Natural Enquirer: July/August

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

vol.7 no.4 • July-Aug. ‘16

In this issue...

Quaint (kwānt) adj. 1. having an old-fashioned charm; oddly picturesque. 2. peculiar or unusual in an interesting or amusing way. 3. skillfully or cleverly made. [Random House Webster’s College Dictionary] The word ‘quaint’ has probably been applied before to some of the subject matter dealt with at Spring Valley. After all, we promote awareness and understanding of nature and local history, things that many people, to their detriment, think of as superfluous to modern life. It is an apt adjective to use in describing this installment of the Natural Enquirer. Fireflies on summer evenings are not only picturesque but more the stuff of old-fashioned memories than modern urban living. Garden gnomes would certainly be described as peculiar, interesting and amusing. Our final short installment deals with the cleverness and skill needed to manufacture and repair leather harness, something that is not a part of most American households. So, enjoy this quaint look at things which were highly valued in years gone by, and just maybe, can help enrich modern lives as well.

Inside The Fairy Lights of Summer............................ 2-3

Spring Valley General Information......................9

Garden Gnomes...................................................4

Volunteer News Contents

William Pflüger and the Yeargin Creek ..............5 Harness Shop

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

What’s Happenin’.............................................. 6-7

Volunteer Calendar........................................10-11

Schaumburg Park District

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

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

The Fairy Lights of Summer

by Dave Brooks

Here come real stars to fill the upper skies, And here on earth come emulating flies, That though they never equal stars in size, (And they were never really stars at heart) Achieve at times a very star-like start.

Only, of course, they can’t sustain the part.

- Fireflies in the Garden, by Robert Frost

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he first flashes of light appear in the recesses of the backyard just as twilight casts its fairy spell and robins give their final ‘cheerio – cheeriup’ before calling it a day. The lights increase in number until the back hedge looks like a darkened stadium during the half-time show – a constantly shifting pattern of flashes that continues endlessly and intensifies as darkness deepens. The first firefly of the season is a natural event that occurs by early June in most years. By the 4th of July, the apex of the summer evening entertainment schedule for most people, the light show can be downright jaw-dropping – an entirely soundless alternative to the booming and crackling fireworks displays that bring out the crowds.

Fireflies, of course don’t require a celebration of national independence or even a human audience, for that matter, and their fireworks will continue nightly for several weeks.

coastal regions appear to be lacking in firefly diversity) likely has fond memories of chasing and capturing fireflies on summer evenings. They conjure up multi-sensory images of soft cool grass under bare feet, buzzing cicadas, porch lights, and the inevitable call to come in the house and hop in the bathtub.

Fireflies/lightning bugs are neither flies nor bugs, but are beetles, an entomological distinction that probably matters little to most people. Nonetheless, beetles they are, as evidenced by their leathery wing covers, and thin translucent

underwings, which are used for flying.

All fireflies are members of the Lampyridae insect family. There are over 2000 species throughout the world, with over 200 in North America alone. They are primarily insects of forested or wetland habitats, the larvae spending most of their life in the soil. In the U.S., most firefly diversity is found east of the Mississippi River.

Nearly all are able to proLarvae duce light, known as bioluminescence. Most are nocturnal, but some diurnal species active during daylight do not produce light. Many of the common varieties in our area look very much alike, differing mainly in size and other minute details.

The easiest (and most enjoyable) way to tell them apart is to learn to distinguish the different patterns of flashes emitted Pennsylvania firefly (Photuris Pennsylvanica)

Fireflies, or lightning bugs to some, are one of those hallmarks of summer evenings that many of us take for granted as we become adults. If they were a phenomenon to be seen in only a specific remote locale or one night of the year, people would book expensive vacations to see them. Anyone who has grown up in the eastern part of the United States (the western mountain states and drier 1 On the Selangor River at Kampong Kuantan in Malaysia, a spectacular synchronized flashing of tropical fireflies occurs nightly and has become a major tourist attraction. A similar occurrence in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina attracts thousands of spectators every year.

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

by the males as they seek to attract females. This, after all is the romantic reason behind the flashes of light that make summer evenings so magical.

The manner in which fireflies produce their lovely flashes of bioluminescence is a fascinating bit of chemistry. The enzyme luciferase acts on another compound, luciferin in the presence of oxygen to produce light. This light is over 90% efficient, meaning that more than 90% of the energy expended is actually emitted as visible light waves.

Contrast this to a standard incandescent light bulb, which converts only 10% of total energy into visible light, the rest

Eastern Firefly (Photinus Pyralis)

being emitted as heat. The ability to produce this ‘cool’ light so efficiently has intrigued scientists for many years as they search for more efficient ways of producing light for human uses. The light emitting organs are located on the rear segments of the insect’s abdomen.

Fireflies are able to turn their lightproducing organs on and off, producing very specific patterns of flashes that are recognized by others of their species.

In general, the fireflies that flash while flying are males while stationary insects near the ground or on low vegetation are female. When females recognize the appropriate flash pattern from a male of the same species, they will, after a specifically timed pause, return the pattern of flashes, signaling to the male that they are available for mating. The male

Photinus Female Preying On Photuris Male

responds by alighting near the female, where mating takes place. A very common variety in the eastern U.S. is Photinus pyralis, which is easily identified by the lazy “J-shaped” flashes made by the flying males every 4-5 seconds. Other varieties fly in either straight lines or meandering lines, or fly close to the ground while others can be seen navigating the tree canopy. Some display a regular series of flashes followed by a pause, while others a regular cadence of flashes. What becomes apparent to the patient observer is the fact that, in fireflies, nature has devised a sort of visual Morse code.

While not found in Illinois, they synchronous firefly, Photinus carolinus, is able to synchronize their flashing so that all of the males are flashing in ‘chorus.’ It is this amazing spectacle that draws thousands of visitors to the Smoky Mountains each year in early June. This event has become so popular that the National Park Service holds a lottery each year for the vehicle passes required to attend.

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Several species, notably those belonging to the genus Photuris, prey on other fireflies. The female Photuris fireflies are able to mimic the flash patterns of the males of other species. When the male flies in, intending to mate, he is instead pounced upon and eaten. These fireflies are equipped with fang-like mandibles with which they inject digestive saliva into their prey. While most non-predatory fireflies do not eat at all during the 7-14 days they spend as adults, they are all predatory as larvae, feeding on snails, slugs, earthworms and other small creatures to be found under logs and in the leaf litter. As larvae, fireflies are sometimes called glow-worms, since the larvae also possess light-producing organs. Even firefly eggs have been found to glow when stimulated by vibration.

As summer’s magical glow fades in the August heat, the fireflies’ fairy lights will have faded as well for another year, appearing in our memory like a mid-summer night’s dream. More than almost anything else, fireflies have the ability to remind us that nature possesses a sublime beauty and mystery that is undiminished by scientific understanding.

Although a child would never put it quite that way, most would agree that fireflies are beautiful, mysterious and magical.

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

Garden Gnomes

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by Walter Plinske

hey are legendary creatures, springing from the hoary cobwebs of European folklore. Tradition usually portrays them as small old men with long white beards wearing pointed red hats and brightly colored garments living underground in the forest and in gardens. Terracotta representations of them were made as a way for people to enjoy the stories of their willingness to help in the work of the garden at night.

Known as “garden gnomes,” these diligent dwarfs, these earnest elves, have circled the globe from Europe to Australia. In Germany alone, there are some 25 million of them today.

The word gnome is derived from the Latin gnomus, which likely comes from the Greek genomos, “earth-dweller”.

In fact, gnomes of various forms all have the common attribute of being able to move through the earth as easily as humans move above it. They are incredibly strong and fast and are said to possess almost supernatural powers in the manipulation of natural materials.

It was this ability that fostered the belief they are skilled miners. It is thought that they use this ability to build underground tunnels to hide treasures and riches.

In Scandinavian folklore, they are believed to be an incarnation of a deceased ancestor of the home who comes back to defend children and animals of the estate and help with chores, especially gardening. There are male and female gnomes. The females are rarely seen as they almost always stay at home in their underground abodes. Gnomes are believed to live for 400 years and to stand 3-4 feet tall. Today, the accepted stature is 2-3 feet tall and, in some instances, as short as 1 foot tall.

One theory for this diminution in size is that they shape-shifted to better navigate an ever-increasing population of humans.

The use of small statues of gnomes has remained popular throughout Europe since the 1600s. People would display a small porcelain statue of a gnome in

their home as a protector. It was common to keep either a wooden, terracotta, or ceramic gnome in one’s garden to act as a guardian to discourage nighttime intruders from invading the crops.

A popular folk tale was that the statues would secretly come to life after dark to work in the garden, while shooing away pests. When the sun rose in the morning, they would return to their post, turning back to stone.

After the first gnome statues were produced in Germany, the practice quickly spread into France and England, wherever gardening was a serious hobby. Though they are still made in Germany, most production is carried on in Poland and China. Traditional gnomes

and sent off to do his work in someone’s garden. Modern gnomes are made from plastic resins and similar materials.

To this day, gnomes enjoy popularity in whatever culture they have reached.

They have become a central figure in games and pranks known as “gnoming.”

In one spinoff, a gnome is stolen from its garden and placed randomly in another so that the gnome travels the neighborhood, often appearing in odd places like rooftops or inside mailboxes. Another popular fad is to send a gnome with a note attached to travel around the world to see how far it will go and if it will return to its original location. Some gnomes have even become victims of ransom involving bizarre demands.

For all their popularity, there are always the mean-thinking naysayers and other elitist intellectual types. To some rationalists, gnomes are despised as the embodiment of “kitch”, something created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating taste. In Britain, they are banned from the Royal Flower Show because the snooty Horticulture Society there claims that “brightly colored creatures detract from garden designs.”

Some outsiders have even sought to tarnish the image of the gnome by plunging him into a world of decadence and violence with bare-bottomed and one-eared van Gogh gnomes.

are made of terracotta clay slurry that is poured into molds. The gnome is removed from the mold, allowed to dry, and then fired in a kiln. Once cooled, the gnome is painted to the desired detail 4

Gnomes do have some strong backers. In Germany, there is headquartered the International Society for the Protection of Garden Gnomes, where the strict ban on lawnmowers and casually urinating cats is advocated. In France, there is the Garden Gnome Liberation Front, which frees supposedly enslaved gnomes and releases them into the wild. Here at Spring Valley’s Heritage Farm, garden gnomes have been spotted doing their horticultural handiwork on Friday evenings during the growing season. Drop by some time to see them in action!

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

William Pflüger and the Yeargin Creek Harness Shop

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by Dan Hess

n the 19th century, the horse was the main mode of transportation in the United States. In order to use horses, either a saddle or harness was required.

Saddles allowed people to comfortably ride horses and harnesses were part of the apparatus used to hitch them to wagons, carriages, and farm equipment. The constant use of horses meant harnesses would wear out, become damaged, or even break; hence the need for professional harness makers and repairers, or Geschirrmacher, as the German settlers of Schaumburg may have called them.

According to the 1880s census, there were about 500 horses and 170 families in Schaumburg Township with about 142 of those families living and working on farms. At that time, factory-made harnesses were cheaper to purchase and so harness makers were not in great demand. Those craftsmen with the necessary skills would have mainly assessed, maintained, or repaired harnesses for their community.

The man who serviced the people of Schaumburg was William Pflüger, who lived on a farm at the corner of Nerge

and Rohlwing Roads with his father and mother, Christian and Sophia Pflüger.

Christian owned 16 acres of land and only had 4 milk cows—a very small farm in an area where the average size was about 60 acres.

With research about the close proximity of a small farm-based harness making business, Volkening Heritage farm has added a harness shop as a new element of interpretation and discussion.

The small building next to the farmhouse has been furnished as the new Yeargin Creek Harness Shop. Interpreters will be in the shop providing more information and hands-on experiences about 19th century harnesses, harness makers, and their trade.

The harness shop is already being used to teach school groups about the importance of a harness maker to a rural community in the 19th century. The shop not only represents what one may have looked like, but is a working shop and has already taken orders to restore and repair harnesses from living history museums in the Chicago area. This is the only working 19th century interpretive harness shop in the Midwest and is one of only a handful in North America!

Visitors will be able to take home a piece of history as well! Leather items will be for sale in the Heritage Farm gift shop. Beginning this fall, people will also have the opportunity to learn basic skills in the historic trades of harness making, woodworking, and tinsmithing via a series of classes. Come by the Heritage Farm to see the new Geschirrmacher shop and learn more about Schaumburg’s history!

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

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

*To create a new account, visit the registration desk at the CRC or download an internet registration form from www.parkfun.com. The form can be found under the registration tab.

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

Spring Valley is now offering 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. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. It is our attempt to serve you better!

EARLY CHILDHOOD

The Schaumburg Park District invites you to the first annual...

Dino Tracks

Sunday, July 24 • 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Learn about dinosaurs as we dig up the truth and decorate your own dino tooth!

Little Hoppers

Saturday, July 9 • 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Hop to Spring Valley to have fun with frogs. Read stories, play games and look for little hoppers.

{Farm to Fork Festival{ A Celebration of Fresh, Seasonal, Regional Foods!

Nature Play

Thursday, July 14 • 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 11 • 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Find some leaves and bugs, read a nature story, sing a nature song and play a nature game.

Saturday, Aug. 20 • 5-8 p.m.

Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley Featuring some of the area’s top chefs, preparing and serving dishes derived from locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. Local wines and beers also will be available. Spring Valley’s authentically restored 1880s farm will provide the perfect setting to enjoy this unique summer evening dining experience.

Space is limited for this special adults-only evening!

Registration deadline is Aug. 15! Cost is $30/person.

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.

Schaumburg Park District

Family Campout at Spring Valley

For information, call 847/985-2100 or visit www.parkfun.com.

Sat., Aug. 13, 4 p.m.-Sun., Aug. 14, 10 a.m.

Sleep over night at Spring Valley. Includes nature walks, campfire cooking and other activities.

Park at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

Wagons will shuttle guests to the Heritage Farm.

ADULT or TEEN

Summer Camps at Spring Valley

Dutch Oven Dinner

Saturday, July 16 • 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Participants learn tips of cooking over an open fire using a cast iron Dutch oven.

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

Hike with a Naturalist

Saturday, July 9 • 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 13 • 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a guided nature hike and discover a new portion of Spring Valley each month.

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

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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

FREE NATURE PROGRAMS

HERITAGE FARM DROP-IN DAYS

Buzzing About Insects

$2 per person • Appropriate for 3yrs and older

Sunday, July 10 • Noon-4 p.m. • Nature Center

“Better with Butter”

Dive into the wonderful life of insects through games, pictures and activities. Drop by the Merkle Cabin and then take your own hike to explore the buzzing around Spring Valley.

Thursday, July 21 • Anytime between 10 a.m. - Noon

After helping the house frau churn butter, grab a jar and make some of your very own! Bread and crackers will be on hand for butter tasting too.

Star-Gazing Party

Saturday, Aug. 6 • 8:30-11 p.m. • Nature Center

“Sundae School”

It’s time for the Perseid Meteor shower. Several telescopes will be set up to view the summer constellations while hoping to see meteors. There will be starrelated activities inside the nature center.

Thursday, Aug. 18 • Anytime between 10 a.m. - Noon Help make ice cream from scratch! After you have churned, make your own sundae and enjoy this cool summer treat.

This program is sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club.

Sibling Adventure

YOUTH Saturday, Aug. 6 • 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Get your feet wet and hands muddy as we dive in to look for fish, water bugs, clams and more.

Thursday, July 14 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Thursday, July 21 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Thursday, July 28 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Spend time with your siblings exploring nature, doing crafts and having fun!

Garden Party

Tracking the Gnawty Beaver

Creek Stompers

Sunday, Aug. 14 • 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Discover why beavers are busy and much more including how a beaver makes its home.

Saturday, Aug. 13 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Enjoy the bounty of summer’s crop and lend a hand in Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden.

Insect Safari

Weekend Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm

Wednesday, Aug. 10 • 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Hike the trails to catch and study insects, play games, do a craft and have six-legged fun.

From noon-3 p.m., relax and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through Heritage Farm as staff relates information about the farm, animals and the history of Schaumburg’s farm families.

Dress for the weather.

Just Desserts

Saturday, July 16 • 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Learn about wild berries, gather some to make a cobbler and enjoy the delicious results.

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

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

• Wagon holds a maximum of 15 people.

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

Puddle Hoppers

Saturday, July 16 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Explore the pond, marsh and any puddles we find along the way to the creek.

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

Firefly Fandango

Saturday, July 9 • 8:45-9:45 p.m.

Groups of 15 and larger are encouraged to schedule their own group wagon rental. For more information, call Heritage Farm at 847/985-2102.

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.

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Volunteer News S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6

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.

Buzzing About Insects

Sunday, July 10 • Noon-3 p.m.

Join us as we explore the world of insects through games and activities.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the children’s activities.

Star-Gazing Party

Saturday, Aug. 6 8:30-11 p.m.

It’s time for the Perseid Meteor shower and a new moon so we’ll be star gazing through telescopes and enjoying star related activities.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the children’s activities.

National Public Lands Day

Saturday, Sept. 24 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

(Note date change) Join us for our conservation workday and assist with this demonstration of local environmental stewardship. Help spread the message on how people can work with nature to heal and restore it.

Any donation of paper grocery bags for use in seed collecting would be greatly appreciated. Drop the bags off at the Visitor Center at your convenience.

Dates to Remember

• Sun., July 10..................... Noon-4 p.m.

Buzzing About Insects • Mon., July 11............................1-4 p.m.

Handy Crafters Meeting • Sat., July 16...................... Noon-3 p.m.

Old Settler’s Picnic • Fri., Aug. 5...........................5:30-9 p.m.

Volunteer Picnic • Sat., Aug 6........................ 8:30-11 p.m.

Star-Gazing Party • Mon., Aug. 8.............................1-4 p.m.

Handy Crafters Meeting

Welcome New Volunteers…

• Jeanne Banducci • Elaine Barber • Liz Entwhistle • Ascharya Motoori • Ravi Shah

It’s Picnic Time!

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 5 and plan to join us at this year’s Volunteer Family Picnic.

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

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

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

Invitations will go out in the mail in July.

Pats on the back to the following volunteers...

• Lynn Eikenbary, Marilyn Mottley, Eileen Skiba, and Carolyn White for helping with the spring Green Thumbs school programs.

Happy Birthday to…

July

4 Janeen Ross 13 Andy Caccavari 17 Barb Royce 18 Laurie Tatom 19 Mary Matz 21 Donna Turner

August 4 8

9 12 14

18 20

• Gail Ameer, Betty Bei, Lynn Eikenbary, Roy Svenson, Lydia Tarasiuk, Carol Thomas, and Angela Waidanz for assisting with various bird counts.

• Kaitlyn Ball, Eve Carter, Dennis and Rosemary Colbert, Lynn Eikenbary, and Carolyn White for representing Spring Valley at various fairs.

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Pat Campbell Janet Bedsole Marilyn Motley Babs Eddington Judy Wood Hedy Otte Diane Shore Carolyn White Janet Kraus Donna Johnson

25 26 27 28

Joe Vito Tom Poklen Nancy Fallen Kathy DeGeus Rich Wysocki

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Kristi Overgaard Amanda Kraus Julie Worsham Carol Anagnostopoulos Pete Justen Lydia Tarasiuk Nancy Filo Nancy Schaefer

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6 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 Dave Brooks...... “In this Issue...”

Scott Stompor.... Graphic Artist

SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT WEBSITE: www.parkfun.com

E-MAIL:

springvalley@parkfun.com

MEMBER:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tony LaFrenere

Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.

*All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Environmental Outreach Program

SPRING VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT:

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine.

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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

JULY 2016 Wednesday

Thursday

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Farm Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-4pm

•Green Thumbs 9am •Lil’ Rock Hounds 9:30am •Campfire Cooking 9:30am •Victorian Finishing School 9:45am •Lil’ S.O.S. 1pm •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

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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4

5

6 •Puddle Paddlers 9am •Nature Quest 9:30am

Tu-F

Independence Day

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Buzzing About Insects Noon

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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

M-F

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

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•Lil’ Bugs for Lil’ Tykes 9:30am •Chores and Chortles 9:30am

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•Animal Crackers – Mini 9:30am •Cookin’ Up History - Mini 10am

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

•Safari Adventures 10am •Paint by Nature 10am

19 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Skills for Outdoor Survival 9:15am

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

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24

25

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

20

M-F

31

26 •Lil’ Creek Stompers 9:30am •Spring Valley Squatchers 9:30am

•S.O.S. Junior 10am •Lil’ Artists 1pm

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

14

•Cookin’ Up History 10am

•Nature Buddies 9:30am •Farmer’s Kitchen 9:45am

8

•Sibling Adventure 9am •Nature Play 3pm

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

21

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

•Historian’s Apprentice 9:45am •Chores and Chortles - Mini 10am

28

•Sibling Adventure 9am •Science Sleuths 10am •Lil’ Gardeners 1pm

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

Evening with the Masters 5pm

22

2

9

•Hike with a Naturalist 9am •Little Hoppers 10am

•Firefly Fandango 8:45pm

16

•Puddle Hopers 9am Old Settler’s Picnic and Beer Garden Noon •Just Desserts 1pm •Dutch Oven Dinner 6pm

23

Evening with the Masters 5pm

29

•Night at the Museum 6:30pm

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

10

15

Saturday

•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

•Nature Pirates 10am •Digging’ Into Mystery 1pm

27

Evening with the Masters 5pm

•Lil’ Nature Keepers 1pm

•Sibling Adventure 9am •Better with Butter 10am

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

•Dino Tracks 10am

Friday

Evening with the Masters 5pm

30

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

1 M-F

AUGUST 2016

2 •Animal Crackers 9:15am •Storytime Explorers 9:30am

3

8

9

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

M-F

•Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Amazing Mammals 9:30am

14

15

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

10

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

•Tracking the Gnawty Beaver 1pm

•Spring Valley Junior Olympics 1pm •All About Frogs and Toads 1pm

•Insect Safari 3pm •Chores and Chortles 9:30am •Habitat Hikers 1pm

16

Thursday

4

•Cookin’ Up History – Mini 9:30am •The Big Dig 10am

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

7

Wednesday

5 •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

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

11

•Nature Play 3pm

Volunteer Picnic 5:30pm

12

•Amateur Astronomers 7:15pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

17

Saturday

Friday

6

•Creek Stompers 2pm

Star-Gazing Party 8:30pm

13

•Hike with a Naturalist 9am •Garden Party 9am •Family Campout at Spring Valley 4pm

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

18

•Sundae School 10am

19

20

•Farm to Fork Festival 5pm

21

22

23

24

28

29

30

31

25

26

27

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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