All About Frogs 1pm •Let’s Get Messy 1pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

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1 •All About Beetles 2pm

Farm Hours: Tues-Sun • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r

Sunday

Monday

30

Farm Hours: Tues-Sun • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

4

•Family Rock Hounds 4pm

5 M-F

11

•Make It and Take It 1pm

12

Tuesday

AUGUST 2019

M-F

31 •Chores and Chortles 9:15am •Animal Crackers 9:30am

6

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm •Budding Artists 3pm

19

1 •Story Time Explorers 9:30am •The Big Dig 10am

7

•Birding Buddies 3pm

•Historian’s Apprentice 9:30am •Outdoor Engineers 10am

•Junior Artists 10am •Song of the Valley 1pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

13

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

18

20

14

26

•All About Frogs 1pm •Let’s Get Messy 1pm

27

8

•Hooray for Herpetology 3pm

21

3

•Lil’ Insect Trekkers 9:30am

•All About Beetles 2pm

Volunteer Picnic 5:30pm

9

10

•Local Farmer’s Market 9am

•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm Star-Gazing Party 8:30pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

15

Farm to Fork Festival 5pm Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

Saturday

Friday

2

•Drop In – Sundae School 10am

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

22

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

25

Thursday

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

•Lil’ Insect Trekkers 3pm •Garden Party 3pm •Wee Sprouts 9am •Critter Club 9:30am

Wednesday

16

17

•Family Campout at Spring Valley 4pm

•Back to School Campfire 7:30pm

23

24

German Beer Garden 4pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

28

29

13

30

31

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

SPRING VALLEY | Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 Spring Valley is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams with over three miles of handicapped-accessible trails, a museum featuring natural history displays and information, a new nature playground and an 1880s living-history farm. Spring Valley is open to the general public. Admission is free.

Hours:

Schaumburg Road

Plum Grove Road

N

Volkening Heritage Farm

Grounds and Trails April 1 - Oct. 31.............. Daily................. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Nov. 1 - March 31........... Daily................. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Vera Meineke Nature Center & Bison's Bluff Nature Playground

Nature Center/Museum Hours Year-round...................... Daily................. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground April 1 - Oct. 31.............. Tue-Sun........... 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Mon.................. Noon -8 p.m.

Nov. 1 - March 31........... Daily................. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Merkle Cabin

Volkening Heritage Farm April 3 - Nov. 18.............. Daily................. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mon.................. Museum buildings CLOSED Dec. 1 - March 31........... Open for Special Events & programs only

Spring Valley 135 acres

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine. Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Vera Meineke Nature Center 847-985-2100

Volkening Heritage Farm 847-985-2102

The earth-sheltered visitor center provides an introduction to Spring Valley’s 135 acres of restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands and three miles of trails. The center contains natural history exhibits that change seasonally, a demonstration Backyard for Wildlife, an observation tower, classrooms, an extensive library, gift sales area and restrooms.

Step back into the past for a look at Schaumburg as it was in the 1880s – a rural German farm community. Help with seasonal farm chores, participate in family activities and games of the 1880s, or simply visit the livestock and soak in the quiet. Authentically dressed interpreters will welcome and share activities with visitors throughout the site.

Environmental Outreach Program

Scout Badges

We’ll bring our outreach program to your site. Topics include forests, worms, spiders, mammals, owls, food chains, food webs, wetlands, and the water cycle. Students will participate in hands-on activities, songs, and games. Topics may be adapted to students in grades one through six, and are aligned with Illinois State Standards and NGSS.

We offer many opportunities for scouts. Our programs will help with your badge, pin or patch requirements. Call for more information or stop in for a brochure.

Spring Valley Firepit and Shelter Rentals

Make your next scout group, business or family gathering something special! Spring Valley offers the use of a picnic shelter and fire pit in a wooded setting near the Merkle Log Cabin. Use of the site includes firewood, trash/recycling receptacles and benches, as well as picnic tables. No alcohol or amplified music permitted. Restrooms are available at the Heritage Farm or Nature Center, a 5–10 minute walk.

The adjacent Merkle Log Cabin contains a restroom and may be rented for additional fees.

Programs at Spring Valley

School, Scout and adult groups are encouraged to take advantage of Spring Valley’s Environmental Education Program. Programs change seasonally and are geared for specific age groups. Correlations to the state standards, connections with NGSS, and activity sheets are available on the SPD website, www.parkfun.com.

Learn local history with a visit to the Heritage Farm. Elementary and high school students recreate farm life in the 1880s with Hands on History; second graders experience it through Heritage Quest. Children from the age of four through second grade will learn about food, farmers, and farm animals in Farms and Foods.

SPRING VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT:

Spring Valley’s mission is to educate area residents regarding the natural and cultural history of the Schaumburg area and how people have and continue to interact with and upon the landscape.

Hourly use fees: Residents:.............. $25

Civic groups:...............................$25

Non-residents:....... $40 Corporate/business groups:.......$55

SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:

NATURAL ENQUIRER STAFF: Mary Rice.......... Editor

Mike Daniels Sharon DiMaria David Johnson George Longmeyer Bob Schmidt

Judy Vito............ Volunteer Coordinator Dave Brooks...... “In this Issue...”

Scott Stompor.... Graphic Artist

SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT WEBSITE: parkfun.com

E-MAIL:

springvalley@parkfun.com

MEMBER:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tony LaFrenere

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