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.3 no.3 • May/June ‘12
In this issue...
Much of what there is to know about the natural world or history is hidden from plain view. In spite of the public or private education we all receive, it’s easy to go through life completely unaware of many of the creatures that live among us or the lives that came before ours. In other words, it takes some sleuthing, effort, and often training, to discover many things about the world we live in. As many wise people have recognized, a lack of understanding and knowledge about our local environment and history is not just regrettable but can potentially be dangerous. This is particularly true when people lack an understanding of history, since we must then relearn important lessons already learned by previous generations. This issue of Natural Enquirer helps to bring to light a few of these hidden elements. Coyotes are an often misunderstood and feared element of the natural world, and aquatic environments and the fish lurking in their depths are alien worlds to most of us. Spring Valley invites visitors to slow down, open their eyes and ears, and look beneath the surface of things. With knowledge comes not only understanding but appreciation and empowerment.
Inside Ghosts of the Cities..............................................2 Springtime Spawns Life Beneath the Water’s Edge.........................................................3 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5
Farm Life in the Old Northwest Territory...........6 Spring Valley General Information....................10 Volunteer News Contents Volunteern 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 1 2
Ghosts of the Cities
T
by Matt McBrien
he coyote, a symbol of the desert southwest and a key figure in Native American lore, is truly an American success story. Prior to European settlement, the coyotes’ range was limited to the plains and southwest desert regions of North America. With the removal of other top predators such as the gray wolf and bobcat due to hunting and destruction of suitable habitat, the opportunistic coyote has found a way to not only adapt and expand its native range but to also flourish among the bustling cities and suburbs across all of North America. However, not without conflict!
Coyote Pack
Coyotes are frequently portrayed as cunning tricksters, outlaws, and survivors in American mythology and Native American lore, but the coyotes’ ability to thrive and successfully reproduce in the harshest conditions remains its greatest attribute. With estimates within the City of Chicago of 2000 animals, their elusiveness and adaptability in this highly populated urban environment with few places to hide has earned them the name Ghosts of the Cities. This yellow-eyed canid is a member of the dog family; medium in size (adults generally between 25 and 35 pounds) and similar in appearance to a collie or German shepherd, with pointed ears and a bushy black tipped tail. These shy, timid animals are rarely seen but their presence can be identified by their distinctive howls or whines in response to a passing ambulance siren. The fecal material or scat is a good indicator of coyote presence and is often found in the open on pathways and trails. Its distinct ropelike appearance with a matrix of hair and bones, unlike the smooth texture of domestic pets, is deposited as a territorial marker to establish boundaries. Coyotes are often loners but may also form small packs, typically 5–6 family members, comprised of an alpha breeding pair and subordinates from the previ-
ous year’s litter, not including young of the year. Although they are a closely knit family, spreading responsibilities between raising the young and defending territories, individuals commonly hunt and travel alone or in loose pairs. Home ranges can reach up to 70 miles, but the range of the urban coyote tends to be between 10 and 25 miles. In captivity, their life span can reach up to 15 years; however, in an urban setting most die before their second year. Mortality in urban coyotes is most often the result of Coyote Pups vehicle strikes or diseases such as mange and parvovirus.
food or removed as a competitive threat in coyote territory. Small dogs allowed to roam without an owner may be taken; and on rare occurrences, even with an owner present. However, a look at the typical diet of coyotes in Cook County show that the main staple is rodents (42%) followed by fruit (23%) and whitetailed deer (22%) with domestic cat (1%) at the bottom of the list. Human attacks are even less common than those of domestic animal reports. Most of these encounters occur with young children who are left unattended and incidents isolated to the southwestern portion of the United States. In Cook County, there have been no reported cases of a coyote biting a person, compared to 2,000 to 3,000 dog bites reported annually and 186 dog related human deaths from 2005–2011 in the United States. The only documented coyote related fatality in the U.S. occurred in Glendale, California, in 1981 when a 3-year old girl wandered from her home and encountered a coyote.
Coyotes play an important ecological role in local communities as top predators. In rural areas where coyote removal Many of these altercations occur due has taken place, dramatic increases in to a simple explanation. Feeding wild rodent populations have been found to animals, either intentionally or unintenoccur. Populations of white-tailed deer, tionally, teaches coyotes to associate hua problem in many urban areas, are mans with food, eventually making them kept in check when coyotes prey upon very bold and unafraid. This young fawn and sick occurs most often when pet or injured adults. food or trash is left outside, Population growth of food scraps are placed on Canada geese has top of the compost pile, or dramatically slowed bird feeders lure coyotes to in most urban seteasily prey upon squirrels, tings where coyotes birds, or other rodents. Coyare present due to otes live among us, wanderpredation of goose ing harmlessly through our nests. These benefits communities between parks Coyote in Store are too often overand natural areas. We must adapt as looked by media and the general public, coyotes have and realize coexisting with where the focus instead shifts to negathese amazing animals is possible. tive stories of isolated incidents involving attacks on pets. Links: Despite media reports of coyote encounters with pets or humans, however unfortunate, these instances are rare. Pet attacks occur most frequently with free ranging cats, occasionally taken as 2
www.urbancoyoteresearch.com/index.htm www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/ article/5832/ www.canids.org/PUBLICAT/CNDNEWS3/ coyotes.htm
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 1 2
Springtime Spawns Life Beneath the Water’s Edge As the last snowmelt and spring showers replenish water levels of local ponds and rivers, life cycles, in turn, follow the escalating temperatures and increased activity. Fellow fisherman and aquatic biology enthusiasts understand the importance of the spring season in relation to fish reproduction; and, while many may notice the stealthy stalking of a great blue heron on a pond’s edge, few may realize the significant flurry occurring below the bird’s still reflection. Schools are definitely in session throughout May and June, as newly-born fish (fry) leave their cribs and search for cover from a vast number of predators. While each species of fish varies in spawning preferences, most reproductive cycles can be related to two consistent factors: water temperature and structure/soil content beneath the water’s surface.
The largemouth bass spawning cycle is determined by specific environmental conditions, with the largest factor being water temperature. Male and female bass take to their spawning beds when the water Largemouth Bass Fry temperature reaches 60 degrees. This may vary slightly due to the location of the water source and the overall climate, but this is a general rule of thumb. Largemouth prefer to create their beds on sandy, gravel or hard packed clay soils in order to assure the stability of the nest. Most largemouth tend to create their beds in relatively shallow water, usually no deeper than five feet. These can occur along shorelines or raised flats in the center of a body of water. When choosing a location in a lake, pond, or river, largemouth prefer calmer slack water over an area that is exposed to a lot of current. The males play a very important role in the reproduction process. They create the bed by fanning out a circular area with their tails. Once the bed has been approved by a female, it is the male’s responsibility to protect the fertilized eggs and young for up to
a week after the eggs have hatched. Once this week has passed, however, a true display of feast or famine occurs and the male may feed on any fry still in the nest. A female may lay eggs on multiple nests to ensure the success rate for future generations. The fry tend to find thick cover like aquatic vegetation or rock piles for protection and a food source once they leave the nest. They are then on their own to feed, grow and mature.
by Matt Streitmatter
until they mature enough to ingest larger insects and fish. Strength in numbers is this species’ survival method with most bluegills remaining in schools for the majority of their life.
Channel catfish are the last of these three species to spawn. They require much warmer water temperatures than largemouth bass and bluegill. Their preferred range is 75–85 degrees, with the optimal temperature around 80 degrees. Channel catfish, along with blue catfish The bluegill’s and flathead catfish, depend range covers greatly on the structure on the entire the bottom of the lake when country and spawning. Old beaver dens, the sheer undercut banks, deep slow abundance of moving holes and burrows the species is provide pre-made nesting sites a credit to the for the fish. The males clear fish’s adaptthe nest site for the females to ability and enter and lay the eggs, a sticky reproductive yellow mass. Once the eggs Bluegill Bed Colony prowess. have Like the largemouth, been bluegills wait for water deposited temperatures to reach and fertilabout 60 degrees to ized, the spawn; however, they male catprefer warmer waters fish will closer to the 70 degree drive the mark. As long as the female water temp remains from the at this level or higher, site and Channel Catfish Egg Sacs a single female may spawn protect multiple times a year, usually once in the eggs from predators until they have the spring and once in the late summer. hatched. Because channel cats choose While this does help ensure the spedark and sometimes stagnant areas to cies’ survival, it can also lead to probspawn, the male will fan the eggs with lems with overpopulation and stunted his fins to make sure the eggs remain growth. Bluegills tend to nest on hard aerated and free of sediment. Newly bottom soils in about three feet of water hatched fry have a large yolk sac conor less. The males create and protect taining the nutrients needed for survival the nest vigorously, often challenging for up to five days until the fry is fully bass and other larger predators. Their developed. Once the sac is absorbed, nests are very visible from the shoreline, the fry is on its own to fend for itself. and groups of 50 or more nests can be Many factors and environmental condifound in a colony type grouping. These tions determine when fish retreat to their groups can act as an early link in an beds for the spawning season. Water aquatic food chain as bass, northern temperature and soil/structure condipike and musky linger in surrounding tions can truly determine this cycle and weeds and drop-offs around the collecensure a healthy population of fish withtion of bluegill beds. To counteract these in an ecosystem. Take time to search for predators, females can lay 40,000 eggs beds and cribs within your favorite body or more per spawn. Fry feed on plankof water, and enjoy the shimmering acton and other microscopic invertebrates tion just below the surface. 3
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 1 2
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: Science Talk
Saturday, June 23 & 30 • 8:30AM-4:30PM How do we communicate about science? Participate in science activities and create interesting ways to share results and assess your students. One graduate credit hour from Aurora University ($100), one graduate science credit from Benedictine University ($135), CPS Lane credit or 15 CPDUs available. Additional workshops are being developed. For up-to-date information, visit www.parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/programs.
All Ages
Enjoy an evening of nature and spirits
Saturday, June 16 • 6-9PM 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: $20 in advance • $25 at the door
Includes 10 tastings. Additional tastings available for a fee. Benefits the Schaumburg Park Foundation campaign to renovate the nature museum at Spring Valley.
Free - Heaven’s Watch
Sat., May 12 • 9:30-11:30P....Saturn Sat., June 9 • 9:30-11:30P....Great Hercules Cluster Sat., July 14 • 9:30-11:30P....“Wild Duck” Cluster in Saturn Sat., Aug. 11 • 9:00-11:00P....Perseids Join Chicago Astronomical Society as they set their telescopes for a peek at the night skies.
Breakfast with the Birds
Saturday, May 12 • 7:00-9:00A Enjoy an early morning walk to look for Spring Valley’s colorful migratory birds.
Free - Neighborhood Nature Areas
Fri., June 22 • 7:00-8:30P Kay Wojcik/Oak Hollow Conservation Area
ADULT
Harper College & Spring Valley
Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley.
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Oasis
Saturday, June 9 • 9:00-11:30A Learn how to transform a plain landscape into a space teeming with butterflies, birds and other backyard visitors. Course: LELG0061
Traditional Home Brewing
Saturday, June 2 • 4:00-6:00P Learn about the art of home brewing of beer, as practiced by this area’s German settlers. Course: LEI 0079
Nature’s Night Life - ADULTS ONLY! Friday, May 4 • 8:00-10:00P Start your weekend with a relaxing and enlightening evening walk at Spring Valley.
Power Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, May 5-12 • 10:00A-1:00P The course covers site selection, soil preparation, fertilization, watering, pest control and harvest.
Restorative Yoga at the Cabin
Friday, May 18 & July 20 • 7:00-8:00P Recharge the body, mind and soul in a soothing, stress-free environment.
Weekly Yoga at the Cabin
Tuesday, June 5-Aug. 7 • 6:00-7:00P Tuesday, June 5-Aug. 7 • 7:30-8:30P Thursday, June 7-Aug. 9 • 6:30-7:30P Thursday, June 7-Aug. 9 • 8:00-9:00P Enjoy a weekly yoga class in the woods.
Fri., Aug. 10 • 7:00-8:30P Ruth Macintyre Conservation Area Discover these hidden jewels and find out what lives there and how these areas are managed.
Free - Peonies Aplenty
Sunday, May 27 & June 3 Learn the story of the Redeker peony farm and view the descendents of the original peonies that grow there today.
Free - Spring Bird Count
Saturday, May 5 • 7:00A-5:00P Help count birds during the Audubon Society spring bird count.
Sundown Supper on the Farm
Saturday, May 19 & June 9 • 4:30-7:30P Help with evening chores, make supper and get a chance to watch the sunset.
Up and At’em Animal Chores
Saturday, May 12 & June 30 • 7:30-9:30A Wake up and get outside to help with animal chores.
Child and Parent Gardener’s Delight
Tuesday, June 19 & July 17 • 3:45-4:30P Help Spring Valley’s Kids’ Garden with tasks designed to teach about plants and gardening.
Grandparent/Grandchild Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, June 16 • 10:00A-Noon You and your grandchild will learn to plan, plant, cultivate and grow a vegetable garden.
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 1 2
&
Native Plant Sale Backyards for Nature Fair Sunday, May 6 10AM-2PM
Summer Camps at Spring Valley Spring Valley offers a variety of summer camps (full and half-day) for children 5-15 years old. For more information, call 847/985-2100 or click here.
Spring Valley Nature Center
This event features information on landscaping with native plants, composting, attracting birds, rain gardens, natural pest control, children’s activities and plant sale. Click here for more information. Co-sponsored by Schaumburg Community Garden Club
Mondays for Moms and Kids
Monday, June 18 & July 16 • 3:15-4:15P Moms, spend some Monday time walking and enjoying nature with your child.
Once Upon a Time in the Kitchen
Saturday, May 5 • 10:00A-1:00P Listen to classic tales and learn what your child’s heroes may have eaten.
Parent/Child Vegetable Gardening Saturday, June 9 • 10:00A-Noon You and your child will learn to plan, plant, cultivate and grow a vegetable garden.
FAMILY
The following programs have a special family rate. By registering ONE child, it is assumed that a minimum of two people (one adult and child) or a maximum of four people are attending. Do NOT register additional people, they may pay on the day of the program.
Campfire at the Cabin
Friday, June 8 • 7:45-9:15P After a craft at the Nature Center, walk to the cabin for a campfire with stories, songs and toasted marshmallows.
Family Camping Workshop
Saturday, June 23 • 10:00A-Noon This workshop covers the basic camping skills needed to enjoy the great outdoors this summer.
Family Geocaching
Saturday, June 9 • 1:00-2:30P Join the world wide treasure hunt that will get the whole family outdoors and moving all year long!
Night of the Frogs
Saturday, May 19 • 6:30-8:00P Ribbit! Croak! Peep! The evening chorus of frogs is a sure sign that summer is on the way.
Mowing and Mooing Sponsored by
Sunday, June 24 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.
Youth Bats Are Beautiful!
Wednesday, June 27 • 7:00-8:30P Come out to look for bats and enjoy discovering what you can about them.
Cooking at the Cabin
Friday, June 8 • 5:00-7:00P Do you like to cook over an open fire? Create delicious foods to enjoy from the fire.
Fantastic Flyers
Sunday, June 10 • 9:00-10:30A Discover who is flying around Spring Valley. Meet new feathered friends or visit old favorites.
Habitat Hoppers
Sunday, June 10 • 11:00A-12:30P Hang out at Spring Valley and look for hoppers of all shapes and sizes.
Marvelous Mud
Saturday, May 12 • 10:30A-Noon Dig in to uncover the messy world of mud. Come prepared to get a little bit muddy!
Spring Discoveries
Saturday, May 12 • 4:00-5:00P Children will explore spring’s bounty and discover what may be hiding in unusual places.
Summer Discoveries
Friday, June 8 • 3:45-4:45P Bask in the glories of a beautiful summer afternoon and uncover the colors all around us.
Show Me Historic & Scenic Missouri Tuesday-Sunday, Sept. 11-16
Explore the ‘Show Me State’ and experience some Ozark hospitality. Destinations include historic Hermann, a Missouri River town with deep German roots celebrating its 175th anniversary. We will also visit Missouri Botanical Garden’s Shaw Nature Reserve before heading down to the Lake of the Ozarks, a land of hills, hollows, clear springs and caves. After touring one of the area caves, we will head north to Hannibal to experience the story of Mark Twain and life on the river. A highlight will be a Saturday evening dinner cruise. All transportation, lodging, entrance fees and most meals will be provided. Registration and full payment due Aug. 8. For details, click here or call 847/985-2115.
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 1 2
Farm Life in the Old Northwest Territory
by Evan Zimmerman
1800s farms averaged 40–80 acres in size, with some larger or smaller than average. Chores on the farm shifted with the seasons. In spring, preparing and planting fields dominated the days, along with shearing sheep for wool. Summertime brought the cutting and storing of hay, particularly when
Milking Shorthorns
Life on a typical 19th Century Midwestern farm wasn’t as carefree as people today might imagine. Daily tasks were time consuming and all-encompassing. Agriculture was a year-round job, and livestock care was a daily adventure. The weather was always a factor in productivity, helping or hindering a farmer’s ability to accomplish all that was needed during the daylight hours. Prosperous farmers were able to sustain their families, with excess production available to exchange for non-farm created items such as sugar. Acquiring land to begin a family farm was often a matter of finances rather than time or opportunity. A prospective farmer might work as a farmhand to earn enough money to buy his own piece of property. He might work as a tenant farmer, renting the land from the owner until he had paid off the mortgage. Some German immigrants to the Schaumburg area brought enough capital with them to purchase the land directly. Other settlers inherited the farm from parents or grandparents when they retired. Farm sizes varied greatly, depending on market conditions. The type of soil, and the crops that would do well in it, impacted what choices were made regarding the fields. Farmers in the same vicinity would grow different items, in order to keep supply and demand in check. A balanced market brought more profit for everyone involved in the agriculture business. Schaumburg’s mid-to-late
The Pig Days of Summer
the sun was shining. The household garden would demand attention, as it was the main source of food for the upcoming winter months. Fall was a time of harvest, including field crops and orchard fruit and grains were prepared and separated. With the approach of winter, butchering took center stage, as did the chopping and stacking of firewood for needed fuel.
stored meat, the springhouse dairy products, and the root cellar fruits and vegetables. Shops for woodworking or blacksmithing allowed the farmer to repair his equipment, saving both time and money. Buildings were ringed by fences to encompass fields and pastures, or contained livestock that were out to graze the green grass. Horses may have appeared to have made it in the shade as they nibbled in a lush paddock, but they worked hard for that privilege. They were the most important livestock on a working farm, providing muscle beyond that of the humans. Schaumburg famers often had Percherons, or Percheron-mixes, as their horsepower of choice. Cattle, such as shorthorns, provided milk and meat; and chickens gave eggs as well as poultry to eat. Sheep were originally a part of Schaumburg farm life, but dwindled in importance as flax replaced wool for material. Hogs, or corn on the hoof as they were sometimes called, came in the form of Berkshire or Poland China breeds. The pork was consumed, and the lard put to many uses around the farm. Spring Valley’s Heritage Farm is a step back in time, with some modern conveniences. Visitors can see what farm life was like in the Old Northwest Territory, with the unique perspective that was Schaumburg. There are few places that can balance the old and the new so well as this. Come and experience it this season.
Looking around a Schaumburg farm, the buildings would stand out in your horizon. The farmhouse itself was often surrounded by various outbuildings that kept the farm functioning. Barns held equipment, feed, or livestock; the summer kitchen kept the farmhouse cool during the warm summer months. The smokehouse Dick and Chuck Tending Field 6
Volunteer News S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 2
Dates to Remember
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 Workdays
May 16, May 19, June 13 & June 25 Come one! Come all! We’re looking for volunteers to spend the morning with us for our upcoming workdays. Any amount of time you can share with us on these conservation projects would be appreciated.
Mowing and Mooing
Sunday, June 24 • 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.
• Wed., May 2................ 6:30-9PM
Volunteer Meeting
• Sat., May 5.................. 7AM-4PM
Spring Bird Count
• Sun., May 6................. 10AM-2PM
Backyards for Nature Fair
• Mon., May 14.............. 1-4PM
Handy Crafters Meeting
• Wed., May 16.............. 9AM-Noon
Conservation Workday
• Sat., May 19................ 9AM-1PM
Conservation Workday
• Sun., May 20............... 10-11:30AM
“What is That?” Farm Training
• Sat., May 26................ 9AM-4PM
Farm Clothing Sewing Day
• Sun., June 3................ 9AM-Noon
Farm Kitchen Training
• Mon., June 11............. 1-4PM
Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Lynn Eikenbary and Carolyn White for assisting with School District 54 winter programming.
Handy Crafters Meeting
• Wed., June 13............. 9AM-Noon
Conservation Workday
• Sun., June 17.............. 1-2:30PM
• Carol Anagnostopoulos, Barb Dochterman, Lynn Eikenbary, Barb Mitchell, Barb Muehlhausen, Diane Shore and Donna Turner for creating cattail mats for the wigwam. • Christine Curin, Amanda Greco, Janet Neally, Patty Ochs, Tom Poklen, Barb Royce, Sue and Rich Ringfelt and Amy Vito for being this year’s sap collectors.
“Who’s Who on the Farm” Training
• Sat., June 23............... 9AM-1PM
Conservation Workday
• Sun., June 24.............. Noon-4PM
Mowing and Mooing
Welcome New Volunteers…
• Gail Ameer, Carol Anagnostopoulos, Duane Bolin, Dean and Deanna Bruckner, Eve Carter, Carol Cellini, Barbara Dochterman, Marilyn and Jerome Dvoratchek, Lynn Eikenbary, Victor Franks, Arthur Jeczala, Arlene Krizka, Barb Mitchell, Carol Thomas, Donna Turner and Angela Waidanz for helping with miscellaneous set-up jobs for Sugar Bush.
• Megan Bonney • Bill Flesch • Charlene Miles
• All the volunteers who helped make this year’s record breaking Sugar Bush a success.
Happy Birthday to…
• Gail Ameer, Sandy Meo and Donna Turner for their continuing attention to the collections care duties. • Chuck Henry, Jay Laski, Mary Matz and John Witkowski for being personal physical trainers for Duke and Prince.
Congratulations…
to Barb Mitchell, 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 April 18.
7
May
• Elise DeGeus • Matthew Marrero
1 Dan Floreani 2 Tom Skiba 3 Cindy Holmberg John Tatom 4 Evan Barr 7 Elizabeth Tatom
June 1 2 3 5 9 15 17
Joan Vodraska Penny Perles Venus Gintowt Amanda Greco Hilary Ellis Tom Walsh Carol Thomas Larry Morkert
6 1 17 18 20 22
8 1 20 21 22 23 27 30
Angela Waidanz Jan Costis Jean Tucknott Malay Sapra Jean Havlir
Pete Gigous Peter Sochacki Bill Tucknott Richard Leonhardt Leon Blum Dave Margolis James McGee Megan Bonney
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 9am-2pm • Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Cabin Closed
Tuesday
1
•All About Farm Animals 1:30pm
May 2012 Wednesday
2
Thursday
3
Friday
4
Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
6
Backyards for Nature Fair 10am
13
7
14
Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm •Mondays for Moms and Kids 3:15pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
8
Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm
9
•All About Farm Animals 1:30pm
•Science and Nature Explorers 2:15pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
15
16
Conservation Workday 9am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
10
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
“What is That?” Farming Training 10am
Peonies A’ Plenty Noon
11
18
•Restorative Yoga 6:30pm
Mother’s Day
Memorial Day 8
5
Spring Bird Count 7am •Once Upon a Time in the Kitchen 10am •Power Vegetable Gardening 10am
•Nature’s Night Life 8pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
17
Saturday
25
12
•Breakfast with the Birds 7am •Up and At ‘Em 7:30am •Power Vegetable Gardening 10am •Marvelous Mud 10:30am •Spring Discoveries 4pm •Heaven’s Watch 9:30pm
19
Conservation Workday 9am •Sundown Supper on the Farm 4:30pm •Night of the Frogs 6:30pm
26
Farm Clothing Sewing Day 9am
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 2012 Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Farm Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-2pm • Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Cabin Closed
Saturday
2
•Traditional Home Brewing 4pm
Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
3
Farm Kitchen Training 9am Peonies A’ Plenty Noon
4
5
6
7
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
10
•Fantastic Flyers 9am •Habitat Hoppers 11am
11
Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
M-F
12
•Valley Ventures 9:15am •Animal Crackers 9:30am
13
Conservation Workday 9am •Chores and Chortles Mini 10am •Half-Day Valley Ventures 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
17
“Who’s Who on the Farm” Training 1pm •Wagon Rides at the Farm 3pm
18 M-F
19 •Wee Sprouts 9:15am •Animal Crackers Mini 9:30am
•Mondays for Moms & Kids 3:15pm •Gardener’s Delight 3:45pm
Father’s Day
24
Mowing and Mooing Noon
25 M-F
8
•Summer Discoveries 3:45pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•Cooking at the Cabin 5pm •Campfire at the Cabin 7:45pm
14
15
•Ponds, Puddles and Play 10am •Farmer Boot Camp 2:30pm
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
20
21
•Historian’s Apprentice 9:45am •Birds, Bugs ‘n Books 10am
9
•Creating a Backyard Wildlife Oasis 9am •Parent and Child Vegetable Gardening 10am •Wagon Rides at the Farm 10am •Family Geocaching 1pm •Sundown Supper on the Farm 4:30pm •Heaven’s Watch 9:30pm
16
•Grandparent & Child Vegetable Gardening 10am
Solstice Hop ‘n Vine Fest 6pm
22
•All About Fish 10am •Campfire Cooking 10am
23
Conservation Workday 9am •Family Camping Workshop 10am
•Gardener’s Delight 3:45pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
26 •Chores and Chortles 9:30am •Fossil Frenzy 9:30am
27 •Pioneer Past times 9:30am •Rock Hounds 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
•Fairytale Fun 9:45am •Nature Quest 10am
•Bats are Beautiful 7pm
9
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•Neighborhood Nature at Oak Hollow 7pm
28
29
•Cookin’ Up History mini 10am
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
30
Up & At’em Chores 7:30am
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 1 2 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.
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine. Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.
*All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Environmental Outreach Program
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 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.
Hourly use fees: Residents:.............. $25
Civic groups:...............................$25
Non-residents:....... $40 Corporate/business groups:.......$55
Scout Badges
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 Mission Statement:
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.
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...”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Scott Stompor Graphic Artist
Jean Schlinkmann
10
Schaumburg Park District Website: www.parkfun.com
E-mail:
springvalley@parkfun.com
Member: