Natural Enquirer - May/June 2017 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.8 no.3 • May-June 2017

In this issue...

There is no doubt that spring is a sweet time of year! Not only does the season of flowing sap end, but a time of blossom and beauty begins. The light green of newly formed leaves, the bursting forth of magnolia, apple, plum, and pear blossoms, and the burgeoning of spring ephemerals like trillium, trout lily, and Mayapple combine to make this an exciting season of abundance. Not to be outdone, there’s also the return of warblers and the bright plumage of cardinals and goldfinches to delight the eye and fill the ear with songs of spring welcome. And this issue of the Natural Enquirer welcomes spring with its own rhythm of amazing stories of survivor trees, the history of sugar, and lessons learned while creating a native garden. All celebrate the gift of plants that sweeten the season and bring on summer.

Inside Trees: Survivors and Witnesses..................... 2-3

Volunteer News Contents

The Sugar Cone in America.................................3

Volunteer Information..........................................9

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

Volunteer Calendar........................................10-11

Inviting Nature Back......................................... 6-7 Spring Valley General Information......................8

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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 7

TREES: Survivors and Witnesses

by Matt McBrien

rees have been part of the earth’s landscape for over 350 million years. They have been evolving and adapting to the ever changing climate, shifting of continental plates, and mass extinction events. They are written of in biblical context and historical accounts. They are witness to battles and symbols of peace. They have endured among tragedy and triumph. They persist among the harshest of climate and abuse by humans. They are, by every right, survivors! The gingko, a true living fossil, has changed little over the past 200 million years. It is the sole survivor of an ancient group of trees that disappeared over the last two mass extinction events, long before the time of dinosaurs. The gingko shows up over and over in the fossil record, leaving its mark with only minute alterations from the tree we find growing today. It represents the only living bridge between higher and lower plants (ferns and conifers). They have long been valued for their healing properties and have been cultivated for more than 1,000 years. As a testament to its resilience, one such tree was discovered sprouting from its exposed roots in the spring of 1946 following the bombing of Hiroshima.

Pando Tree

On the Colorado Plateau in Utah stands one of the largest living Ginkgo Tree organisms on earth and perhaps the oldest as well. Pando (Latin for “I spread”) is a colony of quaking aspen, nicknamed the Trembling Giant, that covers an area of 106 acres. Discovered in 1968, it was originally thought to be a grove of individual trees but, following further study, was determined to be individual stems of a massive single clone. Unlike most other trees that reproduce by flowering and sexual reproduction, aspen successfully reproduce asexually by sprouting from a lateral root of an individual parent tree. The 6,600 ton giant is comprised of approximately 47,000 genetically identical trees and is estimated to be between 80,000 and 1 million years old.

The ghaf tree, also known as the Tree of Life, can be found on the small island of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf, growing in the harshest of conditions. Upon a hill, in the treeless, arid desert void of any life, this 400 year old tree lives out its lonely existence. Where temperatures can climb as high as 120°F, and sand storms are so intense that they Survivor Tree - NYC can strip flesh from bone, this lonely tree provides the only oasis as far as the eye can see. Its ability to survive is a mystery to scientists, since the Tree of Life - Bahrain nearest source of water is an underground stream more than two miles away. Some say that it stands in what was once the Garden of Eden, and is sustained by a more mystical source. So named for its ability to thrive on a lifeless landscape, at 32 feet tall, the tree has become a tourist attraction drawing over 50,000 visitors per year. The Survivor Tree, a Callery pear, was originally planted in the 1970s on the plaza near Towers Four and Five of the World Trade Center complex in New York. The 9/11 terror attacks on the Twin Towers left the tree buried deeply in the smoldering ruble and debris. The tree was discovered weeks later at Ground Zero, severely damaged with lifeless limbs, a blackened trunk and roots that were mangled and severed. The damaged tree, with only 8 feet of trunk remaining and a single limb showing any life whatsoever, was carefully removed from the site. For the next 10 years, it was nurtured back to health and was returned to the site in 2011 as part of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Now 30 feet tall, scars still visible from the devastation that occurred that day, the tree stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives on 9/11. 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 • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 7

There is no need to travel to Bahrain or even New York for that matter to see a true survivor. On your next visit to Spring Valley, you can find a great gingko specimen on the west side of the property, a little off the beaten path, in the backyard of the former Reynolds family home. Just to the south of the gingko, Spring Valley’s Arboretum is home to a sycamore tree that has a survivor story as well. This tree, known as a Moon Seed sycamore, was grown from seed that orbited the moon. These seeds were originally thought to be unviable after the containers that held them burst open during re-entry of the spacecraft. Several years later, however, it was discovered that the seeds did survive and were ultimately planted. In 2010, Ikea presented one of these seedlings to the Park District and the tree was planted along a boardwalk on the south side of the Arboretum. Further reading: http://www.triblocal.com/schaumburg/community/stories/2010/10/ikea-donates-unique-trees-to-spring-valley/index.html http://e360.yale.edu/features/peter_crane_history_of_ginkgo_earths_oldest_tree https://www.911memorial.org/survivor-tree http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pando-the-trembling-giant http://worldtoptop.com/mysterious-tree-of-life-bahrain/

The Sugar Cone in America

by Jon Kuester

Americans have long had a fascination with sugar. Sweeteners of all kinds are present in America—from cane and beet sugar to agave and stevia, corn syrup, honey, and maple sugar. While all are common, only maple syrup is truly native to the United States. Honey, from the European honey bee, was first imported to Virginia in 1625, but this was late in the game compared to the granddaddy of all sweeteners—white cane sugar. Sugar cane was one of the first products transplanted to the Caribbean in the 16th century, along with the slave labor needed to produce a sellable product. The process for making sugar was pretty straight forward, albeit brutal work. Cane was cut and run through a roller mill to crush it and squeeze out the juice. The juice was then evaporated down through a process not unlike maple syrup until it made a liquid called treche. This liquid was further evaporated until it started to granulate. The irregular sugar crystals were then packed in a large barrel with a hole in the bottom to allow the molasses to drain out. After several weeks the remaining sugar, Sugar Cone called muscovado, was packed in a large barrel called a hogs head weighing about 2000 lbs. This was shipped from the sugar plantation to a sugar refinery for further processing. Once at the refinery, the still wet sugar was loaded into cone shaped molds for refinement. In these molds the sugar was clayed. A layer of white pipe clay was placed over the large end and water was slowly poured through the mold. This flushed the remaining impurities, as well as any remaining molasses, out of the sugar leaving it almost white. The sugar was then un-molded and allowed to try for several days and baked in a low temperature oven until hard. These cones were then wrapped in white paper, then blue paper, and readied for sale. For nearly 300 years when Americans purchased sugar it came in a cone weighing between ten and fifteen pounds, but sometimes much larger. These cones were sometimes broken up by storekeepers and sold as “cut sugar”. Once home, the housewife could further break down the cone with her own sugar nippers and pound and sift the remaining lumps into her sugar bowl. In the decades between 1790 and 1880, sugar consumption in America rose steadily from around eight pounds per person per year to about 42 pounds per person per year. This means that a mythical Schaumburg farm family would need to purchase about 25 ten pound cones per year in order to keep up with the popular trend. With sugar averaging about $.15 per pound that would mean the family would spend about $37 per year for sugar. While this may not seem like much today it was a hefty sum in the 1880s and shows the extent Americans were willing to go to pay for their sweeteners. (Food History News #8, pp. 3-5)

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 7

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 offers an early bird discount on programs. Prices in the current 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. Please take advantage of this opportunity. It is our attempt to serve you better!

Project Learning Tree

Saturday, May 13 • 9:00 a.m.- 3 p.m. Join us for a fun filled day in which you’ll learn about and participate in many of the 96 interdisciplinary activities. Bring a lunch, but a light breakfast and snacks will be provided. Scholarships are available.

Early Childhood Educators’ Combo

Saturday, May 27 • 9:00 a.m.- 3 p.m. Receive two nationally acclaimed curricula, Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood and Growing Up Wild. Both build on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invite you to explore nature through art, music, science inquiry, math, reading, health and more!

Project Learning Tree: Early Childhood Teacher Workshop

Saturday, June 3 • 9:00 a.m.- Noon Developed with Pre-K educators and early childhood specialists, Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood includes over 130 activities that engage children in outdoor play and exploration.

ADULT or TEEN

Spring Bird Count

Creating with Concrete: Birdbaths

Saturday, May 6 • 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Nature Center

Saturday, May 20 • 10 a.m.-Noon Get a hands-on experience working with cement and making a rustic birdbath to take home.

Help count birds during the Audubon Society’s spring bird count. This is an excellent opportunity to sharpen bird identification skills. Come for part or all of the day!

Nature’s Bottega

Saturday, June 24 • 1-5 p.m. Spend the afternoon engaged in activities that intertwine nature study and artistic expression.

Open to all ages

Weekly Yoga at the Cabin

ALL AGES

Tuesday, June 6 - Aug. 15 • 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 6 - Aug. 15 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8 - Aug. 17 • 6-7 p.m. Thursday, June 8 - Aug. 17 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a weekly yoga class at Merkle Cabin in the woods. Bring a yoga mat and small blanket.

Breakfast with the Birds

Saturday, May 6 • 7-9 a.m. Enjoy an early morning walk to look for Spring Valley’s colorful migratory birds.

Firefly Fandango

Saturday, July 8 • 8:45-9:45 p.m. Groups will then be taken on a twilight wagon ride to view this incredible light show.

Native Plant Sale Backyards for

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Nature Fair

NEW • ABCs of Nature

Sunday, June 25 • 10-11 a.m. Nature is filled with the alphabet. Let’s see if we can find pieces of nature to match the alphabet!

Sunday, May 21 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Spring Valley Nature Center

FAMILY

This celebration of environmental stewardship features information on landscaping with native plants, composting, attracting birds, rain gardens, plant sale and more. Call 847-985-2100 for information.

The following programs have a special family rate. By registering ONE child, it is assumed that a minimum of two people (one adult and child) or a maximum of four people are attending. Do NOT register additional people, they may pay on the day of the program.

Family Worm Farmers

Pre-order plants. Some varieties may be unavailable for day of the event. Order forms are available online at SchaumburgGardenClub.org and for heirloom vegetables at SpringValleyNatureClub.org. Order forms may also be picked up at the Nature Center.

Saturday, May 20 • 1:30-3 p.m. Learn all about a worm’s life and discover how they can turn your food waste into rich fertilizer.

Co-sponsored by the Schaumburg Park District and Schaumburg Community Garden Club

Nature Mamas

Saturday, May 13 • 1-2 p.m. Spend quality time learning about the “mamas” here at the Nature Center.

Night of the Frogs

Saturday, June 3 • 6:30-8 p.m. As the sun sets, we’ll hike around the wetlands in search of these hoppy amphibians.

YOUTH NEW • Cub Scout Saturdays

Saturday, May 13 • 9-10:30 a.m. Tiger: Backyard Jungle Get a hands-on approach to complete some requirements for your achievements and electives with an experienced naturalist.

PEONIES APLENTY Call the nature center to find out if the peonies are in bloom then stop by the Merkle Cabin to see them. Be sure to bring your camera. It’s a site not to be missed.

Buckeye State Sojourn Tuesday, Sept. 12 - Monday, Sept. 18

Join us as we travel to Ohio to take in the diverse historical and natural features of a state that stretches from the Ohio River to Lake Erie and from farmlands to Appalachian foothills. Stops include Cincinnati area museums, a paddlewheel cruise, the Purple Pedestrian Bridge, the Hopewell Indian mounds, Hocking Hills State Park, Marietta, The Wilds outdoor conservation center in Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Lake MetroParks Farm Park.

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 7

Spring Valley Country Fair

Sponsored by

Saturday & Sunday, June 10 & 11 • Noon-4 p.m. • Heritage Farm

Experience the charm of a community farm fair during the late 19th century. Visitors may stop by the livestock and domestic arts tents to find out who has won blue ribbons and watch as the latest hay mowers and other farm equipment are demonstrated. Join in the fun by participating in various games and competitions. Also, don’t forget to buy a delectable treat from the bake sale table. This recreated historic event will include food, music and more! Admission is $3/person or $12/family. Children ages 3 and younger are free.

Insect Safari

Home School Naturalist Group Programs

Wednesday, June 7 • 3-5 p.m. Grasshoppers & Beetles Hike the trails to catch and study insects, play games, do a craft and have six-legged fun.

Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm are the perfect places for hands-on, exploration based science programs.

Just Desserts

Saturday, July 15 • 1-4 p.m. Explore the world of wild berries, gather some to make a cobbler, and enjoy the delicious results.

This spring the following topics are offered:

• Aquatic Birds – Search the marsh and pond for birds that live on and around the water, discover what special adaptations these animals have and go on a search for the elusive wood duck. • Biscuits & Butter – Experience 19th century farm life as you cook on the wood bring stove and churn your own butter. • Trailblazing – Mark and follow new trails, practice map and compass reading skills and learn how to stay safe while exploring the outdoors. • Woodland Wildflowers – Take part in a woodland wildflower scavenger hunt, uncover what these plants need to survive and transplant a wildflower to take home. • Available every spring – Farms and Food, Gardening, Nighttime Nature, Owls: Predators of the Night, Springtime Growth, Wetlands, Conservation in Action, Woodlands

Puddle Hoppers

Saturday, July 15 • 9 a.m.-Noon Explore Spring Valley’s pond, marsh, and any puddles we find along the way.

NEW • Space Day

Friday, May 5 • 7-8:30 p.m. Spend an evening at Spring Valley exploring the exciting and fascinating aspects of space.

Summer Scientist

Saturday, June 17 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Conduct experiments, work with lab equipment, observe animals and dissect owl pellets!

Turtle Trek

Saturday, June 10 • 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Some of our turtles are on the move and we are going on a hunt to see where they are headed.

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

Summer Camps at Spring Valley

Spring Valley Drop-in Programs

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.

School’s Out Campfire Friday, June 2 • 6-8 p.m. Nature Center

Weekend Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm

Start the summer off at Spring Valley with our annual School’s Out Campfire! Enjoy a night by a fire as we celebrate the end of school with family, a wagon ride and roasting marshmallows. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to this drop-in event.

Noon-3 p.m.

$2 per person at the door!

Enjoy a horsedrawn wagon ride through Heritage Farm as staff relates information about the farm, animals and the history of Schaumburg’s farm families. Dress for the weather.

Toy-nanza

Thursday, June 15 Anytime between 10 a.m.-Noon Heritage Farm

See how 19th century children played, have fun with historic toys and make one to take home.

• Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the ride ($3/person; children 3 and under are free).

$2 per person • Appropriate for 3yrs and older

Call 847/985-2102 or click here for more information.

FREE DROP-IN PROGRAMS Mother’s Day Celebration

Enjoy an evening of wines & brews at Meineke Park. Rain o Shine r !

Sunday, May 14 Anytime between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Heritage Farm

Meineke Park 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg

On Mother’s Day, children are welcome to visit the Heritage Farm Visitor’s Center to make a simple and free Mother’s Day craft for their moms.

Free parking ONLY at Conant H.S. with shuttle buses to event. NO NEIGHBORHOOD PARKING.

Saturday, June 17 • 6-9p.m.

Beer Making

21 years or older to attend - IDs are required and will be checked at the gate. The evening includes ‘tasting plate’ snacks, commemorative glass and musical entertainment. Sampled wines are available for purchase. Registration/tickets: $30 are available at all SPD facilities and ParkFun.com/solstice2017 (Program Code: 18768). Includes 10 tastings. Additional tickets available for purchase.

June 17 & 18 Anytime between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Heritage Farm

Learn interesting facts and techniques in historic home brewing and why farm families of Schaumburg may have brewed their own beer.

For more information, call 847/985-2115 or visit SchaumburgParkFoundation.org. Benefiting the Schaumburg Park Foundation’s scholarship program.

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Inviting Nature Back

by Matt Streitmatter

ong ago homes were built within nature. Plots of land were dedicated as a homestead and were gradually worked into the surrounding ecosystem. Some areas were left to wilderness, while others were cultivated for gardens and other purposes. In these settings individuals did as little as possible to affect or change the natural surroundings, and the residents benefited from the healthy woodlands and prairies that grew outside every window. Over the years, as time has passed, this vision has drastically changed. A shift from a rustic wilderness to a manicured lawn has replaced the standard of what landscaping should be. Many areas continue to struggle with watering issues in the midst of droughts, storm water retention in the midst of floods, and an overuse of chemical treatments and herbicides. With these issues lingering, many home owners are making the choice to invite nature back into the backyard by planting many of the native species that once thrived on this landscape.

Milkweed Pollinators

Native gardening has been on the rise in recent years. With habitat loss and the struggles of pollinators like monarch butterflies and honey bees, even the smallest plots can make a big difference. From my experiences planting in the field and from taking the plunge with native prairie and woodland gardens at home, I have learned some tricks and tips along the way. I have also made some mistakes that have taken time and effort to overcome. I would like to share some of these success stories and mishaps, so future native gardeners can hopefully dodge some of the pitfalls and accomplish their ecofriendly goals successfully. 1. Site Evaluation and Prep The first and most important step before installing a native garden is a pre-site evaluation of the designated planting area. Before a plant is purchased or a hole has been dug, it is very beneficial to clear the soil of as many weeds as possible. It is tough to show patience once you decide to go native, but it will save significant time and energy down the line if the site is weed free. Over-the-counter herbicides and manual pulling of weeds both work well; however, try to diminish soil disturbance, if possible. When disturbing the soil during weed removal, the seed bank is exposed and future weeds may flourish. If herbiciding is not an option (due to the presence of pets and children or personal choice) consider installing a black plastic tarp over the area for an entire growing season. This will burn weeds off during the summer growing season and will not disrupt the soil.

Eliminating Weeds with Black Tarp

2. Overall Plan and Vision of Garden While clearing the plot of invasive species, develop a plan and a vision of the completed project. Are you looking for a manicured landscape with certain natives strategically placed, a butterfly garden with a native/ornamental mix, or a rustic natural setting? Create a species list of plants you wish to introduce. When choosing plants, consider how much sun exposure and moisture the site receives. If the plot is not wet year-round, wetland species like blue flag iris may struggle. It is important to add as many species as possible the first year, especially rare or sensitive plants. Establishing rare plants early gives them the best chance to root and compete with the more common and potentially aggressive natives. Also consider different plantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bloom times. Prairie and woodland flowers bloom in cycles, so strategically planting different species can provide color for the entire year. In a full-sun garden the summer season definitely provides the most show, but plants like prairie phlox, prairie smoke, and shooting star are early bloomers for the springtime. And different goldenrods and asters can produce color in the fall. In a shade-tolerant woodland garden, there are countless springtime ephemerals that pop as early as March. Once these go dormant by early summer, space can be filled with plants like wild geranium, tall meadow rue, purple coneflower, ferns, celandine poppy and shade-tolerant asters and goldenrods. Native groundcover forbs like wild ginger, bloodroot, and mayapple can also help fill space in shade gardens throughout the summer and fall months. 6

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 7

3. Establish Grasses and Sedges The importance of native grasses and sedges to a successful native garden are significant. They provide stability, spacing, and natural weed prevention. I made the mistake of establishing too many forbs initially, wanting as much color and pollinator species as possible. But, as the plot matured, the garden was very stemmy and lacked consistency at the ground level. This, in turn, opened the door for common turf grass weeds like creeping Charlie and violets underneath all of the taller flowering natives. It was very difficult to spot herbicide or hand pull shorter groundcover weeds once taller natives were established. Our garden was also very dense. Without many grasses to establish spacing, plants like New England aster and yellow coneflower flourished. These natives are great starter species for a garden, because they grow quickly in tough conditions, but they can be slightly aggressive. In particular, the New England aster quickly spread and grew to heights of 4-5 feet. Without competition from other forbs or grasses, they became very top heavy and eventually fell over. Once grasses were established, the entire garden had more support to prevent this from happening. Consider the size of the plot and the overall look you wish to achieve when selecting grasses. In a full-sun garden, I chose little bluestem, side oats gramma, prairie dropseed, and Bicknell’s sedge (Carex bicknellii). All of these are fairly short grasses and sedges, with little bluestem being the tallest at about 3 feet. These species provide all the benefits mentioned above, without the risk of growing too tall, which could eventually out compete and shade out future forbs. In a woodland/shade-tolerant site, species like common oak sedge (Carex pensylvanica), curly-styled wood sedge (Carex rosea), Virginia wild rye, and bottlebrush grass help fill the void. 4. Watch for Plant Rescues I was fortunate enough to attend several plant rescues to jump start my prairie and woodland gardens. These events were free and it was great to know that we were saving these plants from future construction projects. At one rescue I was able to fill my car three times with a variety of natives. I will always remember some of the looks I got at intersections, with a full prairie sprouting from the backseat and trunk of my car! Make sure to check environmental websites and newspapers for these opportunities. This will drastically cut down your initial cost and provide you with a diverse range of established plants, which will require less care compared to plugs or seedlings. Just keep in mind which plants you are introducing, and make sure to sporadically place aggressive species. Even though they are free, they could cause more work in the future to manage. 5. Natives Take Work and Patience Initially Once established, your prairie or woodland will thrive on its own. After about 3 years, these plants will take root, requiring little weeding or watering; however, the first few growing seasons will demand quite a bit of time and attention. It is also important to not expect a diverse ecosystem in the first year. Make sure to water thoroughly, especially through the first summer after planting. Weeding is also very important in the early stages until the natives get established. Even after your plot is self-sustainable, some tasks remain to control and manage the site. Some natives, like obedient plant, big bluestem, and the previously mentioned New England aster can be aggressive. Monitor the plants that are thriving and, if necessary, cut the seed heads on species that seem overpopulated. Removing seed from your garden will prevent the spread of these opportunistic species, and can be used to start separate gardens in other areas within the yard. Continue to weed, Backyard Prairie especially in gardens that border turf grass. I chose to add small landscape boulders to separate the prairie garden from the lawn, due to the variety of weeds that are often found in sod. Digging a small trench can also help to slow the spread of creeping weeds and separate the two areas, as well. As the last goldenrods and asters fade in the fall, there are a few things that I have found to be beneficial in the autumn season. Burning is not permitted in many townships, but mowing the remaining chaff at the end of each year will give the plot a fresh start come spring. I usually leave the mowed chaff in the site over the winter, and sometimes add a shallow base of leaves to break down over the dormant months to fertilize the soil. We often have bonfires in the fall, so I have begun to spread the remaining ashes in the garden to add nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil. 6. Don’t Forget to Smell the Roses While there is a bit of work, time, and cost involved with transitioning your yard into a microhabitat, take pride in knowing that native gardens provide an oasis for birds, small mammals, and insects. Check milkweed stalks for monarch butterfly chrysalises and other pollinating species. These plants will help with storm water retention, struggling bee populations, soil quality, and habitat creation while preserving the natural history of this land. No matter the size of these residential gardens, each individual plot does wonders for surrounding wildlife while benefiting the overall health and quality of the environment. 7

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 7 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

Vera Meineke Nature Center

Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1

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.......Tue-Sun...... 10AM-4PM 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.

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 7

Volunteer News 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 20 & June 24 • 9am-1pm 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.

Country Fair

Saturday and Sunday, June 10 & 11 Noon-4pm Farm interpreters are needed to help recreate the charm of a late 19th century community farm fair. Additional support positions are available for registered volunteers.

Dates to Remember

• Wednesday, May 3..................6:30-9pm Volunteer Meeting • Saturday, May 6.......................7am-4pm Spring Bird Count • Monday, May 8............................. 1-4pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Wednesday, May 17..................... 6-8pm New Volunteer Orientation • Saturday, May 20....................9am-1pm Conservation Workday