Natural Enquirer: March/April 2018 by Schaumburg Park District

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.9 no.2 • March-Apr. 2018

In this issue...

This issue of the Natural Enquirer required a bit of interpretive insight in order to find a common thread and I found it this morning as I watched the Super Blue Blood Moon. I didn’t get up early to see it and it wasn’t on my radar; but when I saw it, I was simply amazed. No, it wasn’t as spectacular as the solar eclipse we all witnessed last summer, but it was still breath taking. And there was something special about seeing it in the early morning deep blue sky that invited silence. And, no, that isn’t the theme I see in this issue; it’s light ― whether the light seen through and captured by the lens of a smart phone; the light reflected and captured on the page of a seed catalog; or the light expressed in fire and spread by the firehawks of Australia, we stand in simple wonder at the glory of light. I found a quote many years ago that captures the moment perfectly: When I first became a photographer, I was only aware of the sun over my shoulder and the flash on my camera. Then I got older and began to notice the shadows that touched all of us. Now I realize that every object in this world reflects and absorbs light. We are created by light, shaped by light, and we burn our image into the hearts of others. - Mark Lee

Inside Take Time for Photos...........................................2

Volunteer News Contents

Snail Mail Encounters of the Third Kind............3

Volunteer Information..........................................8

What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-6

Volunteer Calendar......................................... 9-10

Australia’s Winged Fire Spreaders.....................7 Spring Valley General Information....................11

Schaumburg Park District

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

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Take Time for Photos

by Derek Gronlund

e all know that spring is a season of Watching the sunset offers a moment to relax, enjoy nature, and capture scenic photographs many changes. The air is warming, frozen bodies of water are melting, and nature seems to finally be waking from her long nap. As the last snows of winter melt away, spring wildflowers begin to peek up from the warming soil, trees and shrubs begin to open their buds, and animals scurry about, glad to be free of the harsh winter. Besides the obvious rapid changes, spring also brings Spending time photographing nature about a more subtle difference. For can train your eye to notice small the last several months, the days details, like these leaves floating on the water have been slowly getting longer, illuminating winter’s final days with Seeking out interesting more and more light. perspectives improves a Use interesting photograph, as well as the

lighting to create a It is this combination of dramatic enjoyment of nature pleasing picture natural change and increased light that makes spring a perfect time of year to get into nature photography. The word photograph is derived from the Greek roots phōtos and graphé, which together translate to “drawing with light”. The art and science of photography have evolved from projecting inverted images onto a wall in a darkened room (camera obscura), to capturing focused images on surfaces coated with light-sensitive emulsions (chemical photography), to using an image sensor to record an image as electronic data (digital photography).

Over the past decade, advances in mobile technology have allowed smartphone cameras to catch up to their larger, more expensive cousins, and has put the power of the photograph into everyone’s grasp. Smartphone cameras have a user friendly interface and have been programmed to automatically optimize settings with minimal user input. This, coupled with powerful processing software, allows just about anyone to take stunning pictures. The market research firm InfoTrends estimates that in 2017 alone, over one trillion digital pictures were taken worldwide, 80% of which were taken on a smartphone. While technology and the great outdoors are traditionally thought to be at odds with each other, photography and nature are actually quite complimentary. The natural world provides beautiful subject matter for photos, and taking pictures outside can actually enhance one’s time spent in nature. Following are a few benefits of nature photography: Get Physical!

First, in order to take pictures of natural objects and landscapes, you need to get outside! Going on frequent photography hikes can increase physical activity, make exercise more fun, and provide the motivation to venture outdoors. For some reason, it doesn’t seem as tedious to go on a long walk when you are taking pictures along the way.

Take a Closer Look

Once you train your photographer’s eye, you will find that you end up noticing small details that previously went unnoticed. Whether it is the way light and shadows play across a scene, the unexpected shapes and patterns, an interesting composition, or a small detail in a larger scene, after a few months of taking pictures, you will become more attuned to your surroundings.

Relax

Spending time outdoors photographing nature is a relaxing, low-stress experience. While out on a shoot, you get to set the pace. You can move quickly and capture many different shots, or spend an hour exploring one place in depth. Sunrise and sunsets are good times to stay in one place and photograph the changes that occur over an hour or so.

Enjoy More

A 2016 study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, established a direct link between taking photographs and increased enjoyment of an activity. Researchers found that people who took photographs during an activity were more engaged, and received more enjoyment from participating. They concluded that looking for things to photograph focuses one’s attention on parts of an experience that they want to remember, find meaningful, and enjoy.

Regardless of your experience level, spring is an exciting time to get outdoors and take pictures. Whether you set out to shoot sweeping landscape vistas or abstract close-ups, taking pictures out in nature will get you moving, help you make careful observations of the natural world, and allow you to view the world from a different perspective. Happy snapping! Returning to the same site in different seasons offfers a whole new picture taking experience

For more photos of Spring Valley, follow @springvalley_schaumburg on Instagram. 2

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Snail Mail Encounters of the Third Kind*

by Walter Plinske

aking a cue from a Steven Spielberg film with a similar sounding title, we are about to enter the world of envy, desire, and bounding ambition engendered by a perhaps antiquated piece of written communication with roots going back hundreds of years. It is the world of the yearly spring seed catalogue, keenly awaited by countless devotees throughout many generations. By way of patient passivity, we end up with those dream catalogs that still arrive via the postman. *(A close encounter of the first kind is a sighting, the second is evidential proof, and the third kind is actual contact!) The first seed catalogs originated in 17th century Holland where the main concern initially involved tulip bulbs. Later, seeds, plants, and novelties from distant lands were included. Until the late 18th and 19th centuries, the few catalogs in existence were little more than printed price lists. At that time, most home growers simply saved and traded seeds or bought things locally. Settlers in America brought seeds and plants with them from their native countries. Some traded with Native Americans for corn, beans, and squash. In America, by the mid -19th century, the seed catalog that would be recognizable today emerged. Mail-order became much more common due to improved transportation networks and postal reforms in the 1860s that made it cheaper to ship seeds and plants, as well as catalogs. Mail-order companies increased the size and number of catalogs they produced. Most importantly, most catalogs were shipped to customers free upon request. As the country grew, the seed companies faced a huge potential market. At the same time, increased competition between them developed. The result was competitors vaunting more novelties and giving varieties names such as “Mammoth”, “Giant”, or “Perfection”. Catalogs soon devoted more space to illustrations, descriptions, testimonials, contests, and awards. Since then, up to the present day, the arrival of the garden catalog signals the start of something exiting to the dedicated gardener. Poring over pages and deciding which vegetables and flower seeds to order places the aficionado in the flow of a long tradition that past generations have navigated with the same elation! Despite all this fervor, there are good reasons to mail-order. By studying a typical catalog, one can come away with quite a bit pertinent knowledge. A major reason to garden by catalog is that starting plants from seeds is less expensive than buying them from a nursery or home-improvement store. The selection is also much wider. Some companies offer so many varieties that their catalogues are dedicated solely to one plant-group such as tomatoes or beans. The only way to get many varieties of seeds, as well as plants like berries, fruits, herbs, and bulbs is by catalog. Nurturing food or flowers from seed is uniquely satisfying. Bragging rights for the best vegetable of any given type has its genesis in the seed catalog! Every catalog worth its salt includes a USDA Plant hardiness Zone map. It is the standard by which gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones. Included in the description of each particular seed or plant will be this zone number or often a range of numbers. These descriptions will also state if Zones the seed needs cool or warm soil to germinate, how far apart the seed should be spaced, how much moisture it needs, and what soil pH it requires. Catalogs also provide information about the pests specific to each crop; and some will suggest ways to combat them. Some catalogs feature anecdotal cultivation accounts by long-time subscribers and folksy tableusage renditions provided by catalog staff people. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds has gone one step further by publishing its own horticultural magazine and by staging “down-to-earth” conventions! There is a prevailing notion today that the seed catalog may soon go the way of the dodo bird and the buggy-whip maker. Between the increasing costs of printing and postage and the inexorable march to doing business on-line, this specter does have some truth. Most, if not all, seed companies now have on-line web sites where the serious garden planner can submerge oneself for hours on end. It seems reasonable to assume though that the paper edition will continue to exist for the foreseeable future as a kind of hard-copy back-up. One can only hope. 3

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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 Teacher’s Workshop | Saturday, March 10 • 9:00 a.m.- noon Growing Up Wild builds on children’s sense of wonder. Have fun with crafts, music, reading and math and receive an activity guide correlated to the NAEYC Early Childhood Standards and the Head Start Domains. PLT: Early Childhood Teacher Workshop | Saturday, Apr. 14 • 9:00 a.m.- noon

Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood includes over 130 activities that engage children in outdoor play and exploration and is specifically designed for educators who work with children ages 3 to 6.

Project Learning Tree | Saturday, May 12 • 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental program designed for educators, parents and community leaders. Enjoy a fun filled day learning about and participating in many of the 96 interdisciplinary activities.

Early Childhood Educators’ Combo | Saturday, May 12 • 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Receive two nationally acclaimed curricula, Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood and Growing Up Wild.

Additional workshops are being developed. For information, visit parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/programs

ADULT or TEEN

SugarBush Fair Schaumburg Park District's

Harper College & Spring Valley

FREE ADMISSION!

Garden Bench Workshop

Saturday, Apr. 15 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon Make your own Aldo Leopold bench, providing rustic charm and comfort to any yard, garden or deck. Course: LFS0006-001

Illinois Heirloom Gardening

MAPLE SUGARING-Originally published by Currier & Ives

Saturday, May 19 • Noon-2 p.m. Learn to grow organic herbs and vegetables in your own backyard without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Course: LLG008-001

Saturday & Sunday, March 17 & 18 Enjoy a pancake 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. Breakfast tickets will be available for purchase mid-February.

Backyard Cooking

Saturday, May 19 • 4-6 p.m. Collect recipes and learn the ins and outs of cooking over an open fire using a cast iron Dutch oven. Course: LFS0505-001

Click here for more information.

Farm to Table Cooking Series

Sponsored by

Weekly Yoga at the Cabin

Learn ways to use simple farm fresh ingredients to create wholesome, delicious dishes at home.

Tuesday, March 20 - May 29 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 - May 29 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22 - May 31 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22 - May 31 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a weekly yoga class at Merkle Cabin in the woods. Bring a yoga mat and small blanket.

Farm Fresh Eggs

Saturday, March 24 • 10 a.m.-Noon Make two egg dishes and enjoy them with fresh baked bread and country sausage.

All Ages

NEW • Spring into Painting

Breakfast with the Birds

Saturday, April 28 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors creating an original work of art!

Saturday, May 5 • 7:00-9:00 a.m. Enjoy an early morning walk to look for Spring Valley’s colorful migratory birds.

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DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Nature Center

Heritage Farm

Saturday, April 14 • 1-3 p.m.

Wednesdays, April 11-May 2 • 9-10 a.m.

Meet the Turtles • FREE

All about Animals Series

Drop in and acquaint yourself with the Nature Center’s resident turtles. Discover the adaptations that help them survive in the wild and make them such remarkable creatures. Make and take home a cool turtle craft, too. This program is geared for families with children 3 to 5 years old and will last the entire time. Call 847-985-2100 to let us know you’re coming; but if it’s the last minute, just drop in at 1 p.m.

Cows, horses and chickens, oh my! Learn about the farm livestock through story time, a craft and best of all, by meeting them! Each week focuses on a different animal. No preregistration required. Class starts promptly at 9 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Peonies Aplenty

• April 11...........Chicken Chat • April 18...........Piggly Wiggly • April 25...........Wow Cows! • May 2.............Horsing Around

Appropriate for children age 3-5 years

Nature has a way of surprising us so we’ve given up trying to predict when the peonies will be in full, glorious bloom! Call 847/985-2100 toward the end of May to find out whether they are ready or not. When they are, it’s well worth the walk to the cabin to see them and to read the display board that gives the history of the peonies at Spring Valley.

$3 per child

Walpurgis Night Campfire and Wagon Ride Friday, April 27 • 6-8 p.m.

Witches in April? An old German spring celebration says yes! Help celebrate the coming of spring in an old-fashion and unusual way! Enjoy an evening at Heritage Farm with horse-drawn wagon rides. Visitors also receive a hotdog and marshmallows for roasting on an open fire. $7/person

Children ages 3yrs and younger: FREE

Mother’s Day Celebration • FREE

Sunday, May 13 • Anytime between 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

On Mother’s Day, Heritage Farm will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., children are welcome to visit Heritage Farm Visitor’s Center to make a simple and free Mother's Day craft for Mom. Free admission and all ages welcome

Spring Beer Garden Friday, May 18 • 4-7 p.m.

Earth Day Party • FREE Sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club

Heritage Farm is offering a traditional German biergarten complete with German music, pretzels, refreshments, local craft beer and soda. Bring a picnic dinner for the family, have fun with backyard games and enjoy a spring evening with us. Admission sales offered day of event. Admission includes one free pretzel and reusable glass per ticket. Beer and soda available for purchase. Last call at 7 p.m. Runs rain or shine.

Admission is free for all ages

$5 per person, 3yrs and younger are free

Sunday, April 22 • Noon-4 p.m.

Celebrate your connection to the Earth with games, crafts, birdhouse building, free wildflower seedlings and more! Activities are for the whole family! See a display of live hawks and owls.

NEW • Monarch Butterfly Rearing Workshop

Nature Mamas

Saturday, May 12 • 2:00-3:00 p.m. Discover how the animal mamas care for their kids and make comparisons to your mama.

Saturday, May 5 • 10:00 a.m.-noon Discover what it takes to become a monarch butterfly steward.

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.

EARLY CHILDHOOD Bunny Tracks

Eggsapalooza

Saturday, March 24 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Come see what our bunny families are up to, read a story and explore Spring Valley!

Saturday, March 24 • 10:00-11:30 a.m. Dye eggs using natural dyes, decorate your own spring basket and hunt for eggs.

Sunset Fire and Picnic on the Prairie Saturday, April 7 • 6-8:30 p.m. • Nature Center

Alternate rain date is April 14 The prairie fires that awed early settlers in Illinois were vital to the health of the prairie landscape. This popular program provides insight into just how important fire was—and still is—to our natural areas. Start the evening with a picnic in back of the Nature Center (grilled food and beverages available for purchase or bring your own). Following dinner and a brief presentation, a portion of Spring Valley’s prairie will be burned at sunset, visible from a safe distance—a sight not to be missed! Space is limited for this popular program! Photo by Bob Benson, SAPS.

Admission is $12/family (up to six people) or $3/person. Limited to 400 attendees.

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NEW • Family Woodworking

Sunday, March 4 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Construct and decorate a birdhouse to spruce up your yard. All materials are provided.

Springtime Schaumburg Park District's

Family Worm Farmers

Saturday, May 19 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Learn all about a worm’s life and discover how they turn your food waste into rich fertilizer.

$4 per person • $16 per family 3 yrs & under Free

on the

Farm

Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush

Saturday, March 3 • 4:00-6:00 p.m. Help tap maple trees, gather sap, tend the boil down and enjoy pancakes at the cabin.

Sunday, April 15 • Noon-4 p.m.

Winter Campfire in the Cabin

Spring brings new life and activity to the Heritage Farm.

Friday, March 2 • 6:30-8:00 p.m. Brave the winter chill for an evening of fun around the fireplace at Merkle Log Cabin.

Things to see and do for all ages! Activities include cow milking, plowing and blacksmithing demonstrations. Click here for more information.

YOUTH Cub Scout Saturdays

Girl Scout Saturdays

Select Saturdays Throughout the Winter CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Scouts will complete the requirements for their Cub Scout Adventures through these hands-on programs offered by an experienced naturalist. Register for one or all!

Select Saturdays Throughout the Winter CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Girls will complete the requirements for their Girl Scout Badges through these hands-on programs offered by an experienced naturalist. Register for one or all!

Pioneer Pancakes

Home School Naturalist Group Programs

Saturday, March 10 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Collect sap from Spring Valley’s maple trees, add it to the boildown and enjoy making pancakes with syrup!

Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm are the perfect places for hands-on, exploration based science programs.

Pot o’ Gold Hunt

Saturday, March 10 • 10:00-11:30 a.m. Follow the leprechaun’s trail and hike through the prairie and forest to find the hidden treasure.

This spring the following topics are offered: • Butterflies – Follow this colorful insect from egg to adult, explore how butterflies are different than moths, start a butterfly garden and make a colorful craft. • Biscuits & Butter – Experience 19th century farm life as you cook on the wood burning stove and churn your own butter. • Kites – Soar high while combining history, science and art. Perform simple aerodynamics experiments, build and then fly your own kite. • Water Cycle – Water makes the world go round. Dive into the most important substance on Earth while observing its different phases and the role water plays in an ecosystem. • Available every spring: Farms and Food, Gardening, Nighttime Nature, Owls: Predators of the Night, Springtime Growth, Wetlands, Conservation in Action, Woodlands

NEW • Prairie Pirates

Saturday, March 24 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Put your skills to the test as we visit Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground for a pirate scavenger hunt!

Space Day

Friday, May 4 • 7:00-8:30 p.m. Spend an evening at Spring Valley exploring the exciting and fascinating aspects of space.

Spring Valley Spring Break Camp

Mon.-Fri., March 26-30 • 10:00 a.m.-2 p.m. Spend time cooking over an open fire, exploring trails and looking for signs of animals.

For information about programs and pricing, or to schedule a program, call 847/985-2100.

Native Plant Sale

Weekend Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm

Spring Valley Nature Center

Noon-3 p.m. 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.

Sunday, May 20 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This celebration of environmental stewardship features information on landscaping with native plants, composting, attracting birds, rain gardens, plant sale and more. Pre-order plants at SchaumburgGardenClub.org and SpringValleyNatureClub.org. Order forms may also be picked up at the Nature Center. Click here for more information.

• Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the ride ($3/person; children 3 and under are free).

Co-sponsored by the Schaumburg Park District and Schaumburg Community Garden Club

Call 847/985-2102 or click here for more information. 6

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Australia’s Winged Fire Spreaders

by Joe Scacco

ildfires are extremely dangerous naturally occurring events throughout the world. Many countries face incredible logistical difficulties when confronting them. How do they get started? How do they spread? According to the U.S. National Park Service, as much as 90-percent of wildfires are started by humans with the remaining 10-percent a result of lightning or lava. But what if a third source existed that used calculated and intentional measures to spread wildfire, much like how wildfire spreads when humans are involved? The implications would be fascinating, but also dangerous. Some scientific experts believe a third source does exist.

“Fire-foraging” birds perch on the perimeter of wildfires, but in Australia, some bird species have taken this practice a step further. These birds, known as firehawks1, use fire in single and collaborative efforts for hunting purposes in tropical savannas in the northern and western sections of Australia. Firehawk is an Aboriginal term popularized by hunters, rangers, and other indigenous peoples in northern Australia. According to Aboriginal accounts, the firehawks’ hunting techniques are not a new occurrence and these bird species have been using such tactics for the last 40,000 years. Black Kite

Australia’s topography positions woodlands in the south with vast tropical savannas in the north. It is in the northern and western sections of Australia where wildfires are commonplace. It is estimated 30-50 percent of these savannas are regularly burned every year through natural fires. These areas are fertile hunting grounds for all kinds of predators.

Brown Falcon

Some of these predators are birds of prey, known as raptors. The term raptor comes from the Latin root, rapere, which translates to “seize or take by force.” These bird species have distinct characteristics―sharp hooked beaks, curved talons, and exceptional eyesight. The talons or claws best serve these animals for acquiring prey with their feet and strong toe muscles. Eagles, hawks, falcons, and kites all fall into the raptor family. There are two types of raptors: diurnal and nocturnal. Diurnal raptors hunt during the day and sleep at night whereas nocturnal raptors, such as owls, hunt at night and sleep in the daytime. Diurnal raptors are the classification of bird that includes the black kite, whistling kite, and brown falcon. These medium-sized birds are native to Australia and New Guinea and are believed to be the firehawk. Black kites, whistling kites, and brown falcons have been identified by Aboriginal accounts and Australian firefighters in the Northern Territory. Birds of prey are naturally drawn to wildfires, but firehawks have figured out how to influence their environment to the point where they do not need to wait for naturally-occurring fires. They have learned to use fire as a tool, and can not only start wildfires, but are skilled enough to manipulate how they spread. Witnesses have stated firehawks use smoldering sticks and twigs to carry fire from one location to another. Through these various accounts, it has been theorized that these animals have figured out how to weaponize fire by igniting brush. Firehawks will drop their kindling in areas with an abundance of light fuels. These dry grassy areas burn very hot in a short amount of time. Wildfires attract all kinds of predators as rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other small animals scatter to avoid the blaze. Firehawks appear to be the best equipped to exploit the chaos on the ground during a wildfire. Wildfires are natural events and operate under the basic guidelines of the fire triangle. In order for fire to occur, fuel, oxygen, and a heat source must be present. As human civilization continues to encroach on the natural world, these mass fires become problematic for firefighters, controlled burners, and the public at large. In the western United States, mass wildfires cause millions of dollars in damage and displace thousands of people every year. Most wildfires can be linked to intensely dry seasons and drought, but some can be attributed to controlled burns where fire can be unpredictable jumping barriers or breaks causing spot fires to turn into large blazes. Spot fires are common in controlled burns and professionals are trained to handle such instances, but there are occurrences when spot fires cannot be controlled. These appear to be the very type of fires that firehawks are setting in Australia. The implications could be catastrophic if firehawk behavior somehow found its way to North America where birds of prey could collect wildfire from one location and travel miles away in a short amount of time to another location, starting and restarting fires throughout the western United States. “Fire-foraging” birds are well documented and exist on four continents. At this time, there has yet to be reports of North American bird species conducting activity like their relatives in Australia; however, on controlled burn days at Spring Valley, one might find red tail hawks and other birds of prey perched high above watching and waiting for the ground to come alive with activity. Maybe it is only a matter of time before local birds of prey figure out the next step. References https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/01/wildfires-birds-animals-australia/ https://www.thespruce.com/raptor-profile-and-types-386909 http://idahoptv.org/sciencetrek/topics/birds_of_prey/facts2.cfm http://nationalpost.com/news/world/australian-birds-have-weaponized-fire https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/10/wildfire-california-danger-environment-spd/ https://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/2016/10/01/troublemakers-fire-raptors-spreading-fire-australian-savanna-woodlands/ https://www.nps.gov/fire/wildland-fire/learning-center/fire-in-depth/wildfire-causes.cfm

Endnotes While there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence to support the existence of firehawks there has yet to be recorded video evidence. Scientists and researchers in Australia are working to expand their understanding of these types of birds. 1

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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.

Sugar Bush Set-Up

Thursday, March 15 Can’t help at the Sugar Bush Fair, but still want to be part of it? Join us the before the event to help set-up. We have a variety of activities which need to be done. Come at 9:30am and stay for all or part of the day!

Sugar Bush

Saturday and Sunday, March 17 & 18 Have you thought about volunteering for the fair, but haven’t talked to Judy yet? Please give her a call. Shift time is 8am-12:30pm. Remember – there’s a free pancake breakfast for all volunteers!

Sunset Fire and Picnic on the Prairie Saturday, April 7 Trained prescribe burn volunteers are needed to assist at this unique program which provides insight into how important fire is to natural areas. The burn crew will help oversee this sunset prairie burn for 6-8:30pm.

Springtime on the Farm

Sunday, April 15 Volunteers are needed to help our guests experience a busy spring on the Farm. Help prepare the fields and gardens for planting, do some spring cleaning 1880s style, or assist with children’s activities and food sales. The event runs from noon to 4pm.

• Monday, March 12......................... 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Thurs, March 15.................. 9:30am-3pm Sugar Bush Set-Up • Sat. & Sun., March 17 & 18.....9am-Noon Sugar Bush • Thursday, March 29.................. 6-7:30pm Annual Farm Kick-off Meeting • Monday, April 9.............................. 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Tuesday, April 10........................... 5-8pm Volunteer Reception at Chandlers • Sunday, April 15.......................Noon-4pm Springtime on the Farm • Sunday, April 22.......................Noon-4pm Earth Day Party • Friday, April 27............................... 6-8pm Walpurgis Night • Sunday, April 29.....................10am-Noon Volunteer Butterfly Training

Welcome New Volunteers… • Steve Ammon • Steve Paolini • Rebecca Reisberg

Heritage Farm Volunteer Kickoff Meeting

Thursday, March 29 If you volunteer in any capacity at the Heritage Farm or just want to find out about volunteer opportunities there, you are invited to attend this meeting held at the Nature Center Visitor Center from 6-7:30pm. Attendance by all volunteers involved with interpretation, livestock care, and kitchen gardening is strongly encouraged. Staff will fill you in on the plans for the Farm for 2017. Feel free to come early at 5pm to socialize with your fellow volunteers while enjoying a potluck dinner provided by volunteers and staff. Come and help kick off the Farm’s upcoming volunteer season!

Happy Birthday to… March Schaumburg Park District Volunteer Recognition

Tuesday, April 10 Join the Park District at its annual volunteer recognition event at Chandlers. Keep an eye out for your invitation which will be arriving in the mail.

1 3 4 5 6 8

April 1 5 11 14 19

John Curin Kevin Kaitis Karen Kusek Judy Velan Christopher Borro Michael Borro John Witkowski Kathleen Stampfli Jenny Greco Daryle Drew Ellie Vogel Emma Rogers Duane Bolin Patty Ochs Bill Bidlo

12 Roy Svenson 13 Alan Kraus 15 Barb Kuhn 17 Barb Muehlhausen 23 Christine Curin 28 Bob Pautsch 30 Amy Vito 31 Cathy Blecker

20 Jerome Dvoratchek John Koziol Hope Rapp 24 Charlie Loh 28 Rich Wysocki 29 Mia Vollkommer

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

Tuesday

MARCH 2018 Wednesday

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

•Family Woodworking 1pm

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

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Thursday

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

Friday

26 M-F

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

Farm Volunteer Kickoff Meeting 5pm

•Spring Valley Spring Break Camp 10am

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

Sugar Bush Fair 9am

St. Patrick’s Day

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

•All Scouts Sugar Bush 9am •Pot O’ Gold Hunt 10am •Pioneer Pancakes 1pm

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

Sugar Bush Set-Up 9:30am

•Cub Scout Saturday 9am •Girl Scout Saturday Noon •Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush 4pm

•Winter Campfire at the Cabin 6:30pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

Sugar Bush Fair 9am

Saturday

Passover Begins

•Cub Scout Saturday 9am •Eggsapalooza 10am •Farm Fresh Eggs 10am •Prairie Pirates 1pm •Bunny Tracks 1pm

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

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

Easter

Tuesday

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

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

Springtime on the Farm Noon

APRIL 2018 Wednesday

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

•All About Animals 9am

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

•All About Animals 9am

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

Earth Day Party Noon

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

Saturday

Friday

•Cub Scout Saturday 9am •Girl Scout Saturday 11am

•Sunset Fire and Picnic on the Prairie 6pm

•Meet the Turtles 1pm

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

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

•All About Animals 9am

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

Earth Day Volunteer Butterfly Training 10am-Noon

Thursday

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

•Cub Scout Saturday 9am •Girl Scout Saturday 11am •Spring into Painting 1pm

•Walpurgis Night and Wagon Ride 6pm Farm Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-4pm 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 • M a r c h / A p r i l 2 0 1 8 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

Vera Meineke Nature Center

Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1

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.......Tue-Sun...... 10AM-4PM 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 Mary Rice.......... “In this Issue...” Scott Stompor.... Graphic Artist

SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT WEBSITE: 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.