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
v o l . 2 n o . 3 • M a y / J u n e ‘ 11
In this issue...
A garden is made up of stories, not things. – unknown author Anyone who spends more than just occasional time exploring natural areas or studying natural or cultural history quickly learns that the world is a book filled with fascinating stories. People who ignore the study of nature or history are often blind to this fact, thinking that these things are mere collections of scientific facts, names, dates, etc. — in other words, intellectual tedium. The curious mind knows otherwise. The land and local history consist of much more than the names of plants, animals, and minerals, or longdead residents and notable events. The articles in this issue of Natural Enquirer shed light on just a few of the fascinating stories to be discovered when one looks deeper than the obvious scenery to be found at Spring Valley. The first article, dealing with the connections between art and the natural world points out the fact that when one begins to look at something with the eye of an artist, hidden patterns, meanings and stories reveal themselves. Some effort is required to uncover many of the land’s stories, but the rewards— entertainment, insight, knowledge— make it a worthwhile effort.
Inside The Connection Between Art and Nature...........2 Virtues of the Land...............................................3 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5 Manure: Spread It!................................................6
Spring Valley General Information....................10 Volunteer News Contents Volunteer Want Ads..............................................7 Volunteer Calendar........................................... 8-9
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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 11
The Connection Between Art and Nature
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by Matt Streitmatter
ature and art share an infinite connection running deeper than any bur oak taproot. In many ways, they reflect each other effortlessly, without the use of a paintbrush or camera. A walk through the prairie or woods allows the opportunity to watch nature completing life cycles that promote art behind every tree. Spring Valley offers a respite from everyday life along with a chance for people to indulge in the creativity that the outdoors provide.
Through the Lens Photography offers the chance to capture a moment in time and preserve it for the future. As Spring Valley changes over time, these photographs document how the ecosystem has evolved. Countless photographers visit the grounds to capture photos of the flora and fauna that call Spring Valley home. Native plants like shooting star, columbine and turtlehead offer a unique shot. Jack-in-the-pulpit, prairie blazing star and bur oaks are personal favorites of mine. Birding is also very popular and a photographer might have the opportunity to catch a ringnecked pheasant, egret, great horned owl or red-bellied woodpecker on film. Coyotes, white tailed deer, beaver and many other mammals and reptiles also live here, presenting the perfect shot without the need of ammunition, just a memory card.
On the Canvas Many painters and artists visit the grounds throughout the year, as well. Unlike photography, painting allows the opportunity for an artist to add creativity and personal spin to a piece. Spring Valley provides the initial backdrop and the sky is the limit for the final product. Every season presents a unique view of the same landscape as the natural world changes. Whether in spring for the first bloom, midsummer for the prairie flower explosion, the autumn leaf change or during a winter snowfall, the outdoors presents many unique artistic inspirations. Spring Valley will be offering two separate week-long camps for children this summer to encourage the creative
process. Artistic Adventures takes place in Mid-June and will allow participants to draw, paint, act and make music in our prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Crafty Kids takes place in July. Children will hunt for artistic inspirations and create
fun nature-based crafts. View the Spring Valley Summer Camps brochure for specific information on these events.
Music The natural world has been “The Rock”, if you will, for many songs by countless artists. Bluegrass, folk, classical, jazz and even rock ‘n roll share a deep connection with the outdoors. Railroad Earth, a bluegrass band from New Jersey, understands this connection and has a green message in many of their songs. One song states, “Went from the valley into the woods I listened to the soul and I understood Everything for the common good” Spring Valley supports local music with events like, “Jammin’ at the Cabin” a concert performed by the band, Prairie Smoke. These get-togethers give folks an opportunity to relax at the cabin while listening to some well known favorites, 2
as well as originals from the band. Information can be found at the Nature Center. Live music is also provided at the Autumn Harvest Fest. String folk bands are scheduled throughout the day for entertainment. You can also enjoy dulcimer music in the cabin, played on homemade instruments. Nature also seems to conduct its very own concert each day for those who listen. Canada geese and a migrating flock of sandhill cranes add the horn section and a passing thunderstorm covers the percussion. The territorial redwing blackbird usually has the vocals, singing above a round of applause provided by the rustling of the cottonwood leaves on a windy day. The next time you walk through Spring Valley, give a listen for the natural music that the outdoors can play. While all of this may be just my perception, most people who spend time at Spring Valley probably see the connection between art and nature. Photography, painting, music and other forms of artistic expression are entwined within the grape vines and root systems of the Great Outdoors. I believe Aldo Leopold said it best with, “Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language.”
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 11
Virtues of the Land
by Matt McBrien
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered.” These virtues may be the simple aesthetic beauty of an individual plant or the medicinal properties yet to be recognized. A walk through the prairie and woodlands may inspire or invigorate one, with little thought given to the hidden potential, both realized and undiscovered, of the plants that surround us.
new invention was derived from the material he used to perfect it (Velour) and the shape of the hook that resembled a crochet needle. Where would we be without Velcro (Velour+Crochet)?
Common Burdock
Common Milkweed
ant, silky fibers found in milkweed seed pods became its replacement. “Two bags, one life” became the slogan for school children across 29 states to gather the milkweed pods, of which, 11 million pounds of fluff were collected by the end of the war saving countless lives.
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a conspicuous prairie plant found throughout the Eastern and Central Common burdock (Arctium minus), United States, is easily identified by its a biennial plant native to Northstraight, sturdy stalk, leaves of deep ern Europe and parts of Asia, but green above and silvery green beneath, commonly found throughout most and large warty seed pods that appear of the continental United States, in late summer. Its common name is forms a large leaved rosette during its derived from the bitter, milky sap that first year of growth, followed by a stout, exudes from the plant when the stalk or rough grooved stalk up to six feet tall leaves are snapped off. It is an imporin its second year. The inflorescence tant nectar source for bees and food appears in numerous heads of pink, source for larval monpurple and white nearly arch butterflies, as well one inch across and as some moths and enclosed in a prickly beetles. The sweet necbur. Most of the plant tar was extracted from is edible and popular in the flowers and used by Asian cuisine, but that is Native Americans and not the plant’s ultimate European voyageurs claim to fame. A Swiss as a sweetener. Equally inventor by the name important, however, of George De Mastral was the role it played happened upon the in saving lives during plant while walking his World War II. Following dog in the early 1940s. Japan’s entry into the He observed how the war, the supply of Kahook-like burs attached pok (the material used themselves to his dog’s to fill “Mae West” life fur and set out to dejackets) imported from Life Jacket filled with Milkwood Seeds vise a way to create the the Japanese controlled unique fastener by copying the bur’s island of Java was cutoff. The fine buoymicroscopic hooks. The name given his 3
Another plant whose only virtue might possibly be its aesthetic beauty is white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima). A perennial found throughout North America East of the Rockies, its emerald green triangular-egg shaped leaves are arranged along a solid green stem topped with a velvety, clean white bloom. This unassuming plant carries within it a toxin called Tremetol, an unsaturated alcohol when processed from the leaves and stems that looks and smells similar to that of turpentine. Grazing cattle often consumed the plant. The toxins would then spread to the fatty tissues where it was then passed on to anyone who consumed the meat or White Snakeroot milk. “Milk Sickness” became a common condition and one of the leading causes of human death in parts of the East and Midwest during colonial times. Most notably was the death of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the mother of a nine year-old boy named Abraham Lincoln. On your next visit to Spring Valley or any other natural area, I encourage you to take the time to examine the diversity of plants found in the prairies and woodlands and consider the potential these plants may have to feed, clothe or cure; to change how we live or alter our path in some subtle way. These are the undiscovered virtues of a “weed” that Emerson referred to, waiting to be unlocked by a keen observer or by accidental encounter. Sources of further reading: http://plants.usda.gov/java/factSheet http://www.pfaf.org/user/default.aspx http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/ http://www.amystewart.com/wickedplants.html
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 11
Click on program/icon for information and to register online.*
*To register online you must have a current SPD account with assigned PIN number. To create a new account, visit the registration desk at the CRC and verify residency. Non-residents may call Spring Valley to set up an account.
Teacher’s Workshop: Botany for the Elementary Classroom
Friday, May 13, 4:00-10:00P and Saturday, May 14, 8:30A-4:30P $140 (National-Louis or Aurora University graduate credit available. CEUs, CPDUs and CPS lane credits available) Basic principles of botany will be covered with emphasis on classification and identification of spring wildflowers.
Teacher’s Workshop: Insect Lights in the Night, Songs in the Prairie • For Pre K-8 teachers
Friday, July 22, 4:00-10:00P and Saturday, July 23, 8:30A-4:30P $140 (National-Louis or Aurora University graduate credit available. CPS Lane credit or 15 CPDUs available) Spend the evening with poetry, songs and crafts, a night hike and a pond dip. Discover the exciting world of insects. Additional workshops are being developed. For up-to-date information, visit www.parkfun.com/Facilities/SpringValley.aspx.
ADULT/TEEN Nature’s Night Life - ADULTS ONLY!
All Ages
Free - Heaven’s Watch
Friday, May 6 • 7:00-9:00P Friday, July 15 • 8:00-10:00P Start your weekend with a relaxing and enlightening evening walk at Spring Valley.
May 21 • 9:30-11:30P........Spring Galaxies June 25 • 9:30-11:30P........Stars of Scorpius Join Chicago Astronomical Society as they set their telescopes for a peek at the night skies.
Organic, Heirloom, GMO...What?
Breakfast with the Birds
Scratching for Answers: Poultry 101
Gardener’s Delight
Foraging for Wild Edibles
Free - Peonies Aplenty
Friday, June 3 • 6:00-8:00P Learn to grow your own great veggies and pot your own heirloom tomato plant to take home!
Saturday, May 7 • 7:00-9:00A Enjoy an early morning walk looking for colorful migratory birds and a light breakfast at the cabin. Tuesday, June 7 - Aug. 30 • 3:45-4:30P Help care for Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden. Tasks will vary week by week.
Sunday, May 15 • 11:00A-12:30P Learn all about chickens from the experts. Enjoy Q&A time with a sandwich and good company.
Sundays, May 29 & June 5 Visit the log cabin to learn the story of the Redeker peony farm and view the descendents of the original peonies that grow there today.
Saturday, June 11 • 8AM-1PM Spend a morning learning the ancient art and skill of wild plant foraging. Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley. Course: LPL 0314
Mowing and Mooing
Landscaping with Native Plants
Saturday, July 16 • 9AM-12PM Discover the beauty and environmental benefits of using native plants in home landscaping. Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley. Course: LLG 0062
Sponsored by
Sunday, June 26 12-4PM
Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg
See and experience a variety of summer farm activities and demonstrations. Refreshments available. $2/person • $8/family of 6 or fewer - additional member: $2 each Children 3 and under free. Click here for more information.
Ohio River-Country Rambles
Sept. 14-18 Travel by bus to southern Indiana’s scenic Brown County for a day of exploring before heading south along the Wabash River. Registration and full payment due Aug. 5.
Backyards for Nature Fair • May 1 • 10AM-2PM 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 y / J u n e 2 0 11
Free - Neighborhood Nature Areas
Summer Camps at Spring Valley
Friday, June 24 • 7:00-8:30P Gray Farm Conservation Area Discover Schaumburg’s hidden jewels, find out what lives there and how these areas are managed for the benefit of all.
Free - Spring Bird Count
Saturday, May 7 • 7:00A-5:00P Help count birds during the Audubon Society spring bird count.
It’s not too late to sign up! Spring Valley offers a variety of environmental and historic summer camps (full and half-day) for children 5-15 years old.
Spring Valley Walking Club
For more information, call 847/985-2100 or click here.
Monday, June 6 - Aug. 15 • 3:30-4:00P Wednesday, June 8 - Aug. 17 • 12:15-12:45P Friday, June 10 - Aug. 19 • 7:00-7:30P Saturday, June 11 - Aug. 20 • 7:30-8:00A Enjoy animal sightings and beautiful flowers as you walk the extensive network of trails.
Youth
Bats Are Beautiful!
Friday, June 3 • 7:00-8:30P Come out to look for bats and enjoy discovering what you can about them.
Fantastic Flyers
Sundown Supper on the Farm
Saturday, June 26 • 9:00-10:30A Participants will meet new and old feathered friends flying around Spring Valley.
Saturday, May 21 • 4:30-7:30P Saturday, June 11 • 4:30-7:30P Friday, July 8 • 6:00-9:00P Saturday, July 30 • 4:30-7:30P After helping with evening chores and making supper, you’ll get a chance to watch the sunset.
Home for the Birds
Saturday, May 7 • 10:30A-12:00P Design, construct and decorate a birdhouse for your favorite feathered friends.
Up and At’em Animal Chores
Native American Games
Saturday, May 28 • 7:30-9:00A Saturday, June 5 • 7:30-9:00A Saturday, July 23 • 7:30-9:00A Milk cows, feed the livestock and enjoy a light breakfast.
Saturday, May 21 • 10:00-11:30A Rediscover Native American games and make a simple toy to take home.
Summer Colors
Saturday, June 26 • 11:00A-12:00P Let’s see how many different colors and shades of color can be found around 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.
Yoga for Kids
Campfire at the Cabin
Saturday, June 12 - July 24 • 10:00A-12:00P Explore the world of yoga through strength, balance and breath.
Friday, June 10 • 7:30-9:00P After a nature-related craft at the Nature Center, walk down to the cabin for a campfire.
Family Camping Workshop
Enjoy an evening of nature and spirits
Saturday, June 11 • 10:00A-12:00P This workshop covers the basic camping skills you need to enjoy the great outdoors.
Firefly Fandango
Saturday, June 18 • 6-9PM
Saturday, July 9 • 8:30-9:30P Witness one of nature’s marvels as the summer sun sets on Spring Valley’s prairies and woods.
Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E, Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
21 years or older to attend • Indoor/outdoor event The evening includes nature walks and Jazz quartet Food for sale and non-alcoholic beverages available Admission: $15 in advance • $20 at the door
Night of the Frogs
Saturday, May 21 • 7:00-8:30P As the sun sets, we’ll hike around the wetlands in search of these hoppy amphibians.
Includes 10 tastings. Additional tastings available for a fee. Benefits the Schaumburg Park Foundation campaign to renovate the nature museum at Spring Valley.
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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 11
Manure: Spread It!
by Evan Zimmerman
Nothing says sustainable more than manure! It not only gives back to the soil, but also gives back to the farmer. To understand its importance to agriculture, one must look at where it comes from and its role on the farm. From the 1810s to the 1910s, the process of spreading manure developed from a manual, intensive, inconvenient job to one that could be completed easily due to advances in technology. The development of the manure spreader required less man-hours making it sustainable and convenient to the farmer and his fields. It was so important that every major producer of farm equipment developed a type of manure spreader to meet demand.
From the end of the War of 1812 to the end of the Mexican War (1847), the idea of applying manure to farmlands took hold, and farmers started spreading manure; however, not all farmers did this. Throughout much of the 19th century, manure was loaded into a grain wagon, driven out to the selected field, and either dumped or thrown off with a pitchfork. The other option was to allow livestock into a field to graze and, in the process, leave manure as they went. The problem with both these methods was that, by leaving big clumps of manure, there was a tendency to plug up the plow when the farmer turned his soil over in the spring. There had to be an easier way!
During the growing season, plants extract nutrients, minerals and trace elements from the soil. When these plants are harvested, the nutrients taken from the soil are also removed, the soil becomes depleted, and fertility decreases. Manure is the best fertilizer to return lost nutrients to soil, restore fertility and to help sustain In 1875, high crop Joseph Kemp yields. Manure patented and contains developed nitrogen, the first phosphorous, manure potassium and spreader. It calcium, all of consisted which remain Manure Spreader of “a farm after digestion wagon with a movable floor composed of plant material by livestock. When it of slats secured to an endless belt is hot out of the cattle, horses, sheep, chain” which was moved by a gear hogs and fowl it is called dung and toward the back of the wagon. The when gone to rot with straw in a pile it manure was propelled “against a is called manure. Adding manure to soil rotation tooth drum, which pulverized helps replace nutrients that were lost and evenly spread the load on the during harvest. Manure added to soil ground behind.” The problem with this also helps hold water and prevent run spreader was that it could not stand off and erosion. Animals make manure, the pressure caused by heavy loads manure gives nutrients for grain/grass of manure. From 1875 to 1904, Kemp to grow, and plants feed us as well as developed 15 different patents on his the livestock that, after processed, we manure spreader. In the 1890s, Robert eat. For farms to pass from generation Love of the experimental department to generation and have successful of Kemp and Burpee Manufacturing harvests, soil needs manure. 6
Company improved the mechanical construction of the spreader. In 1903, the Success Manure Spreader was developed which then led to the development of various other spreaders in the early 20th century. The New Idea Spreader of Coldwater, Ohio incorporated a second beater to further pulverize the manure when applying it to a field. By 1910, most farmers in the United States owned a manure spreader. The manure spreader needed little man-power and literally paid for itself. Seeing the value of early 20th century manure spreaders, the Kemp and Burpee Manufacturing Company was bought out by the John Deere Co. in the 1920s. This article is based on a sustainability themed session on manure for the Midwest Open-Air Museum Coordinating Council (MOMCC) Conference presented by Evan Zimmerman and Jim Bloomstrand of Wagner Farm.
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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 11
Volunteer Want Ads
If you are interested in helping with any of the following activities, please call Judy at 847/985-2100 or e-mail her at juvito@parkfun.com.
Conservation Workday
Saturday, May 21 & June 25 9AM-1PM Come one! Come all! We’re looking for volunteers to spend the morning with us for our upcoming Saturday workdays. We have plenty of non-native plant removal to tackle. Any amount of time you can share with us will be appreciated.
Mowing and Mooing
Sunday, June 26 • Noon-4PM Farm interpreters are needed to demonstrate the complete dairying process, from hay production to the making of cheese, butter and other dairy products. Additional support positions are available for registered volunteers.
Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Lynn Eikenbary and Carolyn White for assisting with School District 54 winter programming.
• Christine Curin, Pete Gigous, Janet Neally, Tom Poklen, Barb Royce, Sue and Rich Ringfelt, and Leo Salais for being this year’s sap collectors.
Dates to Remember
• Sun., May 1............................ 10am-2pm Backyards for Nature Fair • Wed., May 4............................ 6:30-9pm Volunteer Meeting • Sat., May 7............................. 7am Spring Bird Count • Mon., May 9............................ 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Sat., May 14........................... 8-11am Teamster Training • Sat., May 21........................... 9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Sat., June 4............................ 7:45am-3pm Trip to Fair Oaks • Sat., June 11........................... 8-11am Teamster Training • Mon., June 13......................... 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Sat., June 25.......................... 9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Sun., June 26......................... Noon-4pm Mowing and Mooing
Welcome New Volunteers…
• Duane Bolin, Dean and Deanna Bruckner, Eve Carter, Carol Cellini, Barbara Dochterman, Lynn Eikenbary, Victor Franks, Pete Gigous, Jean Havlir, Arthur Jeczala, Arlene Krizka, Tony Meo, Barb Mitchell, Ken Ogorzalek, Elsie and James Sears, Nara Sethuraman, Eileen Skiba, Donna Turner, Ellie Vogel, and Sue Walinder for helping with miscellaneous set-up jobs for Sugar Bush.
• Deb Hernandez • Joe Kent • Bob Pautsch • Laura Walsh • Scott Walsh
• All the volunteers who helped make this year’s record breaking Sugar Bush a success. • Pat Campbell, Chris Curin, Lynn Eikenbary, Arthur Jeczala, and Carol Thomas for distributing flyers in preparation of the spring prescribed burn season. • All the volunteers who endured the warm temperatures and large crowds to present an enjoyable and record breaking Springtime on the Farm event to our patrons.
Congratulations…
to Chuck Henry, the recipient of this year’s Spring Valley Volunteer of the Year, for his many contributions during the past year and his dedication and exemplary commitment to Spring Valley. The award was presented at the Park District Volunteer Reception held on April 21. 7
Happy Birthday to… May
1 Dan Floreani 2 Tom Skiba 3 Cindy Holmburg John Tatom 4 Evan Barr
7 16 17 18 22
Elizabeth Tatom Angela Waidanz Jan Costis Jean Tucknott Jean Havlir
June 1 2 3 5 9 15 17
Joan Vodraska Penny Perles Venus Gintowt Amanda Greco Hilary Ellis Tom Walsh Carol Thomas Larry Morkert
8 1 20 21 22 23 27
Pete Gigous Peter Sochacki Bill Tucknott Richard Leonhardt Leon Blum Dave Margolis James McGee
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
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Backyards for Nature Fair 10am
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Monday
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•SV Walking Club 3:30pm
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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm •SV Walking Club 3:30pm
Mother’s Day
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•Scratching for Answers: Poultry 101 11am
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•SV Walking Club 3:30pm
Tuesday
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May 2011 Wednesday
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•All About Farm Animals 1:30pm
•SV Walking Club 12:15p
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm
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•All About Farm Animals 1:30pm
•SV Walking Club 12:15p
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
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•SV Walking Club 12:15p
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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•SV Walking Club 3:30pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Peonies a’ Plenty 1pm
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Thursday
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•SV Walking Club 12:15p
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
Friday
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Saturday
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•Breakfast with the Birds 7am Spring Bird Count 7am •SV Walking Club 7:30am •Home for the Birds 10:30am
•SV Walking Club 7pm •Nature’s Night Life 8pm
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•SV Walking Club 7:30am Teamster Training 8am
•SV Walking Club 7pm
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•SV Walking Club 7pm
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•SV Walking Club 7:30am Conservation Workday 9am •Native American Games 10am •Sundown Supper on the Farm 4:30pm •Night of the Frogs 7pm •Heaven’s Watch 9:30pm
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•SV Walking Club 7:30am •Up and At ‘Em 7:30am
•SV Walking Club 7pm
Farm Houes: Tue-Fri 9am-2pm • saT/sun 10am-4pm Cabin Hours: 1-3pm Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers
Memorial Day
See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
June 2011 Wednesday
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Farm Houes: Tue-Fri 9am-2pm • saT/sun 10am-4pm
Thursday
Friday
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Saturday
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Cabin Hours: 1-3pm Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers
•Organic, Heirloom, GMO, What? 6pm •Bats are Beautiful 7pm
See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
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•Up and At ‘Em 7:30am Peonies A’ Plenty 1pm
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•SV Walking Club 3:30pm
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•Gardener’s Delight 3:45pm
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•SV Walking Club 12:15p
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•Valley Ventures 9:15am
W-F •Victorian Finishing School 9:30am •1880s Venture Camp 9:45am
10 •Half-Day Valley Ventures 10am •All About Fish 10am •Campers in Action 10am
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
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•Yoga for Kids 10am
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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm •SV Walking Club 3:30pm •Survivor Camp I 9:30am
M-F •Animal Crackers 9:30am
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•Gardener’s Delight 3:45pm •Artistic Adventures 9:30am •Historic Foodways 9:45am
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•SV Walking Club 12:15p •All About Rocks 10am •Chores and Chortles 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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•SV Walking Club 3:30pm
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•Gardener’s Delight 3:45pm
•Wee Sprouts 9am
M-F •All About Frogs and Turtles 9am
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•Chores and Chortles 9:30am •Historian’s Apprentice 9:45am
•Science Sleuths 10am •Tribal Adventures 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Father’s Day •Fantastic Flyers 9am •Summer Colors 11am Mowing and Mooing noon
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•SV Walking Club 12:15p
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•SV Walking Club 3:30pm •Animal Crackers 9:30am
M-F •Green Thumbs 9:30am
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•Gardener’s Delight 3:45pm •Survivor Camp II 9:30am •Chores and Chortles 9:45am •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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•Historic Foodways 10am •Nature Buddies 10am
•Animal Crackers Mini 10am
•SV Walking Club 7pm •Campfire at the Cabin 7:30pm
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•Birds ‘n Books 10am •Stars and Books 1pm
•Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•SV Walking Club 7pm
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•Wee Sprouts 12:30am •Hoot ‘n Howl Adventure 7:15pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•SV Walking Club 12:15p
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30 •Critter Capers 1pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•SV Walking Club 7pm •Nature at Gray Farm 7pm
•SV Walking Club 7:30am Teamster Training 8am •Forging for Wild Edibles 8am •Family Camping Workshop 10am •Sundown Supper on the Farm 4:30pm
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•SV Walking Club 7:30am •Family Geocaching 10am
Solstice Hop ‘n Vine Fest 6pm
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•Morning Meditation Yoga 7:30am Conservation Workday 9am •Heaven’s Watch 9:30pm
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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 11 Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 • 847/985-2100
Vera Meineke Nature Center
Schaumburg Rd.
N Plum Grove Rd.
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.
Vera Meineke Nature Center
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.
Volkening Heritage Farm 135 acres
HOURS Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1 Nature Center/Museum Hours: Year Round.............Daily*.......... 9AM-5PM
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.
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
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 correlated with Illinois State Standards.
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 and activity sheets are available on the SPD website, www.parkfun.com. Learn local history first-hand with a visit to the farm. Hands-OnHistory, a two hour program, recreates farm life in the 1880s. Children from the age of four through second grade will learn about food farmers and farm animals in Farms and Foods.
Hourly use fees:
Scout Badges
Residents:.............. $25
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.
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.
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 David Brooks “In this Issue...”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Scott Stompor Graphic Artist
Jean Schlinkmann
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Schaumburg Park District Website: www.parkfun.com
E-mail:
springvalley@parkfun.com
Member: