Natural Enquirer: January/February 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.7 no.1 • Jan.-Feb. ‘16

In this issue...

One of the primary goals of the Natural Enquirer is to highlight something unique or possibly overlooked that our readers may find curious or interesting. We hope that a common response to reading the short articles produced by staff is along the lines of “Wow, I never knew that.” The challenge for staff writers is to choose a topic and then present it with enough interpretive skill that the reader finds it interesting. Whether discussing farming history or natural history, there is a danger in presenting information poorly or incompletely, information which staff may find immensely interesting but which can easily elicit a “Huh, who cares?” response from the casual reader. This first issue of 2016 illustrates that challenge perfectly, with articles about meadow voles, German egg beaters, and manure—none of which will be the topic of documentary films or best-selling coffee table books anytime soon. Nonetheless, we dare you to sample these mundane topics, and let us know how we did. We also invite readers to send us requests or questions about topics they are interested in learning more about. Questions can be addressed to springvalley@parkfun.com.

Inside Secret Worlds.......................................................2

Volunteer News Contents

Excremental Matters............................................3

Volunteer Information...................................... 6-7

What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5

Volunteer Calendar........................................... 8-9

Artifact Heighlight: Schneebesen.....................10 Spring Valley General Information....................11

Schaumburg Park District

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

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

Secret Worlds

by Dave Brooks

hile crunching across the snow and ice covering a grassy meadow on a bitterly cold mid-winter day, we may sense that all of nature is in a deep slumber. No animal seems to be active and abroad on these short cold winter days; however, as our boots break through the icy crust on the snow’s surface and sink into the fluffy powder beneath, we enter a secret Lilliputian world bustling with activity. Although we cannot see this world and will likely plod on through the snow completely unaware of it, all of those wild creatures that hunt to stay alive know it well, for their survival during winter depends on it. It is a world inhabited by meadow voles—the most abundant mammal in almost any grassy field. Meadow voles resemble mice, except Vole in Snow for their smaller ears and shorter tails. They are sometimes called field mice, all but the worst winter weather. Hidden of 4–5 young, they are able to mainalthough their close cousins and neighand protected by the blanket of mattain large populations and can quickly bors, white-footed mice, more properly ted grasses and other vegetation, they recover after any population decline. deserve that nickname. Voles live in maintain an extensive system of tunnels Females as young as three weeks may almost every type of terrestrial environand runways. A snowfall of 3−4” or more even begin to breed and bear young. If ment on earth, and they are everywhere adds an additional layer of very effective food is plentiful and snow cover provides abundant. The meadow vole (Microtus insulation from the cold, as well as some sufficient insulation, they will continue pennsylvanicus) is the most common protection from predators. Meadow to breed during the winter as well. This species in the Midwest and eastern voles travel these tunnels regularly, fecundity not only allows them to withUnited States, although there are other feeding on the plentiful seeds that have stand intense pressure from predators, less common species to be found here dropped to the ground and nibbling on but actually makes them an ideal food as well. In order to imagine the number the green tips of plants protruding from source. They comprise as much as 85% of voles in any grassy field, visually the soil. In of the diet of many hawks and owls, and divide the field fact, voles coyotes, foxes, snakes, and feral cats into 25’ x do not follow also eat them extensively. 25’ squares, the diurnal the averA new awareness of this secret society cycle of night age territory (a euphemism, since voles are not really and day the size for each social creatures) may give you pause way we and female. Add in during your next snowshoe outing or other larger maybe half as tromp across the wild winter landscape. creatures do. many males, While your thundering footfalls may Their day who wander indeed be crashing down on the high(and night) among these ways and byways of meadow voles, is broken up loosely dethey are quite adaptable little creatures into numerfended patchand will simply make repairs or alter the ous periods es of grass, route after you have passed; however, a of activity, and you have Meadow Vole raucous game of prairie tag with a large each followed some picture group of children that flattens the snow by a period of rest. They maintain a of how plentiful voles are. cover as well as any vegetation in a field small ball-shaped grassy nest in which may indeed be considered an unnecesVoles, and most rodents, do not hiberto rest and raise their young. sary intrusion. Just as the voles mainly nate during winter. Given their small size Like all small rodents, meadow voles stick to established routes when travers(3½–5” in length) and the fact that seeds are quite prolific. With a gestation period ing their world, we should be considerand plants make up most of their diet, of 20–23 days, and average litter sizes ate and do the same. voles can easily remain active during 2

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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6

Excremental Matters

t has been said that guns, steel, and germs were the deciding factors in the domination of America by the various European nations engaged in colonization. Sticks and stones were no match for muskets, pistols, and cannon. Steel made machines which enabled the conquerors to penetrate the continent in superior numbers. Germs decimated the native populations which made the job even easier. There is another factor, one that existed long before the first three were invented, understood, or even imagined. It is a natural fertilizer as old as civilization—manure.

There was great disparity between the old and new worlds in terms of domesticated animals. While the old world brought cattle, horses, sheep, goats, fowl, and swine; the Guinea Pig new world could only offer up Andean guinea pigs and llamas; with turkeys in Mexico. Besides providing the Europeans a ready source of protein, their animals more importantly enabled them to possess a stable form of agriculture through the use of their manure. How did this come to be and what is so precious about manure? The form of manure varies from animal to animal. Chicken droppings look like a tablespoon dollop of grayish to brownish whipped cream. Sheep feces are marble

by Walter Plinske sized ovoid balls that look like a pile of fat black raisins. Cows evacuate roundish lumps of manure about the size of a pie, hence the name cow pie, cow flap, or cow patty. Horses eliminate soft bunlike lumps about the size of a tennis ball, also known as road apples. Pigs, in so many ways similar to humans, reciprocate accordingly, only in a larger scale. In a traditional setting, animals are housed in enclosures where bedding is provided. Bedding, most often straw, keeps the animals dry and comfortable. Over half the nitrogen and potassium in manure is in the urine. These nutrients are easily lost because they are so soluble they can vaporize when exposed to air. There is no better way to preserve these nutrients than by using absorbent bedding. Other materials used for bedding have included peat moss, sawdust, wood shavings, corn cobs, shredded paper, buckwheat hulls, and tree leaves. Manure is not simply feces but the sum total of the material in and added to the bedding. This manurebedding composite then contains starch, cellulose, lignin, fat, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vestiges of the digestive juices that began the decomposition process in the guts of the animal. This conglomeration contains millions of bacteria and millions more

Neolithic Domesticating Animals

microorganisms. These organisms, the chief agents of decomposition, literally eat each other out of house and home. Their numbers decrease as the manure decomposes which is why even pathogens harmful to humans are eliminated after a few months to a year of aging. Manure as a fertilizer provides plants with all sorts of nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Besides the three most important (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, usually referred to as “NPK”), manure is full of trace elements that are taken up as animals feed. Early farmers no doubt noted that where animal dung accumulated, luxuriant plant growth soon followed. Besides possessing the common form of nitrogen called nitrogen-14, manure possesses a more rare form, or “isotope”, called nitrogen-15. When plants are fertilized Goats with manure, they take up both forms into their tissue. Plant remains from cereals such as wheat and barley, and legumes such as peas and lentils, from 13 early farming sites were recently measured for N-15 .These sites were dated between 7900 to 4400 years ago and ranged from Greece and Bulgaria to Britain and Denmark. The N-15 levels in 124 crop samples from over 2,500 grains or seeds were high and consistent with the use of manure. These dates are thousands of years older than the presumed time for the initial use of manure. Manure is an important component of organic gardening. Micro and macronutrients are added to the soil that slowly release over time. Soil aeration and water retention is improved while benefiting soil organisms and earthworms. Using manure means that by recycling, dependency on chemical fertilizers is….. eliminated!

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 • N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 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! Spring Valley is now offering an early bird discount on programs. Prices in the fall brochure reflect that discount and will be in effect until one week before the date of the program. At that time, fees will increase 15%. Programs with insufficient registration will be cancelled at noon three days before the program. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. It is our attempt to serve you better!

Growing Up Wild: Early Childhood Teacher’s Workshop

Saturday, Jan. 23 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Growing Up Wild builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Have fun with crafts, music, reading, and math and receive an activity guide.

Project Learning Tree: Early Childhood Teacher’s Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 13 • 9:00 a.m.- Noon Developed with Pre-K educators and early childhood specialists. Environmental experiences for Early Childhood includes more than 130 activities that engage children in outdoor play and exploration and is specifically designed for educators who work with children ages 3 to 6.

ADULT or TEEN

Harper College & Spring Valley

Meet your Neighbors: Animal Tracking

Spring Valley Winter Fest

Saturday, Feb. 6 • Noon-2 p.m. Discover more about your animal neighbors by learning how to recognize track patterns and scat. Course: LLG0004-001

Saturday & Sunday, Jan 16 & 17 • Noon - 3 p.m.

Get bundled up and join in some winter fun. Enjoy snowshoe walks through the prairie, horse-drawn wagon rides, winter snacks, crafts and activities inside the Nature Center, marshmallows roasted on a winter bonfire and a dog sled demonstration.

All About Chocolate

Wednesday, Feb. 10 • 10 a.m.-Noon Learn the history of chocolate and all the different uses for it. Make two items with chocolate. Course: LFS0052-001

Admission: $3/person or $12/family, children 3 and under free.

Glowing with Glogg

German Cuisine

Friday, Jan. 15 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Brew up a batch of Glogg, a traditional Swedish winter drink, and nibble on Scandinavian snacks.

Wednesday, Feb. 17 • 10 a.m.-Noon Make basic staples of German cuisine and learn about the regionalism behind many of the dishes. Course: LFS0030-001

Weekly Yoga at the Cabin

Tuesday, Jan. 5 - March 8 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5 - March 8 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 - March 10 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 - March 10 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a weekly yoga class in the woods at the Merkle Cabin.

Snowshoe 101

Saturday, Feb. 27 • 10 a.m.-Noon (Alternate date: March 5) Join us as we talk about the health benefits of using snowshoes and getting outside. Course: LLG0003-001

FAMILY

Farm to Table Cooking Series -Cheese Possibilities

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.

Saturday, Feb. 20 • 10:00 a.m.-Noon Making two cheese inspired recipes and take home a block of local-made cheese.

Family Winter Tree Hunt

Sunday, Feb. 21 • 1:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Learn all about local trees and their unique features while following the clues on a map.

Farm to Table Cooking Series -Infused Cooking Oils and Vinegar

Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush

Saturday, Feb. 28 • 10:00 a.m.-Noon Make infused oils and vinegar with dried herbs and take home a bottle of locally made oil.

Saturday, Feb. 27 • 4:00-6:00 p.m. Tap maple trees, gather sap, tend the boildown and enjoy a pancake ‘supper’ at the Cabin. 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 • N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5

Frozen Scientists

SugarBush Fair Schaumburg Park District's

Saturday, Jan. 30 • 4:00-5:00 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of snow and ice related crafts and experiments. Come prepared to go outside.

FREE ADMISSION!

Snow Bunnies

Sunday, Jan. 24 • 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy a story then head out to explore the snowy trails for signs of bunnies.

Winter S.O.S.

MAPLE SUGARING-Originally published by Currier & Ives

Saturday, Feb. 20 • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Learn what it takes to survive a Midwest winter. Build shelters, start fires, track animals and more.

Saturday & Sunday, March 12 & 13 Enjoy a pancakes breakfast with real maple syrup, sausage, juice and coffee. See authentic demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp, children’s puppet show, hayride and sales of syrup and other goodies. Breakfast tickets will be available for purchase Feb. 1. Click here for more information.

Winter Wanderers

Saturday, Feb. 20 • 11:00 a.m.-Noon Hike the winter woods, explore animal tracks left by critters and solve winter mysteries.

Home School Naturalist Group Programs

Winter Campfire in the Cabin

Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm is the perfect place for hands-on, exploration-based science programs. Offerings change seasonally, so check the program guide regularly.

Saturday, Feb. 6 • 6:30-8:00 p.m. Brave the winter chill for an evening of fun around the cabin fireplace.

Winter Full Moon Hike

Winter topics: •• Geology – Travel through the rock cycle, identify rocks and minerals, and start your own rock collection. •• Winter Birds – Discover which birds stay for the winter and how they adapt to survive the cold. •• Snow & Ice – Take a closer look at the science behind snow and ice through experiments and observations.

Friday, Jan. 22 • 6:00-7:30 p.m. Explore Spring Valley in the moonlight as we play in the snow and hunt for nocturnal animals.

YOUTH Chickadee’s Day Out

Friday, Jan. 8 • 4:00-5:00 p.m. Spend the day with chickadee, one of Spring Valley’s cheeriest winter birds!

Available every winter: Conservation in Action, Woodlands, Owls: Predators of the Night, Winter Ecology, Nighttime Nature

Dutch Oven Valentines

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

Sunday, Feb. 7 • 10:00 a.m.-Noon Hike to the cabin and help make some delicious treats to bake over a toasty wood fire.

Snowshoe Rentals Available Beginning Dec. 1

Experience the beauty of the winter landscape in a new way! The following rental policies apply: • There must be at least four inches of snow on the ground before rentals will be made available. • First-time renters will be asked to view a short videotape on the proper way to use snowshoes prior to taking them out. • A rental application and liability waiver must be filled out at the Nature Center Visitor Center. • A driver’s license or some other form of ID is required as deposit. • Rental rate is $4 for a maximum of three hours for use at Spring Valley. • Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. All rentals must be returned by 4:30 p.m. • Special youth group rates are available after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Call to inquire. No youth groups on weekends. • To take snowshoes off site, a deposit of $50 is required. The cost is $10 per day.

Call 847/985-2100 for more information.

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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6

Spring Valley Volunteer Recognition for 2015

Spring Valley held its Volunteer Holiday Celebration and Recognition event on Friday, December 11. It was wonderful that so many volunteers could join us for the evening’s festivities. Activities included the chance to socialize with fellow volunteers, the toasting of wassail, the pleasure of delectable food, and of course, the recognition of our fantastic volunteers. Spring Valley volunteers, along with the help of local church, corporate, school, and scout groups, contributed 1,296.25 hours in 2015. It’s wonderful to see such strong community support. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and talent to Spring Valley. We simply could not accomplish as much as we do without you! As is traditionally done this time of year, we would like to specifically recognize people for their accomplishments over the past year. First 25 hours of service Elaine Deibert Babs Eddington Lisa Michelini Jennifer O’Reilly Emma Rogers Janeen Ross Kayla Song Simona Stalev Denise Suender Margie Vollkommer 50 to 99 Hours Gail Ameer Kaitlyn Ball Caroline Bezik Bill Bidlo Deanna Bruckner Eve Carter Dennis Colbert Rosemary Colbert Gretchen Coleman Christine Curin Elaine Deibert Ray Deibert Daryle Drew Venus Gintowt Louis Handke-Roth Jennifer Harkin Arlene Krizka Barb Kuhn Karen Kusek Autumn Latus Nancy Mamsen Mary Matz

Janet Neally Don Olszewski Penny Perles Tom Perles Walter Plinske Leo Salais Simona Stalev Gerri Svenson Carol Thomas Margie Vollkommer Angela Waidanz John Witkowski

Ken Ogorzalek Dick Ruffolo Roy Svenson 400 to 499 Hours Barb Mitchell Two Years: Caroline Bezik Angie Cornwell Pat Dillon Andrea Farnham Andy Farnham Nancy Griffin Bruce Kuhnhofer Elizabeth Moorman Marilyn Mottley Gerri Svenson Ray Svenson Rich Wysocki

100 to 199 Hours Barb Dochterman Andrea Farnham Andy Farnham Arthur Jeczala Bruce Kuhnhofer James McGee Sandy Meo Mert Rutledge Laurie Tatom Carolyn White

Five Years Jennifer Greco Jay Laski Judy Leon Mary Matz Sharon Ogorzalek Elizabeth Tatom John Tatom

200 to 299 Hours Carol Anagnostopoulos Roger Nelson 300 to 399 Hours Duane Bolin Lynn Eikenbary Pete Gigous Jay Laski Tony Meo

Ten Years Dennis Colbert Rosemary Colbert Hilary Ellis Mike Gear 6

Amanda Greco Fifteen Years Barb Royce Nancy Ruffolo Shirley Turpin Ellie Vogel Twenty Years Janet Bedsole Pat Campbell Susanne Cannella Christine Curin Bill Forst Twenty-Five Years Gene Niewiadomski Helga Niewiadomski Thirty Years Carol Thomas Donna Turner Thirty-Five Years Bill Tucknott Forty Years Lynn Eikenbary

Note: If you are due an award and haven’t yet received it, please stop by the Nature Center by Feb. 1 so we can personally present it to you. Thanks you.

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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6

Volunteer Want Ads

If you are interested in helping with any of the following activities, please call Judy at 847/985-2100 or e-mail her at juvito@parkfun.com. Conservation Workday Saturday, Jan. 23 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Put on your grubby clothes, dress for the weather, and help us cut buckthorn.

Prescribed Burn Training Saturday, Feb. 20 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn the philosophy behind controlled burns and why we use this important management tool at Spring Valley. Volunteers who attend the training will then be eligible to assist with the prescribed burns we do in spring and fall. Training is in the Nature Center classroom.

Sugar Bush Set-Up Friday, March 11 If you have logged at least 25 hours of volunteer time this past year or are a new active Spring Valley volunteer who joined in 2015, we hope you can join us for our annual volunteer recognition event. Keep an eye out for your invitation and be sure to RSVP for this festive evening.

Dates to Remember

• Monday, Jan. 11.............1-4 p.m. Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, Jan.16............Noon-3pm Winterfest • Sunday, Jan 17..............Noon-3pm Winterfest • Saturday, Jan. 23...........9 a.m.-1 p.m. Conservation Workday • Wednesday, Feb. 3........6:30-9 p.m. Volunteer Meeting • Monday, Feb. 8..............1-4 p.m. Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, Feb. 20...........9 a.m.-2 p.m. Burn Training

Welcome New Volunteers… • Lydia Tarasiuk

Sugar Bush Saturday & Sunday, March 12 & 13 It’s not too early to start thinking about the Sugar Bush Fair. If you think you’ll be available to help, please give me a call. Shift time is 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Remember – there’s a free pancake breakfast for all volunteers!

Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Caroline Bezik, Leon Blum, Ray Deibert, Daryle Drew, Amanda Greco, Jennifer Harkin, Amanda, Janet and Al Kraus, Bruce Kuhnhofer, Jay Laski, Natalie Lichtenbert, Mary Matz, Janet Neally, Roger Nelson, Patty Ochs, Kristi Overgaard, Barb and Bob Royce, Dick Ruffolo, Mert Rutledge, Roy Svenson, Laurie Tatom, John Witkowski, and Julie Worsham for their continuing weekly animal care assistance at Volkening Heritage Farm.

• Pat Campbell and Arthur Jeczala who help with a variety of administrative support activities on a regular basis. • Duane Bolin, Jay Laski, Tony Meo, Ken Ogorzalek, and Roy Svenson for their ongoing assistance with grounds maintenance at the Nature Center and the Farm. • To those who volunteered at our various fall and winter special events. Your assistance allowed visitors to enjoy many unique experiences at events including Haunting in the Valley, Hoghouse to Smokehouse, and Christmas in the Valley. 7

Happy Birthday to… January

2 4 5 11 12 17 21

Gary Glatzhofer Andrea Farnham Matt Franks Jim Sears Barb Dochterman Jennifer O’Reilly Marilyn Dvoratchek Louis Handke-Roth Arlene Krizka

February

6 7 8 9 10 14

Randee Lawrence Mary Harlos Ray Deibert Jeff Huebner Arthur Jeczala Keith Kramer Sandy Meo Bill Flesch Leo Salais

23 24 27 28 29 30 31

Eileen Skiba Andy Farnham Pat Floreani Norina Waugh Kaitlyn Ball Dan Greco Gaby Ramos Ann Scacco Arlene Burke

16 17 19 23 25 27

Mike Gear Dave Krein Angie Cornwell Roger Nelson Dean Bruckner Janet Neally

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

JANUARY 2016

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Farm Closed

Saturday

Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

New Year’s Day

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

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

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

Spring Valley Winter Fest Noon

18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

•Snow Bunnies 11am

Spring Valley Nature Club 6:30pm

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

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

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

•Chickadee’s Day Out 4pm

Spring Valley Winter Fest Noon

•Glowing with Glogg 6:30pm

Conservation Workday 9am

•Winter Full Moon Walk 6pm

•Frozen Scientists 4pm

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

FEBRUARY 2016

Monday

Tuesday

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

•Dutch Oven Valentines 10am

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

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

Valentine’s Day

•Family Winter Tree Hunt 1pm

Presidents’ Day

Wednesday

Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm

•All About Chocolate 10am

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

•German Cuisine 10am

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

•Meet your Neighbors: Animal Tracking Noon

•Winter Campfire in the Cabin 6:30pm

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

Saturday

Friday

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

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

•Farm to Table Cooking – Oils and Vinegars 10am

Thursday

Prescribed Burn Training 9am •Farm to Table Cooking – Cheese 10am •Winter Wanderers 11am •Winter S.O.S. 1pm

•Snowshoe 101 10am •Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush 4pm

•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at the Cabin 8pm

Farm Closed Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

S p r i n g Va l l e y â&#x20AC;˘ N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r â&#x20AC;˘ J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6

Artifact Highlight: Schneebesen (German Egg Beater #1993.33.2)

he wooden egg beater, an iconic German household utensil dating back hundreds of years, remained unchanged until the advent of modern commercialism. The Schneebesen, which literally translates to snow broom, an ode to its egg-white whipping ability, comes in a multitude of shapes and sizes but follows two basic forms. The natural form, cut from the radial branches of an evergreen tree, and the manufactured form with its two piece head and shaft assembly. One can clearly see how the manufactured form grew out of wanting the natural form but without the available materials to make it. The manufactured form has an advantage. Its materials can be carefully selected to prevent the wood from splitting. This causes unsanitary conditions as well as extra work cleaning egg out of the deep crevices that inevitably occur.

grated around the world, they took their egg beaters with them. New climates and new flora dictated new materials for the Schneebesen. Immigrants to Northern Illinois found no pine trees with which to make their natural form. As a result, hard wood version of the manufactured two piece form became predominant. In spite of this, many an old

While the manufactured versions of the Schneebesen would seem to have many advantages, the natural versions, cut from the top of small evergreen trees have many of their own attributes. They are quick to make with very simple tools and, where evergreen trees are abundant, can be disposed of and replaced easily when cracks occur. It should be noted that while they would seem to have very different attributes both forms are commonly used and considered interchangeable throughout Germany. In the 19th century, as German emigrants mi10

by Jon Kuester

Hausfrau stubbornly held on to her relic brought over from the old country. Today you can see reproductions of the manufactured forms being used in the farm house kitchen. You can even purchase your own Schneebesen at the farm visitor center gift shop skillfully reproduced by our volunteers.

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 a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 Schaumburg Rd.

N Plum Grove Rd.

Spring Valley is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams with over three miles of handicappedaccessible trails, a museum featuring natural history displays and information, and an 1880s living-history farm. Spring Valley is open to the general public. Admission is free.

Vera Meineke Nature Center

Volkening Heritage Farm

PHONE VERA MEINEKE NATURE CENTER...............................................847/985-2100 VOLKENING HERITAGE FARM......................................................847-985-2102

135 acres

HOURS 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.