Natural Enquirer N e w s l e t t e r f o r S p r i n g Va l l e y S u p p o r t e r s a n d Vo l u n t e e r s
vol.6 no.4 • July-Aug. ‘15
In this issue...
We all have treasures that we value highly and seek to preserve and protect. Like beauty, what we treasure can be a very subjective and individual thing. Spring Valley itself is considered a treasure by many area residents. In this issue, we examine a few hidden treasures—things that most people would not immediately think of when asked what they treasure. Water is a common resource here in the Midwest, and few people place a high value on something so abundant and commonplace; although we all know that without water, life could not exist. The extreme drought being experienced in the western states has certainly made water a more highly prized and treasured resource to those residents. An article on home cisterns shows how water has often been treasured and protected throughout much of history. Historical treasures, especially family heirlooms have always been treasured by those who possess such things. Even common household items like highchairs can have value when they are unique and historically significant. Lastly, some of nature’s winged treasures— hummingbird moths, are examined.
Inside Home Aquifers......................................................2
Volunteer News Contents
High Chair.............................................................3
Volunteer Information..........................................7
What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5
Volunteer Calendar........................................... 8-9
It’s a Bird! It’s a Bee! No, It’s a Moth? ...............6 Spring Valley General Information....................10
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 5
Home Aquifers
by Walter Plinske
It is not a new idea. It is not an uncommon insight. In fact the thought process has probably been around ever since people have called a settled place home; be it a cave, a hut, or a house. The “aha” moment usually occurs when water, a normally scarce commodity in many areas where people exist, suddenly becomes an overabundant baneful bounty, a flood. Rainfall or snowmelt is usually the source and may occur in the most arbitrary manner. Be the location the desert southwest, drought prone prairie, or freshwater-poor islands, the question is always the same: How can this abundance be saved? The answer was found thousands of years ago and it predates the concept of large government sponsored reservoirs. It is the idea of building an artificial water holding body, a “home aquifer”, now referred to as a cistern. A natural aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, such as sandstone, or unconsolidated material, such as gravel or sand, from which groundwater can be extracted. A famous example is the Ogallala Aquifer of the central U.S. Aquifers are recharged by the percolation of rainwater through the layers that cover them. To harness rainfall in an artificial manner and to store it over time has been done in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East for millennia. There is a 4,000 year old tradition of rainwatercollection systems for domestic supply and agriculture in India. In China, water harvesting extends back 6,000 years. The tradition of harvesting rainwater at isolated homesteads and farms continues today in the U.S. and Canada. The word cistern comes from the Latin cistera, from cista “box”. Cisterns are distinguished from wells by their waterproof lining. This lining is crucial in order to keep the captured water in, while keeping potentially contaminating external water out. Waterproof lime plaster cisterns in the floors of houses are features of Neolithic sites in the near East. It was the ancient Romans who perfected the science of water transportation and storage. Without a critical discovery made in Pozzuoli, Italy, a town
neighboring Naples and Mount Vesuvius however, their aqueducts and giant cisterns would have been hopelessly leaky. They found that by mixing a little amount of finely powdered volcanic ash obtained nearby with moist lime produced a durable coating that could be submerged in water. Today this product would be called “hydraulic cement”. In the Middle Ages, cisterns were often constructed in hill castles in Europe, especially where wells could not be dug deeply enough. One was built in Riegersburg, Austria where it was hewn out of solid lava rock. Rain water passed through a sand filter and was collected in the cistern. The Ancient Cistern filter cleaned the water and enriched it with minerals. By the 1600s, cisterns were being constructed not just because of a paucity of water. Epidemics such as yellow fever and typhoid fever were wiping out large numbers of people. Not coincidentally, cisterns turned up when people began to empirically connect disease with polluted water. In time, cisterns were being built adjacent to the house in every backyard with such regularity to suggest that formally or informally, someone was saying that this was the direction to go. These premodern cisterns were generally circular structures made of Pre-modern Cistern brick or wood. Ranging from 6 to 10 feet in diameter and 7 to 12 feet deep, some were built and then lowered into the ground, while others were constructed in the ground itself. At Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, he concluded that in order to 2
supplement the inconsistent water supply available from wells, four eight foot square cube cisterns would be needed. His system for gathering water never fully worked. Despite using Roman cement imported from Europe to line his tanks, they were never completely watertight. Only two of the cisterns reliably held water over the years, showing that even a polymath such as Jefferson could be stymied by the inherent drawbacks of the system at that time.
Modern Home Cistern System
Today, cisterns are made of materials such as reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, or plastic. They must be watertight, have smooth interior surfaces, enclosed lids, and be large enough for adequate storage. Rainwater is collected in a catchment area, usually a roof. Galvanized steel and aluminum roofs are common for the job. Asphalt shingled roofs are adequate, but tend to contribute debris over time as they weather. Gutters and downspouts carry the water to the cistern. Cisterns can be outfitted with filters or other water purification methods when the water is meant for consumption. Mainly, though, they are often used only for irrigation due to concerns over water quality. However it is used, rainwater is superior to most well or spring water. Rain is fundamentally distilled water. It is naturally “soft”, containing none of the lime, iron, and magnesium found in most well waters! Monticello
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 5
High Chair
by Patty Kennedy Green
patent stamped on the back still I was talking with long time Schaumburg clearly legible. It says, “PAT’D resident, LaVonne Thies Presley recently, JUNE 23, 85; M. F. D. BY JOHNand she mentioned that she had some SON CHAIR CO. CHICAGO.” It family items she wished to donate to is fascinating Spring Valley’s Heritage Farm. that not only One of the items was a highis the highchair that her uncle and other chair an old family members used in the Schaumburg late 19th and early 20th centupiece but it ries. Highchairs from this time was manuperiod are uncommon objects factured in collections due to the toll they in the Chitake from heavy use—not to cagoland area as mention, what does one do with well. Johnson Chair a highchair after children have Company was one outgrown it? Often, highchairs were discarded or burned once they were no longer needed. To have one in a collection is not only a treasure, but also completes the story of a living history farm; so, of course, I said yes to her donation! High Chair After receiving the highchair, I had a chance to really look it over. As one would expect with a piece of this age intended for use by children, a few of the original components are missing. The decorations which once adorned the chair’s back and side are pretty much gone, as is the tray. Broken caning on the seat is common for an object from the period and in the case of this highchair, a solid board was nailed over where the cane seat had once been, preserving the highchair’s functionality. For me, these signs of wear only contribute to the educational and informational value of the piece. Upon further inspection, I found other noteworthy and interesting things. For example, it has large wheels. This high chair actually had the capability of converting into a stroller for on-the- go ease. This feature was not uncommon for the late 19th century according to author Karin Calvert. In Calvert’s article “Cradle to Crib: The Revolution in NineteenthCentury Children’s Furniture,” she states, “Mothers found high chairs, like jumpers, a convenient place for the baby to play in safely. Manufacturers catered to this secondary function of the chair by making it convertible into a stroller or rocker, to better amuse the child.” (A Century of Childhood 1820-1920 p.49) The highchair’s provenance is also of interest. Looking it over, I noticed the
of many mail order High Chair Patent Detail companies based in Chicago. In fact, throughout the late 19th century and into the 20th, Chicago was considered the hub of mail order businesses. The Chicago Public Library maintains a collection of catalogs from many of the mail order companies based in Chicago at the turn of the 20th century and their website has this to say on the matter, “Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Montgomery Ward’s were two of the largest commercial operations thriving in Chicago, but hundreds of other Chicago businesses, large and small, advertised merchandise such as bicycles, roller skates, prefabricated houses and furniture, suits, furs and veterinary supplies.” (www.chipublib.org/fa-trade-catalogcollection) Perhaps the most significant information I gleaned from researching the highchair prior to adding it to our collection concerned the history of children’s furniture as a whole. It seems that children’s furniture (as well as adult attitudes toward children) changed dramatically over the course of the 19th century. Things like the highchair and crib came into being in the 19th century as new and innovative pieces of furniture which allowed children to experience a new kind of childhood where they were safe and 3
High Chair Advertisement
no longer thought of as little versions of their parents or other adults. Karin Calvert explains this change well when she writes, “By the last quarter of the eighteenth century, most adults no longer insisted that their young children conform to an adult model of behavior. They did not push their infants upright, but generally accepted their physical limitations.” (A Century of Childhood 1820-1920 p.42) These general acceptances lead to new and different creations of material culture. This material culture in turn aided in the new practices trending in child rearing. Again, Ms. Calvert explains: The traditional forms of children’s furniture were unable to meet the changing needs of nineteenth-century families, and gradually disappeared to be replaced by totally new forms. The cradle gave way to the crib; the walking and standing stool to the swing and jumper; the highchair, which had gained some popularity in the late eighteenth century, acquired a tray; and the baby carriage evolved into the most prominent piece of children’s furniture. In each case, the new form guarded small children from danger and isolated them from adult activity, simultaneously protecting childhood innocence and suppressing undesirable traits. (A Century of Childhood 1820-1920 p.42) LaVonne is a very lucky person to have a family with the foresight to keep such an item. Of course, when it came to her younger self LaVonne was content to simply play with the old highchair. She shared with me the joy it brought her to play with the highchair/stroller when visiting her Aunt Alvina and Uncle Henry. Needless to say, we are as happy, if not more so, to have this wonderful piece of history in the farm’s collection. It is the perfect addition to include in our educational programs and daily site interpretation.
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 5
Click on program/icon for information and to register online.*
*To create a new account, visit the registration desk at the CRC or download an internet registration form from www.parkfun.com. The form can be found under the registration tab. Programs will be cancelled three days in advance if minimum is not reached, so register early!
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Old Settler’s Picnic
Nature Stories
Saturday, July 18 • 10:00 a.m.-Noon Enjoy listening and reading stories about the plants and animals that live in Spring Valley.
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.
Campfire at the Cabin
Saturday, July 25 • 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Hike down to the cabin for a campfire with stories, songs and toasted marshmallows.
Picnic n-American Heritage
Germa
Weekend Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm
Saturday, July 11 • Noon-3 p.m. Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg
Saturdays & Sundays • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Travel back in time and experience the rural community of Schaumburg’s youth. First generation German immigrants brought their culture and traditions to Schaumburg, including a strong sense of community and fellowship.
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.
Bring a family picnic* and partake in the merriment as historical interpretive staff re-enact a summer day in the 1880s.
FREE ADMISSION
• Tickets sold on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the ride, no earlier than 15 minutes before 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.
*Adult beverages, soft drinks and food will be available for purchase.
For more information, call the Heritage Farm at 847/985-2102 or visit www.parkfun.com. g Park Distric Schaumbur
t
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. Heritage Farm is closed July 4 for Independence Day.
ADULT or TEEN Dutch Oven Dinner
Saturday, July 11 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of cooking over an open fire using a cast iron Dutch oven.
Groups of 15 and larger are encouraged to schedule their own group wagon rental. For more information, call Heritage Farm at 847/985-2102.
Nature’s Studio: Paper Making
Saturday, July 25 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Learn the history and science behind paper, and create cards, decorative paper and more.
Weekly Yoga at the Cabin
Tuesday, June 9 - Aug. 4 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11 - Aug. 6 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a weekly yoga class in the woods at the Merkle Cabin.
Special Thursday Afternoon Summer Wagon Rides
Yoga, Berries and Wine Aplenty!
Friday, July 17 • 7:00-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a refreshing evening of yoga at the cabin followed by a berry surprise and a fruit wine.
July 9, July 30 & Aug. 6
Rides will occur at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
4
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 5
FREE NATURE PROGRAMS
HERITAGE FARM DROP-IN DAYS
Buzzing About Insects
$2 per person • Appropriate for 3yrs and older
Sunday, July 12 • Noon-4 p.m. • Nature Center
“Better with Butter”
What’s the buzz about? Insects, of course! There are more insects than any other type of animal in the world. Dive into the wonderful life of insects through games, pictures, and activities; focus on the details that make each unique. Drop by the Merkle Cabin, and then take your own hike to explore the buzzing around Spring Valley.
Thursday, July 16 • 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
“Sundae School”
Saturday, Aug. 8 • 8:30-11 p.m. • Nature Center
Thursday, Aug. 20 • Anytime between 10 a.m. - Noon
It’s time for the Perseid Meteor shower. Several telescopes will be set up around the Nature Center to view the summer constellations. Lots of additional star-related activities will take place inside. You’re guaranteed to have a great time! This program is sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club.
Help make ice cream from scratch! After you have churned, make your own sundae and enjoy this cool summer treat.
Family Campout at Spring Valley
YOUTH
Sat., Aug. 29, 4 p.m. - Sun., Aug. 30, 10 a.m. Sleep over at Spring Valley, take nature walks, enjoy campfire cooking, and other activities.
Bat Basics
Saturday, Aug. 1 • 7:00-8:30 p.m. Learn bat basics and take a hike to watch them dance through the air.
Farm, Family, Food
Friday, July 10 • 6:00-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 • 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cabin Cooking Pioneer Style
Saturday, Aug. 1 • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Step back in time, and cook like a pioneer in Spring Valley’s own log cabin.
Let the whole family get down and dirty while experiencing farm life firsthand!
Wake Up and Work on the Farm
Garden Party
Saturday, July 25 • 6:30-9:300 a.m. Rise with the sun, hitch a ride with the farm wagon and take care of morning chores.
Saturday, Aug. 15 • 2:00-4:00 p.m. Enjoy the bounty of summer’s crop and lend a hand in Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden.
Just Desserts
Schaumburg Park District invites you to its first annual
Saturday, July 18 • 1:00-4:00 p.m. Pick black raspberries to make a cobbler over an open fire and enjoy the delicious results.
Plant Pioneers
{
Saturday, Aug. 1 • Noon-1:30 p.m. Get in touch with Mother Nature and discover all of the useful plants growing right around us.
{
Farm to Fork Festival A Celebration of Fresh, Seasonal, Regeional Foods!
Pollination Explorers
Saturday, Aug. 1 • 10:00-11:00 a.m. See the world through the eyes of pollinators as we hike through Spring Valley.
Saturday, Aug. 22 • 5-8 p.m. Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley
Summer Camps 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.
We are proud to feature the following restaurants:
Space is limited for this special adults-only evening! Registration deadline is Aug. 19! Cost is $30/person.
Spring Valley offers a variety of summer camps (full and half-day) for children 5-15 years old. For more information, call 847/985-2100 or click here.
Schaumburg Park District
For information, call 847/985-2100 or visit www.parkfun.com. Park at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Wagons will shuttle guests to the Heritage Farm.
5
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 5
“It’s a Bird!, It’s a Bee! No, It’s a Moth?”
A
by Dave Brooks
s a young boy, I remember seeing a medium-sized insect hovering and flitting about in a patch of garden phlox on a summer evening. Being fascinated by insects of all types at that age, I carefully stalked and then captured what I assumed was a moth in my cupped hands. The loud buzzing of the insect’s wings as it fluttered in my hands caused me to suddenly doubt my identification, figuring I had mistakenly captured a large bumblebee, and I quickly released it before I was stung. I should have trusted my initial guess, as it was indeed a harmless moth.
Many observers of one of our common fliers in the insect world, some able to to feed. Eventually, the wasp larvae hummingbird moths assume they are reach speeds of 30 mph. Unlike the create cocoons which extend from the looking at a bee or a clearwings, the caterpillar’s body like white grains of small hummingbird. hawk moths are rice. The caterpillar begins to die just These unique insects mostly nocturnal, as the adult wasps emerge from their look an awful lot like although some cocoons. hummingbirds with can be seen at Hummingbird moths provide a perfect stout bodies, narrow dawn and dusk. example of what is called convergent wings, and the ability The white-lined evolution. Convergent evolution is to hover and dart sphinx is often the independent development of quickly. Also called seen feeding from similar features in species of different hawk moths, sphinx hosta flowers in lineages. Birds and insects are clearly moths, or bee moths, early morning or at very different creatures, yet certain birds several varieties are dusk. These moths have adapted to sip nectar from flowers common visitors at are even more (hummingbirds), and backyard gardens certain insects have during summer. The adapted to an identical Snowberry Clearwing Moth snowberry clearwing lifestyle with a similar is the most common in our area as it hummingbirdbody shape, wings, is a daytime flyer, unlike most moths. like in their etc. (hummingbird It is especially attracted to the flowers appearance moths). There is of bee balm and other species of due to no other obvious monarda, honeysuckles, milkweeds, their larger advantage in ‘looking’ and verbena. Its rapidly moving clear size, with a like a hummingbird. wings are almost invisible as it darts wingspan It just so happens from flower to flower sipping nectar that can top 3 that if you want to be White-lined Sphinx Moth with a long straw-like tongue. Bands of inches. Many effective at feeding on pale yellow alternate with dark brown gardeners nectar from certain tube-shaped flowers, on the body to give it a bumblebee-like may be familiar with the larvae of a a certain body type, with narrow wings appearance. In combination with the related species. The infamous tomato designed for rapid hovering flight is what low-pitched buzzing of the wings, one hornworm, a large green caterpillar works best. The flowers, of course, are can be excused for mistaking it for a adorned with a spiky horn on its back not purely in the business of providing bumblebee. This resemblance is by end, matures into the five-spotted nectar to hummingbirds and moths. design, of course, as many potential hawk moth. The caterpillars of several predators will avoid the clearwing hawk/sphinx moths can be pests on assuming a painful sting is coming. The crops and food plants but most feed on similar hummingbird clearwing, more the leaves of various trees and shrubs. common in the These large eastern U.S., caterpillars is identified are often by its reddish parasitized brown thorax by small (upper body) wasps. The Five-spotted Hawk Moth Caterpillar and dark brown wasps lay abdomen eggs on the This is the strategy that works for them (lower body). caterpillar, as a way to lure in pollinators—and and the The closely the plot thickens! The fascinating cowasp larvae related sphinx evolution of flowering plants and their burrow or hawk moths pollinators is a topic with its own deep into the are among layers of complexity and wonder. Hummingbird Clearwing Moth caterpillar the fastest 6
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 5
Volunteer Want Ads
If you are interested in helping with any of the following activities, please call Judy at 847/985-2100 or e-mail her at juvito@parkfun.com.
Buzzing About Insects
Sunday, July 12 • Noon-4pm Join us as we explore the world of insects through games and activities. Volunteers are needed to assist with the children’s activities.
Dates to Remember
Star-Gazing Party
Saturday, Aug. 8 • 8:30-11pm 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.
• Sat., July 11...................Noon-3pm Old Settler’s Picnic
• Sun., July 12..................Noon-4pm Buzzing About Insects • Mon., July 13..................1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Fri., Aug. 7......................5:30pm-9pm Volunteer Picnic
• Sat., Aug 8.....................8:30-11pm Star-Gazing Party • Mon., Aug. 10.................1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting
Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Lynn Eikenbary, Jen Harkin, Marilyn Mottley, Angela Waidanz, Norina Waugh, and Carolyn White for helping with the spring Green Thumbs school programs.
• Gail Ameer, Lynn Eikenbary, Nancy Fallen, Dan Gryzik, Carol Thomas, and Angela Waidanz for assisting with various bird counts.
Happy Birthday to… July
• Dennis and Rosemary Colbert, Lynn Eikenbary, and Carolyn White for representing Spring Valley at various environmental fairs. • Jeff Hueber, Jay Laski, Bob Pautsch, Tom Perles, and Roy Svenson for filling bags with compost for the Backyards for Nature Fair. • Dean Bruckner for his attention to the peony beds in preparation for Peonies A’Plenty.
August
It’s Picnic Time!
Mark your calendars for Friday, Aug. 7 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 in the mail in July.
Welcome New Volunteers… • Angelo Catalano
• Jamie Gawlik
• Gary Glatzhofer
1 Ron Haskell 4 Janeen Ross Elsie Sears 13 Andy Caccavari Katrina Miley 17 Barb Royce 18 Laurie Tatom 19 Mary Matz
• John Lawrence
7
4 5 6 8 9 12 14
• Simona Stalev
Pat Campbell Dan Gryzik Dave Kives Janet Bedsole Marilyn Motley Shirley Turpin Babs Eddington Judy Wood Hedy Otte Diane Shore Carolyn White
• Emily Steele
21 25 26 27 28
Donna Turner Tina Rokoszewski Joe Vito Tom Poklen Nancy Fallen Kathy DeGeus Rich Wysocki Rachela Ranaldi
18 Janet Kraus 19 Natalie Liverant Nara Sethuraman 20 Donna Johnson 22 Kristi Overgaard Amanda Kraus 26 Carol Anagnostopoulos 28 Pete Justen 30 Nancy Filo 31 Nancy Schaefer
• Denise Sueder
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 2015 Wednesday
Thursday
1
Farm Hour: Tues-Fri 9:00am-2:00 pm • Sat/Sun 10:00am-4:00pm Cabin Closed
2
M-F
Bold indicates volunteer activities
•Lil’ Rock Hounds 9:30am •Cookin’ Up History 9:30am
Friday
3 •Explore More Camp 9:30am •Bug Hunters 1pm
Saturday
4
•Farmer Boot Camp 2pm
Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
5
6 M-F
Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm
7 •Green Thumbs 9am •Nature Quest 9:30am
8
•Animal Crackers – Mini 9:30am •Victorian Finishing School 9:45am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
12
Buzzing About Insects Noon
13
Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
M-F
•Puddle Paddlers 9am •Sweet Potatoes 9:15am
14
9
20
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
15
•Lil’ Bugs for Lil’ Tykes 9:30am •Chores and Chortles 9:30am
M-F
21 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Skills for Outdoor Survival 9:15am
27 M-F
•Lil’ Creek Stompers 9:30am •Spring Valley Squatchers 9:30am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm Sierra Club 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
16
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
•Nature Buddies 9:30am •Cookin’ Up History 9:30am
•Farm, Family, Food 6pm
17
23
24
30 •Science Sleuths 10am •Lil’ Gardeners 1pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
31 •Night at the Museum 7pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
8
18
•Nature Stories 10am •Just Desserts 1pm
25 •Wake Up and Work on the Farm 6:30am •Nature’s Studio: Paper Making 1pm •Campfire at the Cabin 7:30pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
•Historian’s Apprentice 9:45am •Chores and Chortles - Mini 10am
•Dutch Oven Dinner 6pm •Firefly Fandango 8:45pm
•Yoga, Berries and Wine Aplenty 7pm
•Digging’ Into Mystery 1pm
29
11
Old Settler’s Picnic Noon
•Farmer Boot Camp 2pm
•Safari Adventures 10am •Paint by Nature 10am
22
28
10
•Farm Drop-in – Better with Butter 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
26
Independence Day
•The Valley Games 10am •Lil’ Doodlers 1pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
19
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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
AUGUST 2015 Wednesday
Thursday
1
FarmHours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-2:00 pm • Sat/Sun 10:00am-4:00pm
•Pollination Explorers 10am •Plant Pioneers Noon •Cabin Cooking Pioneer Style 1:30pm
Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
2
•Bat Basics 7pm
3 M-F
4 •Storytime Explorers 9:30am •Animal Crackers 9:30am
5
10 M-F
11 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Amazing Mammals 9:30am
6 •Lil’ Bugs for Lil’ Tykes 1pm •All About Frogs and Toads 1pm
•Cookin’ Up History – Mini 10am •The Big Dig 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
9
•Chores and Chortles 9:30am •Campfire Cooking 9:30am
Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm
12
17
18
7
•Rock Hounds 10am •Habitat Hikers 1pm
19
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Star-Gazing Party 8:30pm Volunteer Picnic 5:30pm
14
•Amateur Astronomers 7:15pm
Sierra Club 6:30pm
20
8
•Farmer Boot Camp 2pm
13
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
16
Saturday
Friday
•Farm Drop-in – Sundae School 10am
15
•Garden Party 2pm
•Farm, Family, Food 6pm
21
22
•Farm to Fork Festival 5pm
23
24 30
25
26
27
31
28
29
•Family Campout at Spring Valley 4pm
9
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 5 Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 Schaumburg Rd.
N Plum Grove Rd.
Spring Valley is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams with over three miles of handicappedaccessible trails, a museum featuring natural history displays and information, and an 1880s living-history farm. Spring Valley is open to the general public. Admission is free.
Vera Meineke Nature Center
Volkening Heritage Farm
PHONE VERA MEINEKE NATURE CENTER...............................................847/985-2100 VOLKENING HERITAGE FARM......................................................847-985-2102
135 acres
HOURS Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1
Vera Meineke Nature Center
The earth-sheltered visitor center provides an introduction to Spring Valley’s 135 acres of restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands and three miles of trails. The center contains natural history exhibits that change seasonally, a demonstration Backyard for Wildlife, an observation tower, classrooms, an extensive library, gift sales area and restrooms.
NATURE CENTER/MUSEUM HOURS: Year Round.............Daily*.......... 9AM-5PM FARM INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM HOURS: Nov. - March............Open for Special Events April 1 - Oct. 31.......Sat/Sun....... 10AM-4PM Tue-Fri........ 9AM-2PM Mon............ Buildings Closed
Volkening Heritage Farm
Step back into the past for a look at Schaumburg as it was in the 1880s – a rural German farm community. Help with seasonal farm chores, participate in family activities and games of the 1880s, or simply visit the livestock and soak in the quiet. Authentically dressed interpreters will welcome and share activities with visitors throughout the site.
Spring Valley Birthday Parties
We’ll bring our outreach program to your site. Topics include forests, worms, spiders, mammals, owls, food chains, food webs, wetlands, and the water cycle. Students will participate in hands-on activities, songs, and games. Topics may be adapted to students in grades one through six, and are aligned with Illinois State Standards and NGSS.
Looking for a unique, fun, and educational venue for your child’s birthday? Spring Valley is the answer! Two party themes are available. A hayride can be added for an extra fee. Call Spring Valley for more information.
Spring Valley Firepit and Shelter Rentals
Make your next scout group, business or family gathering something special! Spring Valley offers the use of a picnic shelter and fire pit in a wooded setting near the Merkle Log Cabin. Use of the site includes firewood, trash/recycling receptacles and benches, as well as picnic tables. No alcohol or amplified music permitted. Restrooms are available at the Heritage Farm or Nature Center, a 5–10 minute walk. The adjacent Merkle Log Cabin contains a restroom and may be rented for additional fees.
Programs at Spring Valley
School, Scout and adult groups are encouraged to take advantage of Spring Valley’s Environmental Education Program. Programs change seasonally and are geared for specific age groups. Correlations to the state standards, connections with NGSS, and activity sheets are available on the SPD website, www.parkfun.com. Learn local history with a visit to the Heritage Farm. Elementary and high school students recreate farm life in the 1880s with Hands on History; second graders experience it through Heritage Quest. Children from the age of four through second grade will learn about food, farmers, and farm animals in Farms and Foods.
Scout Badges
Hourly use fees:
We offer many opportunities for scouts. Our programs will help with your badge, pin or patch requirements. Call for more information or stop in for a brochure.
Spring Valley’s mission is to educate area residents regarding the natural and cultural history of the Schaumburg area and how people have and continue to interact with and upon the landscape.
Residents:.............. $25
Civic groups:...............................$25
Non-residents:....... $40 Corporate/business groups:.......$55
SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
NATURAL ENQUIRER STAFF: Mary Rice.......... Editor
Mike Daniels Sharon DiMaria David Johnson George Longmeyer Bob Schmidt
Judy Vito............ Volunteer Coordinator Dave Brooks...... “In this Issue...” Scott Stompor.... Graphic Artist
SCHAUMBURG PARK DISTRICT WEBSITE: www.parkfun.com
E-MAIL:
springvalley@parkfun.com
MEMBER:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tony LaFrenere
Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.
*All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Environmental Outreach Program
SPRING VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT:
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine.
10