Natural Enquirer: July/Aug. 2014 by Schaumburg Park District

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

vol.5 no.4 • July-Aug. ‘14

In this issue...

This issue of the Natural Enquirer provides you with some fascinating looks back in time. Spring Valley’s mission includes a history focus, and we have always recognized the value of exploring the changing relationship of people to the landscape through history. The best history (and most interesting) always comes in the form of personal stories, and our lead article includes a most intimate look back at Schaumburg during its early settlement as described by one of those early German settlers. We also learn about the origins of what many consider to be a thoroughly old-fashioned but still popular garden plant—rhubarb. Finally, we take a succinct look at the ecology, value, and history of wetlands in Illinois, via the reprinting of an article written back in the 1990s. All of these looks back remind us that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Inside A Letter from America...................................... 2-4 Meet the Farm Intern............................................4 The Secret Life of Rhubarb..................................5 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 6-7 Wetland Reflection........................................... 8-9 Meet Our Conservation Crew..............................9

Spring Valley General Information....................13 Volunteer News Contents Volunteer Calendar........................................10-11 Volunteer Information........................................12

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 4

A Letter from America!

by Patty Kennedy-Green

I recently had the pleasure of corresponding with and meeting Sophie Mensching, a folk history expert from Stadthagen, Germany, who has donated many pieces of traditional clothing to Spring Valley’s Heritage Farm. I met her during her recent trip to America at which time she donated a Schaumburg folk baptismal outfit, a man’s linen jacket and vest, and a colored photo album. After talking with her and learning more about the clothing, I had some questions. Would the early settlers to Schaumburg, IL, have worn this type of clothing in the 1840s and would they have worn it once they moved to America? Her response was simple. The clothing worn in Germany would have looked similar to the traditional folk wear today except it would not have been as elaborate. This is all these new settlers would have known. Once they moved to America, however, they would have quickly switched to typical Victorian fashions for that time period. She then quoted a letter she had from Fred Bartels written in 1848 which states the following, “It is foolish for people who want to emigrate to America to burden themselves with big, heavy chests full of clothes and things. The German things are not appropriate here, unless made in city style.” He says they should sell their clothing and bring the money instead. Not only did I find this information important but was intrigued by the idea of such an old letter from Schaumburg, IL, since I had not come across a first-person document so old at the Heritage Farm. I emailed to ask more about the letter and was sent a copy of it in German, which I had translated. The following is the English translation done by Friedemann Stuebing, a German teacher for the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Northern Illinois University. Enjoy this fascinating glimpse into the experiences of a new immigrant to Illinois! Schaumburg, in the State of Illinois, United States of America, April 28th, 1848 “Finally – a letter from America!” is what you will, I’m sure, exclaim when you receive these lines. Because I’m hoping you haven’t completely forgotten us, even though seas and continents separate us. Be assured that we also think of you quite often, and that we cross the seas in spirit and place ourselves in your midst. Let me begin with telling you the joyful news that we have been – the Lord be praised – doing all right since our separation from you and have been healthy and well until today, and that we like our new home beyond expectations. We hope with all of our heart that all of you, including all our relatives whom we left behind in Germany, are well and that no mishap burdened you since our departure. You will certainly be curious to hear about our new fatherland. Our journey from Bremerhaven to New York took 6 weeks, and even though it was accompanied by some troubles, we enjoyed ourselves quite a bit during the trip and made it through much easier than we thought. We continuously comforted ourselves with the thought that …[indecipherable phrase]… we shall yield a rich replacement for all the unpleasant things we experienced, – since we sailed to the land of freedom, blessing, and good fortune – and to

the country, where quite a few of our German brothers found a new, happy home, to the country in which we should forget the grind and the slavery which we suffered in the House of Service called Germany. And these our hopes have – thanks to God – not deceived us; no, they have been infinitely surpassed, and we have every reason to exclaim: ”It is good to be here! Let us build huts here!” From New York we took the steam boat up to Albany, from there the train to Buffalo, then a steamboat to Chicago, and from there a wagon to our destiny, 2

the place of our destination, 24 English miles away from Chicago. As soon as our German acquaintances heard that we had arrived in Chicago, they came with their carts to pick us up. I and my whole family immediately moved in with our German friends, the Bögers, where we found friendly accommodations. After only a few days here, I realized that this country had great advantages over Germany, because I realized that people who would have been considered without means in Germany were able to have large farms here in a few years. Indeed, real estate is so cheap and incomes are so good that people without

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 4

A Letter from America Continued any wealth can purchase a piece of land, and – as long as they have any drive to put in the work – can secure an income for themselves and their children to be free of worries within a short period of time. A servant in Germany who does not have money originally will remain a servant for the rest of his life, and his children after him will likewise be slaves. But here, where a minion earns 100 dollars or 133 Thaler [19th century German currency] per year, it is easy to buy 40 to 80 acres of land which are available for 40 to 80 dollars, and therefore becomes his own master and makes his children happy. If it is this great for poor people, you can easily imagine how much better it must be for people who have some money. Because they can purchase ready-to-use places here and can set up everything in the finest way. Real estate is available in an enormous abundance; in fact, according to a recent calculation it turns out that, if every German moved to America, each family could still get 28 acres of land. You can barely imagine the quality of the soil. There are also differences here in this country; some regions are more fertile than others. But completely infertile land like the heath areas in Germany cannot be found anywhere in America. Of course, I can mainly speak about this area only, since I have the most experience about it. Even though I heard repeatedly that the soil in this region is not even the best

by far in America, I must say that I am so very content with it that I can’t wish it to be better. The ground here is neither mountainous nor flat, but instead lies in smooth waves so that it has sufficient drainage and is adequately dry. In its

natural state, the land is overgrown with nourishing grasses and other feedherbs, generously feeding the livestock. Every now and then one comes across wooded areas with different types of oaks, walnut and linden trees and the so-called sugar wood. Farms are situated such that everybody lives on his own land, surrounded by his own land, not like the way it is in Germany where one has to travel for hours to get to an acre or two. If the land is still in its natural state, it is first tilled in the months of May, June, or July. Two teams of horses or two to three yoke of oxen can pull a plow well enough to break up 10 to 12 inches every time. With horses, it is possible to break up two acres per day, half an acre with oxen. The land that is plowed early is planted with Turkey wheat or seeded with oats; the land that has been broken up late is cultivated with wheat and yields magnificent harvests. If the ground has been cultivated with Turkey wheat, it is harrowed under the next year, without prior plowing. In general, all the land is plowed only once, and after Turkey wheat or potatoes the soil is not broken up at all, but the seeds are only harrowed. Thank goodness, dealing with fertilizer is much less a problem here than it is at home; we have no larger trouble than just getting rid of all the fertilizer from the barns. If you could only pick it up, we would not only be pleased to give it to you, we would even thank you for it. One to one and a half foot deep, the soil consists of black, very rich dirt with several feet of clay-like dirt underneath, then comes solid clay. A yoke of oxen or a pair of horses are sufficient to break up the soil the second time, and since working on the land is so easy, I’m sure you can imagine that a person can cultivate more here than in Germany. And that’s why a single person can cultivate 40 acres of land here. You will find this incredible, 3

I’m sure, and it will also be hard for you to believe when you hear how a single person can take care of the harvest and threshing here. You will understand that when I tell you, that machines are used for this. For the mowing of the crops, a machine is used which is drawn by horses and operated by two people. By means of these machines, 20 acres of wheat can be mowed per day. For the threshing, a machine is used that is pulled by 4-6 horses, and 300 to 400 bushels of wheat can be threshed with it per day. Böger and I together already bought such a threshing machine, which costs 300 Dollars, and I am also planning on buying a mowing machine for 112 Dollars this fall. You might say now that for that much money, I could have had someone harvest and thresh a lot of crops for me, but keep in mind that, after having threshed my own crops, I am using the machine for other people’s threshing, and therefore will be able to retrieve the sum of initial costs within one or two years tops. The crops which are usually cultivated here are exactly the same as in Germany, except for the Turkey wheat which is not cultivated on fields in Germany, and rye, which is rarely cultivated here since one usually eats wheat bread only. The Turkish wheat is a very good type of crop that grows very well here and is predominantly used as feed for horses and cattle, and it is also excellent for fattening pigs. We always find a very good market and adequate pay for our homegrown produce in the nearby trade city of Chicago. The prices for produce vary a lot, and since they are shipped overseas, the prices depend on the prices of the respective foreign countries. But the prices are always such that the farmer will always earn a true profit for his work. The average prices in comparison with German currency is roughly as follows:

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 4

A Letter from America Continued Wheat: 1 Thaler per Himpten [mid 19th century measurement in Germany], oats: 8 good Groschen per Himpten, barley: 16 good Groschen per Himpten, potatoes: 8-12 good Groschen per Himpten, Turkish wheat: 8-12 good Groschen per Himpten, beans: 1 Thaler per Himpten, linseed: 1 Thaler, 6 good Groschen per Himpten, eggs: 3 good Groschen per dozen, butter: 4 good Groschen per pound. You might be of the opinion, that everything is quite expensive here, like farming equipment, clothes, household items etc., and this may have been the case in the past, but currently all those things can be purchased here equally inexpensive and better made than in Germany. It is therefore foolish for people who want to emigrate to America to burden themselves with big, heavy chests full of clothes and other things. The German things are not appropriate here, unless they are made in city style. Bringing cash is best, preferably in double pistols, for one can get anything here for cash. It might be a good idea to buy fabric over there, and then have it made here, since fabric is a bit more expensive here. When it comes to the weather, there is not much of a difference between here and Germany. The last winter was mild, and this spring very pleasant. It is supposed to be – as I was told – somewhat warmer here during the summer. Life here is healthy and one rarely hears about illness. I bought a ready-to-use place and some land from Böger, who in return

immediately invested in me. I have 160 acres of land surrounding my home; on one side are the areas of arable land and meadows, on the other side I am looking at my pasture. In addition, I have 7 acres of densely wooded timberland, mostly oaks. I also received the complete inventory, among this farming equipment, horses, 18 cattle, 3 yoke draft oxen, 4 pigs etc., as well as the complete harvest. All of that for 2000 Dollars. The rest of my money I loaned for 10 Cents interest. Since we don’t have to torment ourselves with fertilizing and threshing here, we have comfortable days and the best food on top of it. And – thank God – we also don’t have to work ourselves into the ground for the government, since there is no king, earl, or nobleman. “All people here are brothers – and one is as equal as the other.” The little tax we pay once a year is barely worth mentioning; it amounts to a few Thaler for the richest farmer. The tithe and other unjust burdens are unknown here, of course, and everybody can do with his property whatever he wants and does not need to ask superiors whose business it isn’t anyway. There is no need to care for the poor, because – thank God – there aren’t any – I still have to come across the first beggar yet in America. And we are not lacking in what is needed for salvation, because we have a Protestant-Lutheran parish here, consisting of 46 German families, mostly Hessians. We have a German

and an English school, and services on Sundays and holidays just like in Germany. Last summer we built a new church which is not quite completed yet, but services are being held in it already. Needless to say, due to all these circumstances I am content with my emigration; I wish I had gone to America 10 or 20 years earlier. I would not go back to Germany for any money. I like it so much here that I would not change places with the largest farm in the land of Hesse. Fare well now, and even if we are separated by the seas let us remain in brotherly and sisterly love to each other. I, my wife, and my children send lots of greetings across the ocean to you and your children as well as our mother, our brother-in-law and our sister and her kids in Reinsdorf and all our acquaintances and relatives as well as the remaining friends who remember me fondly. Please write us, the address on the bottom must be on the letter. Fare well! May God’s love be with you. Your dearest son, brother, and brotherin-law Johann Friedrich Bartels. Finally let me tell you that Friedrich Hansing got married to Kölling’s sister from Groβhegesdorf, and that he bought 80 acres of land for himself. Address: Fred Bartels, Schaumburg, Wickliffe P.O. Illinois, Northern America

Meet the Farm Intern!

My name is Kaely Walsh and I am the new intern at the Volkening Heritage Farm. I graduated from Conant high school last June and am currently a freshman at Iowa State University. My major is Animal Science with a Pre Vet option. In elementary school, I always took the various summer camps offered at the farm and so I have been familiar with the site for quite a few years. Since I can remember, I have always wanted to work with animals and to eventually become a veterinarian. In order to do so, I need to gain more experience in working with larger animals like cattle, swine, horses, etc.

I decided to do my summer internship at the farm because I am able to gain experience with the handling and care of a variety of livestock. Working with the animals and the staff has been a great learning experience and I am excited to connect what I have learned in classes to the experiences working on the farm. My first couple weeks have been exciting and educational and I look forward to working and learning for the next couple of months. 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 • J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 4

The Secret Life of Rhubarb

by Walter Plinske

shingles, fevers, hypertension, burns, appendicitis, hepatitis, conjunctivitis, and swelling of the gums, mouth, or tongue”. In fact the root is still used today. With all those uses it wasn’t long before the root was finding its way to other parts of the world.

By the time of Marco Polo, the root in a dried form had become a valuable commodity that traveled Rhubarb Pie on the Silk Road from China to the Of all the members that belong to the doorstep of Europe. By the 18th cast of plants comprising a well-rounded century, the root coming through garden, rhubarb (often a subject of the Ottoman Empire came to be ambivalence; mundanely dubbed the called Turkish rhubarb. If it was pie plant; and thoroughly old fashioned) shipped to London or Amsterdam would seem to be lacking in the way aboard a of a remarkable vessel of the provenance. An Dutch or East examination of its India Companies, march across the it was called planet from the bare Chinese or quarter of its origins Indian rhubarb. will show that this is Alternately, if it not so. came through Today, we think of Siberia to Europe, rhubarb as a food. Its it was called tart red stalks make Russian rhubarb; for an agreeable however, all were Giant Irish Rhubarb complement to sweet grown in China. pies and jams. Such In time, with the demand and the cost for recipes require a heavy dose of sugar, the root increasing in Europe, attempts however, and were only possible and were made to create a “homegrown” popular when sugar became more market. The imported root arrived in widely available and less expensive. dried and shriveled pieces making it It was not until the 18th century when unusable for propagation. Would-be Europeans had established sugar domesticators then turned to seeds plantations in their American colonies obtained at their sources in the Far East. did rhubarb became a culinary They found that several varieties existed commodity. and that the plant was easily hybridized Prior to the time of cheap sugar, rhubarb was a prized plant for another reason. It was not the stalks that were coveted, nor were the leaves which are strictly poisonous. Discovered in northern China through to Mongolia by the Chinese thousands of years ago, the rhubarb root was used as an herbal remedy for a variety of complaints. The root was known for its astringent properties and was a strong laxative, as well. The tannins in the root were the source of the astringency and were useful in the early stages of dysentery and other intestinal problems. It was antibacterial in treating “toothache,

through what was called a “proclivity towards bastardization”. It was during this time of earnest entrepreneurial endeavoring that the rhubarb which is used as food emerged.

The original Western name for rhubarb reflects its presumed place of origin by the Greeks who first wrote about it. Rha (rhu) may refer to an ancient word for the Volga River. Rha barbarum referred to the barbarian lands beyond the Volga which are today Kazakhstan and China. The edible rhubarb plant belongs to a group of plants of the genus Rheum in the plant family Polygonaceae. 5

Its botanical name becomes Rheum rhabarbarum. The Chinese rhubarb cultivated for its root has been dubbed Rheum palmatum or in Chinese herbal medicine, da-huang. Size is the most obvious characteristic used to differentiate these two related species. While the edible species grows a mere few feet in height, Victoria Rhubarb Chinese rhubarb can produce as high as a six to ten foot stalk. Its leaves are jagged and handshaped, growing in width of at least two to three feet, while “pie plants” leaves are heart- shaped to about a foot wide. Additionally, Chinese rhubarb has rather thick, deep roots while the garden plant is composed primarily of fleshy rhizomes and buds. Garden rhubarb is usually considered a vegetable. In the U.S., a New York court decided in 1947 that since it was used as a fruit, it counted as a fruit for the purposes of regulations and duties. For rhubarb importers, this meant a reduction in import tariffs, as tariffs were higher for vegetables than fruits. Ben Franklin is credited for bringing rhubarb seeds to America in 1772. Garden varieties are classified as red, green, or speckled. While most people prefer the red stalked types, the green ones are generally more productive. Red types are not necessarily sweeter because color and sweetness are not always related. Because rhubarb is a perennial that can remain in its chosen site for years, it should be placed to enjoy full sun in rich well drained soil in the peripheral of the garden. Planting crown pieces or divisions is preferred because the plant will be ready for harvesting sooner than seeded planting, which also may produce variable offspring. Although garden rhubarb contains a good dose of vitamin C plus other vitamins and minerals, the benefits of this plant should not be confused with those attributed to Chinese rhubarb.

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 4

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!

HERITAGE FARM PROGRAMS Daily Activities at the Farm Old Settler’s Picnic Tuesdays-Fridays............. 9AM-2PM Saturdays & Sundays....... 10AM-4PM

Experience a typical day on a working 1880s Schaumburg farm. Farm and domestic activities take place Tuesday through Sunday. Come early to see the cow being milked and stay all day for a unique experience.

Saturday, July 12 • Noon-3PM

Travel back in time and experience the rural community of Schaumburg’s youth. First generation German emigrants brought much of their culture and traditions with them to Schaumburg and the Heritage Farm will share them with you. • Bring a family picnic and partake in the merriment with historical interpretive staff reenacting a summer’s day in the 1880s. • Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Just Desserts

Summer Camps at Spring Valley

Saturday, July 26 • 3:00-5:00PM Gather black raspberries and more to make a cobbler over an open fire and enjoy the results.

Turtle Tracks

Saturday, July 19 • 10:30AM-Noon Go on a turtle hunt and look for those who carry their homes on their back.

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

Wake Up and Work on the Farm

Saturday, July 26 • 6:30-9:30AM Rise with the sun, hitch a ride with the farm wagon and take care of morning chores.

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

Schaumburg Park District’s Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley invites you to a…

ADULT or TEEN Plant Purposes

Saturday, Aug. 16 • 1:00-3:00PM Satisfy your appetite for nature and cure cabin fever by exploring the different uses of plants.

{

Farm to Table Dinner

EARLY CHILDHOOD Little Hoppers

Saturday, Aug. 23 • Noon-11:00AM Children will read frog stories, play frog games and look for little hoppers that may be hiding.

Saturday, July 19 • 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg

Enjoy a special celebration of fresh, seasonal, regional foods! Featuring local fare from several area farms, our chefs will craft an outstanding multi-course gourmet meal. Local wines and beers will accompany the meal. Spring Valley’s authentically restored 1880s farm will provide the perfect setting to enjoy this unique dining experience.

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 Geocaching

Saturday, July 12 • 1:00-2:30PM Join the world-wide treasure hunt that will get the whole family outdoors and moving!

Farm, Family, Food

Saturday, July 19 • 6:00-7:30PM Saturday, Aug. 9 • 4:30-6:00PM The family will get down and dirty while experiencing farm life firsthand!

Schaumburg Park District

Space is limited! Tickets can be purchased until July 13 by visiting or calling Spring Valley Nature Center. Cost is $60/person.

Park at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Wagons will shuttle guests to the Heritage Farm.

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

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 4

YOUTH

DROP-IN DAYS

Alive and Streaming

Sunday, Aug. 10 • 1:00-2:30PM Get current on water critters and learn all about the importance of stream science.

The Heritage Farm at Spring Valley offers drop-in program days this summer. $2 per person

Bat Basics

“The Farm Before the Farm”

Saturday, Aug. 16 • 7:00-8:30PM Cover bat basics, and take a hike to watch them dance through the air.

Tuesday, July 8 • 11AM • 12 Yrs and Older

Through the help of pictures from our collection, take a walk with farm staff and learn what was here before Spring Valley.

Garden Party

“Better with Butter”

Sunday, Aug. 10 • 10:30AM-Noon Enjoy the bounty of summer’s crop and lend a hand in Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden.

Thursday, July 17 • 10AM-Noon • 3 Yrs and Older

After helping the house frau churn butter, make some of your very own! Crackers will be on hand for butter tasting too.

Habitat Hoppers

“Boeger Who?”

Saturday, Aug. 2 • 9:30-11:00AM Hiking the habitats of Spring Valley in search of hoppers of all shapes and sizes.

Tuesday, Aug. 12 • 11AM • 12 Yrs and Older

Find out about Spring Valley’s first farm family. Through the help of the farm’s collections learn who they were, where they came from, and how they were significant to the history of Schaumburg.

Pen, Paper and Nature

Tuesday, Aug. 12 • 1:00-3:00PM Explore the wild nature of the outdoors, the nature that lies within, and how the two come together.

“Sundae School”

Thursday, Aug. 21 • 10AM-Noon • 3 Yrs and Older

Help make ice cream from scratch! After you have churned, make your own sundae and enjoy this cool summer treat.

Weather Watchers

Saturday, July 12 • 1:30-3:00PM Children will conduct hands-on experiments and participate in weather activities to discover the science behind summer weather.

FREE MERKLE CABIN PROGRAMS Buzzing About Insects

StarGazing Party

Sunday, July 21 • Noon-4PM 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 while focusing on the details that make each unique. Drop by the Merkle Cabin and take a hike to explore the buzzing around Spring Valley.

E E FR

Meandering the Mitten Trip

Saturday, Aug. 9 • 8:30-11PM Nature Center

Thursday-Wednesday, Sept. 18-24

Explore the hidden gems of Michigan’s other coast - from the Motor City on up to Bay City and Alpena. The trip includes a stop at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, boarding a tall ship for a sailing excursion, lighthouses a-plenty and visiting the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The week concludes on the Leelanau peninsula, visiting area wineries and fruit orchards and exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore before boarding the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan car ferry on our homeward journey. All transportation, lodging, entrance fees and most meals will be provided. Registration and full payment due Aug. 1. For details, click here or call 847/985-2100.

Enjoy a star-studded party celebrating the beautiful summer sky. Yes, it’s time for the Perseid Meteor shower, but there’s also going to be a full moon. Take your chances seeing meteors, but come anyway to look at the moon and learn the summer constellations. Telescopes will be set up south of the Nature Center and 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.

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 4

Wetland Reflection

by Brook McDonald

lthough scientists consider wetlands to be the most valuable ecosystem on earth, wetlands have been abused for decades. Scientists estimate that over 80 percent of our nation’s wetlands have been destroyed, filled for development, or drained for agriculture. That’s over 10 million acres of wildlife breeding “factories,” 10 million acres of floodwater storage “facilities,” 10 million acres of water quality improvement “filters,” and 10 million acres of education and recreation areas. In northeast Illinois, over 95 percent of all original wetlands have been lost. But with all the recent hype about wetlands, very few people really know about, can recognize, or understand the value of wetlands. Just what is a wetland?

It’s just that—wet land. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the US army Corps of Engineers jointly define wetlands as “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.” Most wetlands are a result of our glacial past. As the mighty ice sheets bulldozed their way from the north and retreated, pot holes were left in the landscape. Destined to be filled with water, these wet pockets were colonized by plants and animals adapted to wet environments. All “official” wetlands possess three main attributes: un-drained or poorly drained soil; plants adapted to life in wet soils; and areas of periodic flooding or

prolonged soil saturation. There are four main types of wetlands found in northeast Illinois. These include marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens. But lakes, streams, and ponds are also classified as “waters of the United States.”

A marsh wetland can be easily defined as a flooded grassland. From small cattail marshes along major highways to huge expanses of sawgrass in Florida, freshwater marshes make up about 90 8

percent of our total freshwater wetland areas. Water levels often fluctuate from season to season, rising during heavy rainfall and often disappearing during dry periods. Water can be several feet in depth and can take on the character of a pond during wet seasons. Vegetation in the marsh usually consists of nonwoody plants such as grasses, sedges, rushes, and the more common cattail. Other plants such as water lilies, smartweeds, arrowheads, and water buttercup are also common. It is believed that marsh habitats may be the most biologically productive habitats on Earth. Marshes provide food, shelter, and water for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. A swamp can be defined as a flooded woodland. Swamps are dominated by woody vegetation, such as trees and

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 4

Wetland Reflections Continued shrubs. Being saturated with standing water during the growing season, swamps can also dry up during drought. Water levels can fluctuate from a few inches to several feet. Common woody plants include pin oak, red maple, cottonwood, tupelo, and bald cypress in southern areas. Shrubs consist of buttonbush, pussy willow, and leatherleaf. There are three main types of swamps: forested swamps, shrub swamps, and temporary woodland pools. A unique and uncommon type of wetland is the bog. Bogs are characterized as possessing unique plants that have adapted to living in an “acid” environment. The Volo Bog dominant plant is sphagnum moss. This plant produces an acid-like substance that dictates the chemistry (pH to be specific) of the whole bog environment. Because the water is very acidic and low in oxygen, bacteria and other decomposers are not able to survive. Therefore, there is little decomposition and soil buildup in the community. The moss partly decomposes and simply builds up in the form of peat and forms a bog “mat.” This mat can be several feet in depth and

water is usually saturated throughout the mat and often surrounds a central pond. The water in the pond is also very acidic. Only certain plants and animals can survive this acid, nutrient-poor environment. “meat-eating” plants, such as the pitcher plant and sundew have to obtain their nutrients from trapping insects. They simply cannot obtain enough nutrients from the soil, because there is no soil. A variety of wildflowers, such as rare orchids and woody plants thrive also. Bogs are usually found in cooler climates and are very uncommon in the Midwest. Volo Bog is one such area. Often confused with bogs, fens are another unique type of wetland. A completely different community than bogs, water chemistry in fens is not acid, but very alkaline. The pH can either be acidic or basic. Fens are usually created where there is a “seepage” or spring outflow of groundwater filtering through gravel or limestone. As the water flows over this material, it dissolves calcium carbonate, which causes the high alkalinity. In some instances, the calcium carbonate is literally re-deposited and forms a limy or marl-like substance. Like bogs, certain plants have become adapted to this specific environment.

Wetlands are valuable for a number of reasons. Not only do they harbor rare and endangered plant and animal species, but they also act as breeding and resting areas for thousands of migratory waterfowl. They are also valuable for their ability to absorb and store flood waters, filter and improve water quality, and provide erosion control measures. Real estate experts consider wetlands a valuable amenity to a community as they increase property values. To parks and recreation agencies, they offer a unique opportunity to provide a variety of outdoor recreation and education programs, as wells as a diverse park landscape. Saving even small tracks of wetland can have a dramatic impact on local natural environments and water resources. In evaluating wetlands, we historically have not taken into consideration the point of view of Mother Nature, and what she can naturally do for us. We don’t take into consideration the point of view of the plants, or the point of view of the animals. Maybe that is the point! Note: This article was written in 1996, but how relevant it seems today! Perhaps the percentages have changed a bit; perhaps not! It seemed worth reprinting with the permission of the author.

Meet our Conservation Crew

Hi, my name is Mark Swanson and I just joined the conservation and maintenance crew. I grew up in Batavia along the Fox River where I first came to love nature. I am an Environmental Studies major at NIU. After this fall semester I will be graduating with a bachelor’s with an emphasis in Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration. Prior to this job I had never visited the Nature Center, but in the short time I’ve been here I have learned what a wonderful place this is. After graduation I plan to continue working in environmental restoration so this is the perfect opportunity for me to gain some good field experience and learn more about native plants and landscapes.

Hi! I’m Alaina Osimowicz and this year I am lucky to be a part of the Spring Valley conservation summer crew. To me conservation and restoring our native prairies and woodlands are extremely important and has become a hobby of mine. I first got started with restoration projects with my high school environmental club and then continued with Harper College’s club. One day I would like to make a career out of conservation and restoration by working for the Department of Natural Resources. I am currently working towards a bachelor’s in Forest Resource Management at SIU. I really look forward to spending my summer working at Spring Valley and pulling all the garlic mustard and sweet clover that is out there! 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 • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r

Sunday

Monday

Farm Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-2:00pm Sat/Sun 10:00am-4:00pm Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

Tuesday

Wednesday

2 •Garden Gnomes 9am •Nature Quest 9:30am

M-F

7 M-F

JULY 2014

•Farm Drop-in – The Farm Before the Farm 11am •Puddle Paddlers 9am •Spring Valley Ironman Camp 9:15am

•Historian’s Apprentice 9:45am •All About Fish 10am

21 M-F

22 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Lil’ Creek Stompers 9:30am

•Cookin’ Up History 9:30am •Spring Valley Squatchers 9:30am

24 •Science Sleuths 10am •Chores and Chortles - Mini 10am

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm

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

28 M-F

29 •Sweet Potatoes 9:15am •Habitat Hiker 9:30am

•Chores and Chortles 9:30am •Campfire Cooking 9:30am

•Cookin’ Up History Mini 10am •Nature Fun Club 10am

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

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm

Old Settler’s Picnic Noon •Family Geocaching 1pm •Weather Watchers 1:30pm

•Turtle Tracks 10:30am

•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm •Wild Nights 7:15pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm

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

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm

•Farm Drop-in – Better with Butter 10am •Cabin Capers 10am •Digging’ Into Mystery 1pm

Independence Day

•Victorian Finishing School 9:45am •Safari Adventures 10am

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

Saturday

•Doodlebugs 1pm •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

•Lil’ Bugs for Lil’ Tykes 9:30am •Animal Crackers – Mini 9:30am

•Lil’ Critters 9:30am •Animal Crackers 9:30am

Friday

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

M-F

•Explore More Camp 9:30am •Man vs. History 9:30am

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

•Buzzing About Insects Noon

Thursday

•Farm, Family, Food 6pm

•Wake Up and Work on the Farm 6:30am •Just Desserts 3pm

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 2014 Wednesday

Thursday

Farm Hours: Farm Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-2:00pm • Sat/Sun 10:00am-4:00pm Cabin Closed

M-F

Bold indicates volunteer activities

•Sweet Potatoes 9:15am •Habitat Hiker 9:30am

•Chores and Chortles 9:30am •Campfire Cooking 9:30am

Saturday

Friday •Cookin’ Up History Mini 10am •Nature Fun Club 10am

•Habitat Hoppers 9:30am

Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions Volunteer Picnic 5:30pm

4 M-F

5 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Storytime Explorers 9:30am

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

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

•Garden Party 10:30am •Alive and Streaming 1pm

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

•Farm Drop-in – Boeger Who? 11am •Pen, Paper and Nature 1pm

7 •Curious Kids 10am •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

8 •Amateur Astronomers 7:15pm

•Farm, Family, Food 4:30pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm

•Plant Purposes 1pm •Bat Basics 7pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

•Farm Drop-in – Sundae School 10am

31 11

•Little Hoppers Noon •Family Campout at Spring Valley 4pm

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 4

Helping Hands Mileage Club

Did you know you were automatically enrolled in the Helping Hands Mileage Club? This program offers registered volunteers an opportunity to redeem points for Park District related rewards. For every hour of volunteer service you give to Spring Valley you earn one point. Points accumulate for one year and may be redeemed at any time up to your anniversary date. Your anniversary date is determined by the month in which you first posted volunteer hours at Spring Valley. Points do not carry over year-to-year so be sure to redeem them before they expire. Have questions about the program or when your anniversary date is? Contact Judy Vito for further explanation.

Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Lynn Eikenbary, Norina Waugh, and Carolyn White for helping with the spring Green Thumbs school programs. • Gail Ameer, Lynn Eikenbary, Nancy Mamsen, Carol Thomas, and Angela Waidanz for assisting with various bird counts.

Dates to Remember • Mon., July 14..................... 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Fri., Aug. 1......................... 5:30-9pm Volunteer Picnic • Mon., Aug. 11..................... 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting

Welcome New Volunteers…

• • • • • •

Matt Battaglia Louis Handle-Roth Ben Joseph Eric Nilson Elly Rogenski Hitha Uday

• • • • •

Elaine Deibert Dave Hick Adam Miller Wendy Robles Cheryl Yung

• Janet Bedsole, Lynn Eikenbary, Venus Gintowt, Penny Perles, Eileen Skiba, and Carolyn White for assisting with the spring Mighty Acorns programs. • Dean Bruckner for his attention to the peony beds in preparation for Peonies A’Plenty. • Pat Campbell and Arthur Jeczala for their continuing clerical support. • Donna Turner for hosting the Chicago Astronomical Society’s Heaven Watches.

Happy Birthday to… Congratulations…

to Angela Waidanz, the recipient of this year’s Spring Valley Volunteer of the Year, for her many contributions during the past year and her dedication and exemplary commitment to Spring Valley. The award was presented at the Park District Volunteer Reception held on May 1.

July

1 Ron Haskell 4 Elsie Sears 13 Andy Caccavari Katrina Miley 17 Barb Royce 18 Laurie Tatom 19 Mary Matz

August

It’s Picnic Time!

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 1 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. 12

1 4 5 6 8 9 14

Ben Joseph Pat Campbell Dan Gryzik Dave Kives Janet Bedsole Karen DeMay Marilyn Motley Shirley Turpin Babs Eddington Carolyn White Diane Shore

21 25 26 27 28

Donna Turner Tina Rokoszewski Joe Vito Tom Poklen Nancy Fallen Kathy DeGeus Rich Wysocki Rachela Ranaldi

15 Binjal Chaudari 18 Janet Kraus 19 Nara Sethuraman 20 Donna Johnson 22 Kristi Overgaard Amanda Kraus 26 Carol Anagnostopoulos 28 Pete Justen 30 Nancy Filo 31 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 4 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.