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
vol.6 no.1 • Jan.-Feb. ‘15
In this issue...
Decisions we make today affect tomorrow’s world and generations to come. This statement may seem obvious and common sense; however, a look back through history shows time and time again how ill-informed decisions resulted in unforeseen negative consequences. In many cases, the consequences were foreseen and could have been avoided had consideration been made for the future rather than simply present needs. This issue of the Natural Enquirer points to two instances where the landscape of America was modified to suit present needs without much consideration of future impacts. The importation of common carp as food for people and European plants as food for livestock were thought to be innovations that would improve life for people. One proved disastrous to our waterways and native fish; the other has provided benefits to farmers, but resulted in the ultimate destruction of a uniquely American ecosystem. Some Native American societies are said to have considered the impact of any decision on the seven generations to come. If the decision would negatively impact the seventh generation out from the current day, then further consideration was required. Imagine the world our own technologically advanced society could create if this sort of foresight was employed in the decision-making process!
Inside The Smell of Summer on a Winter Afternoon....2
Volunteer News Contents
Carp Happens ......................................................3
Spring Valley Volunteer Recognition Awards....6
What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5
Volunteer Information..........................................7
Spring Valley General Information....................10
Volunteer Calendar........................................... 8-9
Schaumburg Park District
Visit www.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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
The Smell of Summer on a Winter Afternoon
W
by Dave Brooks
hen you walk into the upper barn at Spring Valley’s Heritage Farm, the first thing you notice is the smell. I’m not referring to the smell of the lower barn, where the horses and cattle shelter from the weather and produce their own distinct aroma. The upper barn is a much different place, and the air up there is sweetened by the presence of piles and piles of summer sun-cured hay. While it’s true that a farmer has to make hay when the sun shines, it is during the short dark days of winter that one can appreciate all of the work that went into filling the barn with this sweet summer harvest. a difficult task involving many hands and hours of labor.
Hay Mowing
Hay is a fairly recent agricultural innovation, having come into common use only a few hundred years ago. Prior to that, farm livestock were mostly left to their own instincts during the cold winter months and allowed to forage for whatever dried grasses and plants they could find beneath the snow. Farmers in Europe and Asia realized that during spring and early summer, plant growth was greater than what was needed by livestock. They figured out that if some of this lush growth was cut and dried, it could be stored for later use. Haymaking in those early days was an arduous task. Fields were cut by hand with a scythe and the grass raked into rows and allowed to dry for several days in the field. If necessary, the raked hay was turned by hand to facilitate drying. The dried hay was then loaded onto wagons to be transported to a shed or carefully stacked into mounds and left in the hayfield. It is estimated that, at best, a skilled farmer could work about one acre of his hayfields per day. As the industrial revolution began to focus its energies on improving agricultural equipment, haymaking slowly began to get easier. Mechanical mowers appeared in the early 19th century along with hay rakes. These devices were pulled by horses and, once perfected and in common use, allowed farmers to harvest considerably more hay and in much less time. Nonetheless, haymaking remained
At the Heritage Farm, most of the hay used to feed the livestock is purchased and shipped to the site; however, traditional late 19th century hay harvesting is demonstrated during early summer. Thus far, our demonstrations have only scratched the surface, so to speak, of the haymaking process due to the amount of time and labor involved. A horse-drawn mower is pulled through a grassy field, the cut hay allowed to dry for several days, and then raked by hand into rows. Most farmers in the late 19th century would have owned a dump rake, which was pulled by a team of horses, and which raked the cut hay into low piles where it could dry. The dried loose hay still needed to be loaded by pitchfork onto a wagon and transported to the barn, where it was stored as loose hay. This is something we rarely have the time and manpower to accomplish. By the early 20th century, with further advances in mechanization, side delivery hay rakes came into use. These allowed the farmer to drive through a field, raking the hay and depositing it in low mounded rows as he went. Tedders also came into use, which turned the hay to facilitate drying. Most importantly, balers came onto the scene. These mechanically scooped the dry hay from the field and tied it into compressed bales, which were more easily transported to the barn for stacking. All of these devices, and the haymaking process, was made even more efficient by the common use of gas-powered tractors during the middle of the century. The cultivation of hay has changed over the years, as well. From the earliest days, farmers sought to harvest only the most nutritious plants as hay. Fields were often seeded with grasses such as fescue and timothy and forbs such 2
as clover, which provide optimum forage for most livestock. These plants must also be harvested within a short window of time during the growing season. Not only must the farmer make hay when the sun shines (to facilitate proper drying), but the plants should be at their peak of growth and should not have set seed. Most European grasses are early season plants which reach their peak in late spring or early summer. At Spring Valley, a unique aspect of Midwestern haymaking is interpreted – the use of wild hay. Most native prairie grasses are warm season grasses, reaching their peak in mid to late summer. Midwestern farmers recognized that livestock would forage on native prairie plants when they were left to graze on unplowed prairie. In areas where wet ground or thin soils discouraged plowing and the raising of crops, farmers often used these areas as pasture or hayfields. Many of Schaumburg’s German farmers had to contend with low marshy grasslands. These native wet prairies often dried out sufficiently by mid-summer to permit hay cutting. Many of these prairies survived years of haying until rising crop prices and the affordability of tiling encouraged farmers to drain these wet areas for crop production. A barn in winter can appear forlorn with snow drifted around the foundation and many of the doors closed to keep the weather out. This is especially true today since many old barns are vestiges of a time when most farms maintained some cattle and horses. A barn’s size was directly related to the size of the livestock herds on the farm. Most of the space in the upper level was used for storage of hay. A modern Midwestern corn or soybean operation has no need for hay storage, so many an old barn has been knocked down or sits neglected, often with a few decaying old bales of hay still moldering inside. A peek into these old barns on a warm day often reveals subtle hints of the fragrant crop that used to fill the space many years ago.
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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
Carp Happens
by Walter Plinske
In 1881, the U.S. Bureau of however, a number of other factors Fisheries imported carp were also in the mix. from Germany to plant in Intensive logging in the the lakes, streams, and dense forests, begun in rivers across the country response to the need for to provide food. A native of agricultural land, totally Common Carp the East, especially China, it was deforested some areas. Without esteemed as a food in Europe. It did not trees to protect the land, the resulting take many years, however, for observsoil erosion muddied previously clear ers here to see that the experiment of streams and rivers, smothering and introducing exotic species had gone killing fish. The practice of floating logs terribly wrong. The detrimental effects downstream en masse scoured streamof carp were that, as a bottom feeder, beds and banks killing fish eggs and it would frequently uproot vegetation damaging spawning sites. The construcneeded by other fish; suck up mud and tion of dams for water-powered grist and other debris thus clouding the water; saw mills further modified nearly every and out-compete other fish because of stream and river in the country. The the rate of reproduction. Females can insurmountable dams prevented fish lay as many as 2 million eggs! So carp migration and reproduction. were soon labeled as a trash or “rough” The loss of the tree cover, fish and the war to control their numbers which retained water from began and continues to this day. But snowmelt and rainfall and were these carp the sole reason for the maintained equilibrium of decline of fish stocks and water qualwater levels, also resulted ity that occurred coincidentally, or were in an increase in seasonal there other factors? or short-term fluctuations in
settled by man. Towns and cities discharged their raw sewage into rivers and lakes. Stockyards, such as the one in Chicago, dumped so much offal that nearby creeks became bubbling cesspools of certain death to any creature in them. One such creek was dubbed “Bubbly Creek”. Industrial chemicals and wastes, including sulfuric acid, soda ash, muriatic acid, limes, dyes, and wood pulp contaminated the waters. The fouled streams were so polluted that spawning and nursery areas became completely impossible for aquatic life.
It would be tempting to blame the demise of fish stocks on overfishing;
and lakes from overdevelopment and fouling by industry.
This is not to deny that carp have negative effects. For over a hundred years, people have battled carp in a war that continues to this day. Early on, crews were employed to remove millions of pounds through netting. Some were shipped to big cities with minorities who traditionally valued them as food. Chemical treatOne significant factor began with the ment began in the stream flow. The lower stream arrival of Europeans who saw the wa1940s and conlevels occurring in spawning ters and the lands bordering them as tinues to this day. areas further reduced populaWater Pollution something to be exploited with impunity The poison called tions. In some cases, springs and with no bounds. The settlers were rotenone remains that once astounded by the sheer numbers of fish. a favorite weapon. sustained For instance in Lake Ontario, the trout Some carp were flows and whitefish were so numerous that ground, cooked, through“you could not put a net in the wrong and canned to be out the place to catch fish.” Overfishing and used as fish food year dried waste became the order of the day. In at hatcheries and up or beother instances, fish such as sturgeon as animal food at came inwere destroyed as a nuisance because game farms. Foltermittent. of low market lowing the tradition value at the time learned from the and because they American Indian, destroyed fishdead carp were Over Fishing ing nets. Their spread on farm carcasses were fields and plowed under. Land clearing also often piled onto raised water temWaters in which carp are the most beaches in great peratures as more prevalent are generally the most funeral pyres and sunlight reached polluted, just as weeds are most torched. Steamthe streams. common on disturbed ground. As we boats would fuel The reproduccontinue to clean up the waters of their boilers with tion of cold water America, the carp problem can therefore Log Jam them. Others species such as be diminished by supporting the Clean were simply left to rot and made into salmon suffered tremendously. Water Act and other environmental farm fertilizer. efforts which seek to protect waterways By the mid-1800s, the uncontrolled dumping of waste resulted in the heavy pollution of nearly every body of water 3
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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
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 from www.parkfun.com. The form can be found under the registration tab. Programs will be cancelled three days in advance if minimum is not reached, so register early!
Growing Up Wild: Early Childhood Teacher Workshop Saturday, Jan. 24 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Take part in a hands-on workshop designed for early childhood educators.
ADULT or TEEN
Additional workshops are being developed. For information, visit www.parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/ programs.
Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush Saturday, Feb. 21 • 4:00-6:00 p.m. Bring your family out to tap some maple trees, gather sap and tend the boildown.
Farm to Table Cooking SeriesPotatoes
Saturday, Feb. 21 • 10:00 a.m.-Noon Learn simple techniques for turning the common potato into quick and easy dishes.
Winter Campfire in the Cabin
Saturday, Jan. 10 • 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tell stories, sing a few songs, enjoy hot chocolate and even practice some pioneer skills!
Weekly Yoga at the Cabin
Tuesday, Jan. 6 - March 3 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 - March 3 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 - March 5 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 - March 5 • 8:00-9:00 p.m. Enjoy a weekly yoga class in the woods at the Merkle Cabin.
Home School Naturalist Group Programs Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm is the perfect place for hands-on, exploration-based science programs. Offerings change seasonally, so check the program guide regularly.
EARLY CHILDHOOD A Time for Stars
Winter topics: • Biscuits & Butter – Learn about 19th century farm life as you cook on the wood bring stove and churn your own butter. • Endangered Species – Learn what it means to be endangered or threatened, and search for Illinois’ endangered species at Spring Valley. • Winter Trees – Discover how trees prepare for winter and learn to ID common ones. • Tracking Basics – Read the story that animal tracks tell. • What’s a Mammal? – Identify what makes an animal a mammal and go on a safari.
Saturday, Jan. 31 • 7:00-8:30 p.m. As the stars begin to arrive for the evening, come to Spring Valley for nature activities.
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.
Presidential Birthday Party
Sunday, Feb. 15 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are having a birthday party and you are invited!
Available every Winter: Conservation in Action, Woodlands, Owls: Predators of the Night, Winter Ecology, Farms and Food, Nighttime Nature
Snowshoe Ramble
Saturday, Jan. 10 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Strap on snowshoes and explore Spring Valley from a different perspective— off the trail.
For more information about programs and pricing, or to schedule a program, call 847/985-2100.
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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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
SugarBush Fair
FREE Spring Valley Winter Fest
Schaumburg Park District's
Presented by
Saturday & Sunday, Jan 17 & 18 • Noon - 3 p.m.
Get bundled up and join in some winter fun. Enjoy free snowshoe walks through the prairie; horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the grounds; winter snacks, crafts and activities inside the Nature Center; and marshmallows roasted on a winter bonfire! This is just a taste of what awaits you at this FREE event!
FREE ADMISSION! MAPLE SUGARING-Originally published by Currier & Ives
Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15 Enjoy a pancakes breakfast with real maple syrup, sausage, juice and coffee. See authentic demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp, children’s puppet show, hayride and sales of syrup and other goodies. Click here for more information.
YOUTH Phil Predicts the Future?
Saturday, Feb. 7 • 2:30-4:00 p.m. Phil the groundhog is out looking for his shadow...or is he? Challenge him to see if his prediction was correct.
Winter Wanderers
Saturday, Feb. 21 • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Take a walk through the winter woods, explore animal tracks and solve winter mysteries.
Snowshoe Rentals Available Beginning Dec. 1
Experience the beauty of the winter landscape in a new way! The following rental policies apply: • There must be at least four inches of snow on the ground before rentals will be made available. • First-time renters will be asked to view a short videotape on the proper way to use snowshoes prior to taking them out. • A rental application and liability waiver must be filled out at the Nature Center Visitor Center. • A driver’s license or some other form of ID is required as deposit. • Rental rate is $4 for a maximum of three hours for use at Spring Valley. • Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. All rentals must be returned by 4:30 p.m. • Special youth group rates are available after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Call to inquire. No youth groups on weekends. • To take snowshoes off site, a deposit of $50 is required. The cost is $10 per day.
Call 847/985-2100 for more information.
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Volunteer News 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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
Spring Valley Volunteer Recognition for 2014
Spring Valley held its Volunteer Holiday Celebration and Recognition event on Friday, December 12. It was wonderful that so many volunteers could join us for the evening’s festivities. Activities included the chance to socialize with fellow volunteers, the toasting of wassail, the pleasure of delectable food, and of course, the recognition of our fantastic volunteers. Spring Valley volunteers, along with the help of local church, corporate, school, and scout groups, contributed 11,853.5 hours in 2014. It’s wonderful to see such strong community support. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and talent to Spring Valley. We simply could not accomplish as much as we do without you! As is traditionally done this time of year, we would like to specifically recognize people for their accomplishments over the past year. First 25 hours of service Jim Baum Carline Bezik Gretchen Coleman Angie Cornwell Andrea Farnham Andy Farnham Nancy Griffin Louis Handke-Roth Jennifer Harkin Lori Kandl Autumn Latus Adam Miller Elizabeth Moorman Marilyn Mottley Don Olszewski Mike Pizzo Elly Rogenski Tony Satoh Kim Savino Gerri Svenson Rich Wysocki 50 to 99 Hours Gail Ameer Bill Bidlo Leon Blum Dean Bruckner Christine Curin Ray Deibert Daryle Drew Louis Handke-Roth Jennifer Harkin Karen Kusek Charlie Loh
Ken Ogorzalek Roy Svenson Angela Waidanz
Nancy Lyons Nancy Mamsen Mary Matz Janet Neally Walter Plinske Elly Rogenski Leo Salais Tony Satoh Kim Savino Ann Scacco Donna Turner Ellie Vogel Carolyn White John Witkowski
300 to 399 Hours Duane Bolin Pete Gigous Jay Laski 400 to 499 Hours Lynn Eikenbary 500 to 599 Hours Tony Meo Barb Mitchell
100 to 199 Hours Carol Anagnostopoulos Kaitlyn Ball Caroline Bezik Eve Carter Barb Dochterman Andrea Farnham Andy Farnham Amanda Greco Arthur Jeczala Autumn Latus Sandy Meo Barb Muehlhausen Dick Ruffolo Mert Rutledge Laurie Tatom
Two Years Robin Barr Megan Bonney Kathy DeGeus Daryle Drew Bill Flesch Ellen Hanes Dave Kives Amanda Kraus Randee Lawrence Bob Pautsch Jim Peterson Five Years Gail Ameer Bill Bidlo Ron Haskell Pat Heiberger
200 to 299 Hours Bruce Kuhnhofer Roger Nelson 6
Cindy Holmberg Kristi Overgaard Tom Poklen Christine Preciado Diane Shore Laurie Tatom Joe Vito Angela Waidanz John Witkowski Ten Years Duane Bolin Barb Muehlhausen Renata Riccobon Bob Schmidt Louisa Walsh Fifteen Years Marilyn Dvoratchek Kevin Kaitis Richard Leonhardt Donna Nicolaisen Walter Plinske Twenty Years Eve Carter Barb Lam Twenty-Five Years Norina Waugh Note: If you are due an award and haven’t yet received it, please stop by the Nature Center by Feb. 1 so we can personally present it to you. Thanks you.
Volunteer News 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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
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.
Conservation Workday
January 24 Put on your grubby clothes, dress for the weather, and help us cut buckthorn. The workday run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prescribed Burn Training
Saturday, February 21 Learn the philosophy behind controlled burns and why we use this important management tool at Spring Valley. Volunteers who attend the training will then be eligible to assist with the prescribed burns we do in spring and fall. Training is scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Nature Center classroom.
Sugar Bush Set-Up
March 12 Can’t help at the Sugar Bush Fair, but still want to be part of it? Join us the Thursday before the event to help setup. We have a variety of activities which need to be done. Come at 10 a.m. and stay for all or part of the day!
Dates to Remember
• Mon., Jan. 12.................1-4 p.m. Handy Crafters Meeting • Sat., Jan. 24...................9 a.m.-1 p.m. Conservation Workday • Wed., Feb. 4..................6:30-9 p.m. Volunteer Meeting • Mon., Feb. 9...................1-4 p.m. Handy Crafters Meeting • Sat., Feb. 21.................. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Burn Training
Sugar Bush
March 14 & 15 It’s not too early to start thinking about the Sugar Bush Fair. If you think you’ll be available to help, please give me a call. Shift time is 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Remember – there’s a free pancake breakfast for all volunteers!
Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Caroline Bezik, Leon Blum, Ray Deibert, Daryle Drew, Amanda Greco, Jennifer Harkin, Ron Haskell, Amanda, Janet and Al Kraus, Bruce Kuhnhofer, Jay Laski, Mary Matz, Adam Miller, Janet Neally, Roger Nelson, Donna Nicolaisen, Patty Ochs, Don Olszewski, Kristi Overgaard, Tina Rokoszewski, Barb and Bob Royce, Dick Ruffolo, Mert Rutledge, Roy Svenson, Laurie Tatom, and John Witkowski for their continuing weekly animal care assistance at Volkening Heritage Farm.
Welcome New Volunteers… • Barb Kuhn
January
Andrea Farnham Jim Sears Barb Dochterman Jennifer O’Reilly Marilyn Dvoratchek Louis Handke-Roth Arlene Krizka Terri Williams
February
• Sharon Ogorzalek for sewing a costume for this year’s Haunting in the Valley. • Pat Campbell and Arthur Jeczala who help with a variety of administrative support activities on a regular basis. • Duane Bolin, Tony Meo, Roger Nelson, Ken Ogorzalek, Mike Pizzo, and Dick Ruffolo for their ongoing assistance with grounds maintenance at the Nature Center and the Farm. • Angie Cornwell for being presented the Sheriff’s Youth Service Medal of Honor. 7
• Judy Woods
Happy Birthday to… 4 5 11 12 17 21 22
• Deanna Jason for completing a sewing project for our new exhibits display.
• Hedy Otte
2 6 8 9 10 14
Donna Nicolaisen Randee Lawrence Ray Deibert Jeff Huebner Arthur Jeczala Keith Kramer Sandy Meo Bill Flesch Leo Salais Cheryl Yung
23 24 27 28 29 30
16 17 19 23 25 27
Eileen Skiba Norina Waugh Pat Floreani Andy Farnham Kaitlyn Ball Dan Greco Gaby Ramos Ann Scacco
Mike Gear Dave Krein Angie Cornwell Roger Nelson Dean Bruckner Janet Neally
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
JANUARY 2015
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Farm Closed
Friday
2
Saturday
3
Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
New Year’s Day
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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12
Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Spring Valley Winter Fest Noon
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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•Winter Solstice Celebration 3pm
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8
Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm
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21
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•Snowshoe Ramble 1pm
•Winter Campfire in the Cabin 6:30pm
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Spring Valley Winter Fest Noon
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Sierra Club 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
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23
24
Conservation Workday 9am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Snowshoe Ramble 1pm
•A Time for Stars 7pm
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
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FEBRUARY 2015
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
8
9
Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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•Presidential Birthday Party 1pm
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Presidents’ Day
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Wednesday
4
5
Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm
11
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
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6
13
20
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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•Phil Predicts the Future? 2:30pm
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•Snowshoe Ramble 1pm
Sierra Club 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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25
Saturday
Friday
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
12
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Thursday
27
21
Prescribed Burn Training 9am •Farm to Table Cooking – Potatoes 10am •Winter Wanderers 1:30pm •Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush 4pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm Farm Closed Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
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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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 Schaumburg Rd.
N Plum Grove Rd.
Spring Valley is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams with over three miles of handicappedaccessible trails, a museum featuring natural history displays and information, and an 1880s living-history farm. Spring Valley is open to the general public. Admission is free.
Vera Meineke Nature Center
Volkening Heritage Farm
PHONE VERA MEINEKE NATURE CENTER...............................................847/985-2100 VOLKENING HERITAGE FARM......................................................847-985-2102
135 acres
HOURS Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1
Vera Meineke Nature Center
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.
NATURE CENTER/MUSEUM HOURS: Year Round.............Daily*.......... 9AM-5PM FARM INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM HOURS: Nov. - March............Open for Special Events April 1 - Oct. 31.......Sat/Sun....... 10AM-4PM Tue-Fri........ 9AM-2PM Mon............ Buildings Closed
Volkening Heritage Farm
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.
Spring Valley Birthday Parties
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.
Looking for a unique, fun, and educational venue for your child’s birthday? Spring Valley is the answer! Two party themes are available. A hayride can be added for an extra fee. Call Spring Valley for more information.
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.
Scout Badges
Hourly use fees:
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’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.
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: www.parkfun.com
E-MAIL:
springvalley@parkfun.com
MEMBER:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tony LaFrenere
Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.
*All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Environmental Outreach Program
SPRING VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT:
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine.
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