Natural Enquirer: April/June

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.3 • May-June 2018

In this issue...

For many in today’s world, with an incredible amount of knowledge just a click away, familiarity with our own backyards often gets forgotten in our zeal to discover the exotic, far-away, and strange. Spring Valley’s focus has always been on raising awareness of the exotic wonders in our midst, under our feet, and in our own backyards. This issue’s articles do a superb job at that! We all know that wildlife lives in suburbia, but many may be surprised at just how common and prevalent they are in busy suburban neighborhoods. A Spring Valley Wildlife Update allows you to see what is really going on out there on the wild side, from the perspective of staff. The Internet Below our Feet takes you on a fascinating journey underground to learn some amazing things about fungi and their ability to communicate with other plants and each other. Finally, The End of the Road provides a sobering view of the modern farm economy and the challenges faced by many small family farmers today.

Inside Spring Valley Wildlife Update.......................... 2-3

Volunteer News Contents

The Internet Below our Feet............................ 4-5

Volunteer Information........................................10

What’s Happenin’.............................................. 6-8

Volunteer Calendar........................................11-12

The End of the Road.........................................5, 9 Spring Valley General Information....................13

Schaumburg Park District

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

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Spring Valley Wildlife Update

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by Matt Streitmatter

ith seemingly constant construction and urban sprawl swallowing up real estate, wildlife habitat in Illinois is the first to be affected. With less and less connected “wild” space, animals must adapt and seek out any livable territories that they can call their own. Often, coexisting within the growing human world, the hunt for habitat has become increasingly more difficult. Scattered natural areas in between the hustle and bustle of everyday life help to fill the void and act as an oasis for the surrounding wildlife. Spring Valley uniquely falls into this category with its 135 acres of natural solitude lying amidst the commotion of an ever growing suburban metropolis. Those who visit Spring Valley and other natural areas in Schaumburg, often get the chance to see some of these great creatures. And the conservation staff here is fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the rare species that call Spring Valley home. Even as Schaumburg has shifted from wetland to farmland to a more urban-like environment, the animals that live here have adjusted and thrived. And our remaining woodlands and prairies are just as busy with activity as the surrounding concrete jungle.

SPRING VALLEY While the staff manages many different areas in Schaumburg, a large portion of time and effort is spent on the grounds at Spring Valley. This, in turn, has resulted in the most reports and wildlife sightings. While all times of the year present different opportunities to see different species, mammal sightings are higher during the winter months. With less activity from patrons and walkers, trees dropping their leaves, and food sources becoming more scarce, many animals become bolder and more visible while searching for food. Over this past winter, a herd of 10 whitetail does was spotted frequently at Spring Valley. During the rut, in late October and November, we also noticed many deer rubs on redbuds and other shrubs.

A few days later, we spotted the culprits as two bucks were seen near the cabin woods.

While coyote sightings on the grounds were down the previous couple years, they seemed to bounce back steadily in 2017. Scat and tracks were seen almost daily on many trails throughout the past winter, and a potential den was discovered in a more secluded area of the property.

After a fresh snow, coyote tracks were found surrounding the den and the dirt in front of the entrance was scraped away; however, after setting up a game camera near the den for a night, a skunk debunked our coyote theory! The crew still holds out hope, though, and will continue to monitor the den, as coyotes give birth to pups in April or May. So, there is still a chance a female could move in this spring. While a litter of pups is, of course, possible every year at Spring Valley, one hasn’t been documented for about 10 years.

Mink are still seen around the ponds and Salt Creek. Although very elusive, if the timing is right, their dark fur stands out against the snow.

Last October, we also had a brief visit from a beaver in our pond. During our night time Halloween event, Haunting in the Valley, a staff member was positioned along the shore. Throughout the night the beaver would swim up to slap its tail on the surface of the water―a way to mark its territory.

Several red fox sightings have been reported as well. This includes a sighting at the farm in the early morning hours. Like something out a children’s story book, the fox was seen near the chicken coop, before trotting back to nearby woodland.

Hooded Merganser and Young at Spring Valley

Prairie Crayfish with Young

Spring Valley is also host to many species of birds. Some species vary depending on the season and migration patterns, while others are year round residents. Over the past few years, birders and staff have seen bald eagle, osprey, wood ducks, green herons, black-crowned night herons, and American coots to name a few. There was also a successful brood of hooded mergansers found in one of Spring Valley’s ephemeral ponds last summer. These birds nest in trees, from heights of 10-50 feet.

The young, remarkably, leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, where they must tumble down to the ground to search for food.

Great horned and screech owls are often heard calling on overcast days from the cabin woods and the back edge of the property.

They are seen regularly in spruce and pine trees throughout the winter, as the needles provide cover in an otherwise barren landscape. An uptick in photographers on the grounds also tipped staff off to multiple sightings of a white-winged crossbill.

It seems word travels faster than a cooper’s hawk within the birding community when uncommon species are spotted! The 2

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crossbill’s unique beak structure acts as a tool to harvest seed from spruce cones. With a usual range in Alaska and northern Canada, sightings this far south are rare but do occur occasionally.

Spring Valley lies directly under the sandhill crane flyway, as well. Thousands were seen and heard last fall heading south; however, their journey seemed to be delayed when compared to previous seasons, as flocks were observed overhead as late as Christmas.

Lastly, after our previous night burn, as the burn crew was mopping up any remaining embers, we heard woodcocks calling from a nearby prairie just before dark―a nice finale to the event.

Male White-winged Crossbill

Through common observation, staff also noticed more monarch butterflies and dragonflies in 2017. A strong community interest from residents to plant more milkweed (the monarch’s host plant) and the warmer winter in 2016-17 may have assisted in these inflated numbers.

Throughout the year, it is common to see volcanic-like mounds of clay within the prairie. These mounds are not created by voles or snakes, but rather the prairie crayfish. While still an aquatic species, these crayfish burrow down to reach ground water, sometimes more than 6 feet. Often active at night, they surface to find food; however, we do frequently spot them on our trails in the earlier morning hours. We found this female in late February, with a tail full of young along for the ride. They should remain attached to their mother for a few more months until they grow large enough to fend for themselves.

SURROUNDING NATURAL AREAS IN SCHAUMBURG Outside of Spring Valley, other natural areas in Schaumburg have also provided some encouraging wildlife sightings. In the winter of 2016-17, the Nature Center got a report of a successful great horned owl nest in the Oak Hollow conservation area. After a hike through the woods, the nest was found with two owlets patiently waiting for their mother’s return. In late January of this year, a bald eagle was seen eating fish in a tree at Terada Park. There have also been bald eagle reports from many surrounding neighborhoods including Park St. Claire.

Frequent township wide sightings of fox and coyote are reported to the Nature Center. This is very encouraging because these two species do not often co-exist well. Coyotes often chase out the fox, as they represent competition within the food chain. If they continue to thrive together, it can be seen as a sign of a healthy and strong population of rabbits, voles, and mice. Several areas along Salt Creek have also shown signs of beaver. While working in an area north of Spring Valley, the crew noticed many chewed cottonwood and willow stumps. After some inspection, a beaver dam was discovered in the creek. It was nice to see beavers helping the crew’s conservation efforts by slowing the spread of the potentially aggressive wetland trees.

BISON’S BLUFF The grounds at Spring Valley have, undoubtedly, been changed and updated over Skunk Entering Den the previous year. The addition of Bison’s Bluff, our new natural playground, has opened the flood gates for many residents who were unaware that Spring Valley even existed. With visitation numbers estimated at nearly double compared to previous years, we were all curious to see if the footprint of Bison’s Bluff would have any effect on the surrounding fauna; however, it didn’t take long for Spring Valley’s wildlife to provide some remarkable observations. Suburban animals once again proved their adaptability and, rather than avoiding the playground, they instead chose to move right in! The grand opening of Bison’s was Earth Day of 2017, and by July we noticed several species of frogs living in the water feature that runs through the playground. Raccoon and possum tracks were seen on countless mornings, showing that there was plenty of activity the night before. Muskrats also settled into the new detention pond there, even chewing all the new-growth cattails on the pond edge and building a nest in one of the storm water sewers. And possibly most shockingly, a snapping turtle dug a nest and laid eggs within the mulch in the center of Bison’s Bluff next to a rock outcropping! The area was protected and roped off to ensure a successful brood of turtles.

With any ecosystem, a balanced diversity of species is often a sign of a healthy habitat. Spring Valley and other natural areas in Schaumburg have many different species at each level of the food chain. From voles, mice, and rabbits to predators like coyotes, fox, mink, hawks, and eagles they all seem to be flourishing in the available landscape. This balance is encouraging and we are all excited to watch the surrounding wildlife continue to thrive. Each year, we discover something new, so if you are out on a hike at Spring Valley, at other suburban natural areas, or even that small stretch of woods just down the street from the house, keep an eye or ear to the ground as the wildlife will undoubtedly be just around the bend.

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The Internet Below our Feet

by Matt Mercado

Mycelium

I

n just a footprint’s worth of soil there are more living organisms than the entire human population. One of the most important and versatile members of this soil community is fungus. Not quite an animal, not quite a plant; in a kingdom of its own, fungus is most often associated with mushrooms emerging from the forest floor, cow manure, or growing on dead trees; as potentially tasty treats or perilous poisons. But the majority of fungal activity occurs underground as a development of inedible string-like networks called hyphae. Just out of the sunlight’s reach, fungi work hard breaking down anything they can get their hyphae on, turning dead materials into plant food and soil humus. Besides decomposition, a less known but no less impressive talent of fungi is their excellent networking skill. Certain species form direct relationships with various plant species. As we learn more about these organisms it appears they use this skill to create an information and resource highway that connects all of the forest plants underground.

Mycorrhizal fungi, also called mycorrhiza, are the specific fungi that form symbiotic relation-ships with plant roots where both organisms participate in a mutual exchange of nutrients and energy. The fungus effectively extends the root’s reach into the soil by providing the plant with minerals, nutrients, and water from places normally unobtainable. In turn, the host plant shares sugars produced through photosynthesis with the fungus giving it energy to grow deeper into the soil. The partnership between the two is a form of symbiosis, an intimate long term relationship between species, and is considered mutualistic because neither species would perform as well without assistance from the other. Not all forms of symbiosis are mutualistic but fossil evidence suggests this particular alliance formed 400 million years ago as plants began their evolutionary journey from water to land.

Mycorrhiza can be categorized into two distinct types, endomycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza. Endomycorrhiza is the oldest and most common type of mycorrhizal fungi known to form associations with about 80% of all plant species. The relationship with a plant’s roots is formed by individual hypha growing in between the tough outer cells of the root and penetrating the cell walls of softer vascular tissue cells. This inner tissue is responsible for the movements of nutrients, energy, and water within the plant. Once hyphae have grown into the cell, individual strands branch out forming a tree shaped growth called an arbuscule, where the nutrient exchange between the two organisms takes place.

The other group of mycorrhiza, ectomycorrhiza, is considered to be more complex and younger, evolutionarily speaking, than their fungal counterparts. They form relationships with only about 3% of plant species, primarily associating with forest trees.

These species don’t penetrate the cell walls of roots but instead form a sheath completely surrounding them. The hyphae grow in between root cells forming a crisscross pattern, known as a Hartig net, to make their exchanges. A popular and highly prized species of ectomycorrhiza is the truffle mushroom known mainly for its delicious fruiting body. Its flavor and demand are actually what led to the first scientific discovery of mycorrhiza in 1885 by German botanist and mycologist Albert Bernhard Frank while researching methods for cultivating truffles. Although he was unable to reach his experimental goal, like any great discovery it led to questions no one had been prepared to ask.

Further research has proven that the relationship between a fungus and a plant is not kept just between the two. In 1964, two scientists cut down a tree on their North Carolina woodland site and filled the fresh stump with a radioactive solution of plant nutrients. After a week they discovered that 43% of all plants consisting of 20 different species within 22 ft. of their stump showed signs of radioactivity in leaf tissue samples. The implication of their finding was that the fungi weren’t only plugged into one plant but that they formed a community of interconnections between plants of many species; and that nutrients were being spread around the community. It’s also been documented that fungi weren’t the only ones forming associations with each other but that trees, regardless of species, are able to form their own root to root relationships by way of root grafting. Similar to the way the internet could potentially connect all of us, some have taken to calling this phenomenon the wood wide web.

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These networks demonstrate the probability that organisms willing to plug into the wood wide web and participate in the underground community of mutual aid will have better chances of surviving. Just as websites like craigslist or free cycle allow humans to share goods and services, forest plants can share nutrients with one another to bolster up young plants or help spread around excess nutrients in times of abundance. Plants that come under attack from insects and other pests use hormones as a means of signaling to others in the network that it’s time to strengthen their defenses, reminiscent of information sharing sites like Wikipedia.

As more research surfaces, ecologists are beginning to put a greater emphasis on the potential that these mycorrhizal relationships play as a guiding role in what happens above ground. Researchers in California are starting to look at the distribution and variety of these relationships within forest ecosystems across the country as a possible indicator of resilience and the ability of ecological communities to adapt to climate change. Many gardeners utilize the advantage of these fungi, whether they know it or not, by purchasing potting soil mix pre-inoculated with mycorrhiza or acquiring myco-inoculant separately. Of all the edible crops, the only two plant families that don’t form associations with fungi are Brassicaceae (broccoli, cabbage, and kale) and Amaranthaceae (spinach, beets, and chard).

Myco-thumb

Knowing how mycorrhiza work and which fungi form relationships with which plants will not only give gardeners, farmers, and landscapers an advantage in growing the healthiest plants but it also has the potential to assist conservationists and ecologists with the knowledge of how ecosystems developed the way they did and what they may require to continue flourishing in a changing climate.

Sources: Edible Forest Gardens. Jacke, Dave, and Eric Toensmeier. Chelsea Green Pub. Co., 2005.

Molecular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Martin, Francis, et al. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2017.

McNulty, Jennifer. “Soil Fungi May Help Determine the Resilience of Forests to Environmental Change.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 16 Mar. 2018, www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2018/03/180316153852.htm.

Moore, David. “David Moore’s World of Fungi: Where Mycology Starts.” Mycorrhizal Types, 1 June 2011, www.davidmoore.org.uk/assets/mostly_mycology/diane_howarth/ mycorrhizal types.htm.

Falling Down Farmhouse

The End of the Road

by Dan Belprez ast week while on our monthly grocery trip, we were shocked to see that milk was selling for $1.50 a gallon at a nearby discount grocer. “Limit five,” the sign said. Clearly, most shoppers’ reaction to these prices was to say “wow, $1.50!” and to then stock up. For us, our hearts sank. Those farmers, their families, their cows! How can they survive $1.50 a gallon?

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This week, a large regional dairy distributor gave notice to 140 small family dairy farms in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio that after May 31 of this year, there will be no truck to pick up their milk. A well-known national big-box chain, the largest buyer of this company’s milk in the region, has vertically integrated and will now be processing their own milk―but not from those farms.

Those farms are too small for the big-box chains to waste their time with. And now, the dairy distributor has no avenue to sell those farms’ milk. After years of low prices, it is, likely, the final nail in the coffin for those farmers.

These are the guys who are up to work at 5 AM feeding calves, milking cows, and cleaning barns. Then after breakfast, they don their ties and head into town for their 9-5 “day job” before coming home for evening chores and starting the routine all over again. Truly, over 85% of farms can’t support a family financially, without added outside income, according to recent USDA surveys. What was once the most common job in America, now can’t even support a single family. In a typical year, dairy farmers get only 11 cents from every dollar spent on milk. From that 11 cents they have to pay for their mortgage, feed, fuel, labor, insurance, equipment, and any debts they have on those items. What’s left to actually feed the farmer’s family? Stop by the average small farm in America during business hours and no one’s home. More often than not, the post-retirement-age-farmer, whose kids have all grown and left the farm for greener pastures in the city, is working his day job in town―working to pay for his habit. His habit? Farming.

Continued on page 9.

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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 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.

Project Learning Tree | Saturday, May 26 • 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.

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

ADULT or TEEN

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Harper College & Spring Valley

ABCs of Nature

Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707.

Class held at Spring Valley.

Saturday, June 9 • 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Go on a quest to find a piece of nature to match the whole alphabet!

Illinois Heirloom Gardening

Saturday, May 19 • Noon-2:00 p.m.

Learn to grow organic herbs and vegetables in your own backyard without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Course: LLG008-001

Lil’ Insect Trekkers: Grasshoppers & Beetles

Tuesday, June 12 • 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy a book, a short hike to catch insects and a craft centered around our six-legged friends.

Backyard Cooking

Saturday, May 19 • 4:00-6:00 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

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 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.

Creating with Concrete: Birdbaths

Sunday, May 6 • 10:00 a.m.-noon Participants will get a hands-on experience working with cement and making a birdbath.

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.

NEW • Foraging for Early Season Wild Edibles

Saturday, June 2 • 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.

Spend a morning learning the ancient art and skill of wild plant foraging.

Night of the Frogs

Saturday, June 2 • 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Ribbit! Croak! Peep! Hike around the wetlands in search of these hoppy amphibians.

All Ages YOUTH

Breakfast with the Birds

Saturday, May 5 • 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Enjoy an early morning walk to look for Spring Valley’s colorful migratory birds.

NEW • Birding Buddies: Robins & Orioles

Wednesday, June 27 • 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Hike the trails using binoculars and field guides to identify and watch common birds.

Spring Bird Count

Saturday, May 5 • 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nature Center

Cub 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!

Help count birds during the Audubon Society’s spring bird count. This is an excellent opportunity to sharpen bird identification skills.

Come for part or all of the day!

Open to all ages

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DROP-IN PROGRAMS Spring Beer Garden

Nature Center

Friday, May 18 • 4-7 p.m.

The 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.

New • Make It & Take It Sunday • FREE June 17, July 15 & Aug. 12 Anytime between 1-3 p.m.

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!

$5 per person, 3yrs and younger are free

End of School Campfire

German Beer Garden

Friday, June 1 • 7:30-9 p.m.

Saturdays, June 9, July 28 & Aug. 18 • 4-8 p.m.

Enjoy a night by the fire as we celebrate the start of summer vacation! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, roast marshmallows and take a wagon ride through the prairie. S’more supplies will be available for purchase ($1 per two s’mores)!

The 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 8 p.m. Runs rain or shine.

$2 per person

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

Heritage Farm

Drop-in Thursdays

Anytime between 10 a.m.-noon

Mother’s Day Celebration • FREE Sunday, May 13

June 7 • Pretzel Possibilities

Ever wonder how the pretzel got its twist? Visit the farmhouse to find out and then partake in our pretzel bar by decorating your own pretzel just to your liking.

Anytime between 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

On Mother’s Day, the 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 the Heritage Farm Visitor’s Center to make a simple and free Mother's Day craft for Mom.

June 28 • Rope Making

See how important rope was in the 19th century and make your own! $2 per person • Appropriate for 3 yrs and older

Free admission and all ages welcome

Spring Valley Country Fair

Saturday & Sunday, June 23 & 24 • Noon-4 p.m. • Heritage Farm Experience the charm of a community farm fair during the late 19th century.

Visitors may stop by the livestock and domestic arts tents to find out who has won blue ribbons and watch as the latest hay mowers and other farm equipment are demonstrated. Join in the fun by participating in various games and competitions.

Also, don’t forget to buy a delectable treat from the bake sale table. This recreated historic event will include food, music and more!

Admission is $3/person or $12/family.

Children ages 3 and younger are free.

Girl Scout Saturdays

Sponsored by

NEW • Garden Party Series: Seeds & Sprouts

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!

Thursday, June 21 • 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Enjoy the bounty of summer’s crop and lend a hand in Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden.

Minnesota North Country Back Roads

Full

Saturday, Sept. 15 - Friday, Sept. 21 Join us as we head north to visit Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Shore! We’ll start with a boat tour of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and then head up the north shore highway, stopping for picturesque waterfalls and jaw-dropping views of the big lake and quaint lakeside towns. Our travels also include the historic Grand Portage National Monument, Ely, MN to learn about wolves, Mesabi Iron Range and Duluth to tour an extravagant Victorian mansion.

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Insect Safari: Grasshoppers & Beetles

Summer Camps

Wednesday, June 6 • 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Grab a net and a bug box and get ready for a safari trying to catch and study insects.

at Spring Valley

Space Day

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

Friday, May 4 • 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Spend an evening at Spring Valley exploring the exciting and fascinating aspects of space.

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

Turtle Trek

Saturday, June 9 • 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Some of our turtle friends are on the move and we are going on a turtle hunt to find them.

Firefly Fandango

Saturday & Sunday, July 7 & 8 • 8:45-9:45 p.m.

Witness one of nature’s marvels as the summer sun sets on Spring Valley’s prairies and woods. This family program will begin with a short discussion on fireflies and how they produce their cool light. Groups will be taken on a twilight wagon ride to view the incredible light show to be seen on mid-summer evenings. Beverages included. Day-of registration closes at noon.

PEONIES APLENTY Call the Nature Center to find out if the peonies are in bloom then stop by the Merkle Cabin to see them. Be sure to bring your camera. It’s a site not to be missed.

NC $4/$5 Barcode Age 23561 4+ 23562 4+

Home School Naturalist Group Programs

21 YRS+

Rain or Shine

Day Time Dates Sa 8:45p-9:45p 7/7 S 8:45p-9:45p 7/8

Presented by:

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

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.

• 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

Saturday, June 23 • 6-9 p.m. • Meineke Park

Enjoy a summer evening in a beautiful park setting as wineries and breweries provide tastings of their top picks. More information and Tickets are available at SchaumburgParkFoundation.org.

MRC

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

$30 All proceeds benefit Schaumburg Park Foundation

Native Plant & Heirloom Vegetable Sale

Weekend Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm 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.

Spring Valley Nature Center

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.

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

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

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.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays & Fridays

Sponsored by

June 6–Aug. 31 • Offered Noon-2:30 p.m.

Last ride goes out at 2:30 p.m. All details on wagon rides apply.

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

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The End of the Road

Continued from page 5

A few days ago, we were running low on round bales for our cows―our next semi load wasn’t supposed to be in for a few more days. So, I thought I’d run down the road through Lakeview farm country and knock on doors at any of the small farms I saw with hay bales stacked up. Having recently moved to the area, buying hay is always a good way to connect with neighbors, local farmers and create community. Not one person was home. The barn roofs sagged in the middle as the ridge beams rotted away.

The tractors, mostly over 40 years old, sat rusting in barely standing equipment sheds. The old fence posts looked more like woodpecker feeders, and the barbed wire fences that once controlled livestock now swung limply in wind. Paint peeled from the siding, and shingles were missing from the roofs, and no one was home. Despite all of their hard work, those farmers still couldn’t afford to make ends meet without a job in town. In a few more years, after that farmer has worked until his last day, those tractors will be wrapped in weeds, the barns will be piles of rotted wood and twisted nails, and the houses will sit vacant― too poorly maintained and outdated to even sell. Eventually, some mega farm will burn the collapsed barn, bulldoze the house, and try to squeeze out a few more bushels of corn over the tomb of some other farmer’s dreams, until they eventually succumb to the same fate.

I don’t say this to be pessimistic. It’s the truth! The rot and decay in our food system has taken such a hold that, without drastic intervention, the industry will die. What then?

According to the USDA, the average age of the American farmer is 58, with over 31% still running their farm at over 65 years old. Anyone can see that the population demographics in agriculture are dreadful. It didn’t used to be this way. The idyllic farms pictured on the front of every margarine container in the supermarket used to be real. Small, diversified, family farms were the backbone of America. What happened? Who is to blame for the demise of an entire way of life; for the collapse of rural America?

The answer? The 1970s. No, really. The 1970s ushered in a radical change in the government policy surrounding agriculture and subsidies―policy that interfered with the natural rules of supply and demanded and encouraged farmers to “get big or get out.”

Moreover, our government farm subsidies prioritize the growing of commodities—non-perishable food products that can be stored indefinitely in grain-bins and traded on the world market to increase our nation’s GDP, thus giving the government more borrowing power to stem off its eventual debt-defaults from bloated budgets and out of control spending. The deeper you look, the farther the rot penetrates.

The farm of days gone by―of Old MacDonald with his diversified farm of edible crops, cows, pigs, and chickens―has been replaced with endless rows of corn and shiny-new grain bins that stick out of the countryside like cathedrals paying homage to holy corn. But the rot has spread to these now, too. The price of a bushel of corn was $3.58 on December 2, 1974. In January of 2018, a bushel of corn sold for $3.56, down two cents from 44 years ago. The farmer who planted his first field of corn in 1974 can expect the same prices for his corn as he retires. All the while, the price of seed, land, equipment, fertilizer, and fuel has grown exponentially. It’s unbelievable! It’s an insult. It’s downright sinful.

Even now as I write, farmers are taking their planters out of winter storage, inoculating their seeds, calibrating the sprayers, and eagerly waiting to get back out in the fields. Yet, the forecast for commodity futures on corn and soy don’t look any better than they did last year and, sadly, will probably lose money after a year of work. So, as the days get longer, and the sun comes out of its winter hibernation, take a ride down a country road and see the vacant houses, the barns falling down, the rows upon rows of corn and soy. But, when you see that veggie stand on the side of the road, stop, and buy something. Buy everything you can afford to locally. Your dollar will have a greater impact when you buy anything directly from a local producer than switching to an organic item at a chain supermarket. Truly!

More and more farmers are finally starting to see the writing on the wall, and they’re trying to save themselves. They are returning to growing food instead of commodities, and more importantly they are marketing that food directly to customers, instead of selling it for pennies on the dollar to multinational packing and processing corporations. Farmers are fiercely independent, and they are indoctrinated with the “pull-yourself-up by your bootstraps” mentality, but they can only partially save themselves. The consumer has to help save them.

Instead of the discount grocer or big-box store, spend your money at the farmer’s market, or a buying club, or a co-op, or any farm. Buy your food direct from the farm as often as possible. Not only is it better for your health, (and your taste buds!), it helps restore rural and local economies. The radical intervention that agriculture needs is here, and it involves doing away with the cheap global commodity food system that helps no one and fails everyone. Instead, opt for a vibrant, local, and sustainable food system built on the relationship between farmers and consumers, without the government and middlemen in the way.

Adapted with permission from a blog post from Two Sparrows Farm & Dairy in central Michigan.

For more information, visit www.twosparrowsfarm.com.

Editor’s Note: Farmer’s markets abound in the Chicago area. Schaumburg’s Farmer’s Market is held every Friday from June 1 through mid-October from 7 am.-1pm. at the Trickster Gallery, 190 S. Roselle Road. For more information, visit http://www.villageofschaumburg.com/visitors/market.htm For those of you living in other areas visit https://www.localharvest.org/schaumburg-il/farmers-markets

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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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 8

Volunteer News 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 Workdays

May 19 and June 16 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Come one! Come all! We’re looking for volunteers to spend the morning with us for our upcoming workdays.

Any amount of time you can share with us on these conservation projects would be appreciated.

Country Fair

Saturday and Sunday, June 23 & 24 • Noon-4 p.m.

Farm interpreters are needed to help recreate the charm of

a late 19th century community farm fair. Additional support positions are available for registered volunteers.

Sponsored by

Dates to Remember

• Wednesday, May 2...............6:30-9 p.m.

Volunteer Meeting • Saturday, May 5.................7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Spring Bird Count • Monday, May 14........................ 1-4 p.m..

Handy Crafters Meeting

New Monarch Rearing Station Needs Volunteers!

Wednesday, May 16 • 7-9 p.m.

Butterfly stewards are needed to help raise monarch butterflies at Spring Valley’s new Monarch Rearing Station, to be unveiled in spring, 2018. Learn what’s involved in collecting monarch eggs and nurturing them through all four stages of development until they are released as adults.

• Wednesday, May 16..................... 7-9pm Butterfly Training • Saturday, May 19..............9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Conservation Workday • Sunday, May 20...............10 a.m.-2 p.m..

Native Plant Sale • Monday, June 11....................... 1-4 p.m.

Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, June 16.............9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Conservation Workday • Saturday, June 23.............. Noon-4 p.m.

Country Fair

Pats on the back to the following volunteers...

• Sunday, June 24................. Noon-4 p.m.

Country Fair

• Duane Bolin, Eve Carter, Dennis and Rosemary Colbert, Barb Dochterman, Marilyn and Jerome Dvoratchek, Lynn Eikenbary, Tony Meo, Barb Mitchell, Ken Ogorzalek, Penny and Tom Perles, Jim Peterson, Donna Turner, Lydia Tarasiuk, Al Vogel and Angela Waidanz for helping with miscellaneous set-up jobs for Sugar Bush.

Happy Birthday to…

• Christine Curin, Kathy DeGeus, Liz Entwhistle, Patty Gucciardi, Sue and Rich Ringfelt, Barb Royce and Roy Svenson for being this year’s sap collectors.

• All the volunteers who did a fabulous job helping at this year’s Sugar Bush Fair.

• Duane Bolin, Lynn Eikenbary, Lydia Tarasiuk, Al Vogel and Alexis White for assisting with the spring prescribed burns.

Congratulations to...

Laurie Tatom and Bill Bidlo, recipients of this year’s Spring Valley Volunteers of the Year, for their many contributions and exemplary commitment to Spring Valley during the past year. Their assistance with conservation and special events is greatly appreciated.

Welcome New Volunteers…

• Ahmar Khan • Anna Mota • Sebastian Zieleziecki

• Brooklyn Olsen

• Dennis Raimo 10

• Alexis White

May

2 Ellen Brouwer Tom Skiba 3 Cindy Holmberg John Tatom 5 Jim Baum 7 Carol Johnson Elizabeth Tatom 16 Angela Waidanz

June 1 2 3 5

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13 15

Patty Gucciardi Penny Perles Venus Gintowt Amanda Greco Sebastian Zieleziecki Hilary Ellis Tom Walsh Matt Skiba Carol Thomas

17 Jan Costis 18 Betty Bei 22 Dave Margolis Marcia Wysocki 28 Al Vogel 30 Steve Paolini 31 Graham Knott

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Pete Gigous Bill Tucknott Richard Leonhardt Leon Blum Peg Dorgan Julie Margolis James McGee Nancy Griffin Gerri Svenson

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

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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

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•Creating with Concrete: Birdbaths 10am

Tuesday

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

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

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•Mother’s Day Celebration 11am

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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

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

Mother’s Day

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Native Plant Sale 10am

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MAY 2018 Wednesday

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3

•All About Animals 9am

Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm

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Memorial Day

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

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Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

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Volunteer Butterfly Training 7pm

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

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

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

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Saturday

5

Spring Bird Count 7am •Breakfast with the Birds 7am Monarch Butterfly Rearing Workshop 10am

•Space Day 7pm

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•Cub Scout Saturday 9am •Girl Scout Saturday 11am •Nature Mamas 2pm

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•Spring Beer Garden 4pm

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Conservation Workday 9am •Illinois Heirloom Gardening Noon •Family Worm Farmers 1pm •Backyard Cooking 4pm

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

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Friday

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

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

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Thursday

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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 • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

JUNE 2018 Wednesday

Thursday

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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

3

Bargain Bulb Sale 10am

•School’s Out Campfire 7:30pm

4 M-F

5 •Nature Quest 9:30am •All About Fish 9:30am

6

11

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

M-F

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•Lil’ Insect Trekkers 3pm •All About Fish 9:30am •Lil’ Rock Hounds 9:30am

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

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

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•Make It and Take it Sunday 1pm

18 M-F

24

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

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

19 •Hungry Hunters 9:30am •Historian’s Apprentice 9:30am

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•Advanced Rock Hounds 9:30am •Wiggles, Squiggles and Giggles 1pm Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

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25 M-F

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•Summer Camp Sampler 9am

•S.O.S. Junior 10am •Cabin Capers 10am

26 •Green Thumbs 9am •Feathered Friends 9:30am

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2

•Foraging for Early Season Edibles 9am

•Night of the Frogs 6:30pm

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•ABC’s of Nature 9am •Turtle Trek 11am •German Beer Garden 4pm

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Conservation Workday 9am

•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm •Wiggles, Squiggles and Giggles Camp 1pm

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

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•Garden Party 3pm

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•Lil’ Astronauts 1pm

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

Father’s Day Spring Valley Country Fair Noon

•Farm Drop In – Pretzels 10am

•Rock Hounds 10am •Lil’ Artists 1pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

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•Insect Safari 3pm

Saturday

Friday

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Spring Valley Country Fair Noon

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

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•Birding Buddies 3pm

•Campfire Cooking 9:30am •Victorian Finishing School 9:30am

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•Farm Drop In - Rope Making 10am

•Lil’ S.O.S. Camp 1pm

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

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

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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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 8

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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