Natural Enquirer N e w s l e t t e r f o r S p r i n g Va l l e y S u p p o r t e r s a n d Vo l u n t e e r s
v o l . 2 n o . 6 • N o v. / D e c . ‘ 11
In this issue...
While Spring Valley’s writers always strive to provide informative and interesting articles, at times, the essays contained in here can take on a contemplative or meditative tone. In this issue, we provide armchair naturalists and historians with several meditations of a sort, all suitable for a chilly blustery day spent on winter’s doorstep. Conservation Projects Assistant Matt Streitmatter discusses the unique beauty and character of oak trees, which now appear as solid, immovable sentinels on the landscape. Farm Operations Coordinator Evan Zimmerman provides a treatise on the history of German beer, which was the subject of a recent class at the Heritage Farm. Finally, Environmental Education Assistant Luetta Coonrod invites us all to consider our gratitude for the abundance of the natural world during the season of Thanksgiving. So, throw a couple of seasoned oak logs on the fire, fill a glass with your favorite ale, and sit back for a meditative read. Cheers!... and Happy Holidays!
Inside The Mighty Oak.....................................................2 Giving Thanks at Spring Valley...........................3 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5 German Beer Influence........................................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 • N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 11
The Mighty Oak
by Matt Streitmatter
Corky Bur Oak Bark
Autumn Oak
istory and character echo throughout an oak woodland like the call of a great horned owl. Each majestic oak represents strength and longevity, as well as a healthy ecosystem. Winter is fast approaching and the solemn oak is prepared to proceed through another cold season. Its roots provide stability, its branches offer a nesting spot for squirrels and other animals, its leaves enrich the soil with nutrients, and its acorns fall for foraging wildlife. Over twenty species of oak are native to Illinois, including the white oak (Quercus alba), our state Fi sh eye tree. Each of these species Oak plays an important and necessary role in the surrounding habitat.
nately, many people of this generation do not get to experience massive oaks like these, since the majority of them have been removed from the Midwest due to agriculture, development, and urban sprawl. In addition, oaks are harvested for their strong and durable wood.
H
Many years ago, Illinois was part of the vast prairie peninsula. Rich grasslands stretched from the west towards Lake Michigan. Deep oak woodlands meandered alongside rivers and streams throughout this sea of grass. Abraham Lincoln even found his way across a river near Homer, Illinois, using the Salt River Ford Oak as a marker. Oaks were not only markers along rivers, but also within the prairie, for early settlers, explorers, and Native Americans. The prairie spanned from the Mississippi Valley towards the Rocky Mountains. This landscape, although beautiful, was generally flat; oak savannas offered tall landmarks for many early maps. Incredibly, oaks can live up to 600 years and reach heights of 130 feet. Unfortu-
Oak woodlands provide many advantages and resources to a healthy ecosystem. Their acorns provide food for bears, deer, squirrels, opossum, turkeys, wood ducks, mallards, chipmunks, y mice, raccoons, rabll e Va bits, red fox, ruffed grouse, a t S pr in g woodpeckers, nuthatches, and blue jays, to name a few. Acorns are an excellent source of protein in the wild, so it is not uncommon to see deer and other large mammals in oak woodlands during the colder months when other forms of food are scarce. Oak leaves also provide food for many insects and other invertebrates. This, in turn, brings predatory spiders and birds to an ecosystem. So, an oak can represent the first link in a woodland food chain. Oak trees also have a very special relationship with fire. Whether the flames occur naturally or from a conservationist’s drip torch, fire is necessary for a healthy environment. Burns recycle decaying material on the ground back into the soil. Woodland burns are a lot less common than prairie burns due to the lack of fuel, wind speed, and the 2
Oak Leaves
moisture held in leaves and other debris. Oak trees, on the other hand, have helped the progression of woodland burns and have a symbiotic relationship with fire. Oaks have evolved over thousands of years to withstand and thrive in a commonly burned area. Due primarily to their thick and tough bark, the trees are left unharmed after a passing flame. Bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) are a great example of this. This oak, found throughout Illinois, was common in prairies and savannas. Since bur oaks grew in tall grasses, they were exposed to extremely hot fires, from which they were protected by a very corky bark. Oak leaves, not only provide a healthy crunch on a nature hike, they also provide the fuel needed to promote fire in a woodland setting. Oak leaves decompose very slowly and dry out quickly, compared to maple leaves which tend to hold a lot of moisture. Because of this dryness, oak leaves tend to produce less smoke and burn cleaner than other species’ leaves. Burns help oak regeneration by clearing the brush and invasive understory, allowing acorn seeds the light needed to germinate and oak seedlings the light to grow. Many of our natural woodland areas in Schaumburg are unburnable due to a lack of fuel on the forest floor. Areas like Kay Wojcik Conservation Area at Oak Hollow, however, can be burned regularly due to the presence of the large oaks and a stiff breeze! There is no denying the importance of oak trees in our surrounding conservation areas. Future plantings will continue to ensure a quality ecosystem and to preserve a piece of Illinois’ natural history for future generations to enjoy.
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 11
Giving Thanks at Spring Valley As we look toward November and December, many of our minds are on the upcoming holiday season. No matter our personal choices, this time of year is often spent with friends and loved ones. Spring Valley’s backbone, its staff and volunteers, are no exception. We all enjoy the chance to see people that we don’t get to visit with on a regular basis, and “normal” activities seem special at this time of the year. Make Spring Valley a part of your schedule, whether it’s the exception or the rule to your day. Getting outside is a wonderful way to relax and unwind after a hectic day. There are plenty of paths on which to stretch your legs and your imagination. In fact, Spring Valley has over three miles of walking trails for you to explore. If the weather isn’t to your liking, stop by the Nature Center and investigate the exhibits. Playing a game is a cozy way to spend a cruddy afternoon. If you are taking a walk, there are two trails that are marked for specific information. The “Footprints on the Land” trail takes you through time to better understand how people and the land interact with and impact one another. To travel forward in time, begin behind the Nature Center, just west of the Observation Silo. To travel backward in time, start at the Farm Visitor Center. You will sometimes find green footprints on the path, guiding you along the way. The “Illinois Habitat” trail lets you travel through the prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats of Northeastern Illinois while never leaving the beauty and bounty of Spring Valley. This trail has a seasonally-changing brochure to help you discover what’s happening, bloomFall Fashion Show
by Luetta Coonrod
ing, or just plain exciting. Stop by the Nature Center to pick up a trail guide, and enjoy the diversity of Illinois habitats. This trail also begins just west of the Silo, behind the Nature Center.
location or preparing to get started on their trip to better climates. Those animals that tolerate winter add warm undercoats to their fur in order to be able to remain active despite the future freezing temperatures.
While you’re out on the grounds, be aware of the actions of the plants and animals. As we approach Thanksgiving, Autumn Trail in Woods the squirrels are thankful for the stash of nuts they have hoarded for the upcoming winter. Plants are grateful to the animals for spreading their seeds that will become new plants in another location. Each plant and animal adapts to the upcoming shift in seasons, in order that they may continue the process of living life to the fullest. It is an amazing process, and well worth the time taken to stop and observe the change from fall into winter.
Plants share their blaze of color as fall winds to a close. Who doesn’t love the color of the trees as the chlorophyll dissipates to let the other colors shine? Seeds fly through the air, plop to the ground, or Squirrel in Feeder hitch a ride to new locations. Conifers stand as lone sentinels of green in a world that is transitioning to more muted colors for the next few months. Winter-dormant or not, plants provide food, water, and shelter for those animals who have chosen to remain active in winter.
Animals will adapt to the approaching winter by doing one of three things: hibernating, migrating, or tolerating. Those that hibernate are fattening up so that they can sleep through the cold. Migrators are either on their way to a new
Autumn is a time of transition, but also a continuation of the cycle of life. Celebrate the season with friend, family, and loved ones. Experience the joy of changes at Spring Valley as well. It’s a wonderful time to do both.
Autumn Gathering
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Old Field Goldenrod
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 11
Click on program/icon for information and to register online.*
*To register online you must have a current SPD account with assigned PIN number. To create a new account, visit the registration desk at the CRC and verify residency. Non-residents may call Spring Valley to set up an account.
Teacher’s Workshop: Reading the Winter Landscape
Saturday, Jan. 21 & Feb. 4, 8:30A-4:30P Learn what makes winter so important to the plants and animals living in Chicago Wilderness. $140 (National-Louis or Aurora University graduate credit available. CPS Lane credit or 15 CPDUs available) Additional workshops are being developed. For up-to-date information, visit www.parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/programs.
ADULT
Nature’s Night Life - ADULTS ONLY! Friday, Jan. 6 • 7:00-9:00P Start your weekend with a relaxing and enlightening evening walk at Spring Valley.
Blacksmithing for Beginners
Saturday, Nov. 19 • 1:00-4:00P Discover the timeless and practical craft of blacksmithing. Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley. Course: LEI 0078
Tips & Tricks for Green Living
Saturday, Nov. 5 • 10:00A-12:00P This class will explore what it means to live a green lifestyle. Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley. Course: LPL 0317
Advanced Blacksmithing
Sunday, Dec. 11 • 1:00-4:00P This class allows aspiring smiths to take their hammering skills to the next level. Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley. Course: LEI 0079
Weekly Yoga at the Cabin
Tuesday, Jan. 3-March 13 • 6:00-7:00P Tuesday, Jan. 3-March 13 • 7:30-8:30P Thursday, Jan. 5-March 15 • 6:30-7:30P Thursday, Jan. 5-March 15 • 8:00-9:00P Nurture your mind and body in this rustic setting.
Cookin’ with Iron!
Saturday, Dec. 10 • 9:30A-12:00P Farm staff will teach you how to season, maintain and bake with a cast iron skillet.
Yoga, Soup and Apples
Friday, Nov. 11 • 7:00-8:30P Celebrate fall with a session of relaxing yoga, followed by a bowl of soup and an apple.
Farmhouse Kitchen Traditions
Saturday, Nov. 19 • 9:00A-12:00P Learn about historic food preparation. Register through Harper College or call 847/925-6707. Class held at Spring Valley. Course: LFS 0302
All Ages
Holiday Survival Yoga
Free - Heaven’s Watch
Nov. 19 • 8-10P......Great Andromeda Galaxy Dec. 17 • 8-10P......Pleiades Join Chicago Astronomical Society as they set their telescopes for a peek at the night skies.
Friday, Dec. 9 • 7:00-8:30P Ward off holiday weight gain and treat yourself to the gift of muscle conditioning and relaxation.
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 4 inches of snow on the ground before rentals will be made available. • First-time renters will be asked to view a short video 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 3 hours for use at Spring Valley. • Rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from 9AM until 3PM. All rentals must be returned by 4:30PM. • Special youth group rates are available after 3PM 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. 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 11
Hoghouse to Smokehouse SUNDAY, NOV. 6 NOON-4PM Volkening Heritage Farm
$2 per person $8 per family 3 yrs & under Free
Deer Watch
Youth
Friday, Dec. 16 • 4:00-5:30P Deer are often active at dusk, so it’s a great time to watch for them.
Sponsored by
A Country Christmas Sleepover
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 16-17 • 7:00P-8:30A Farm staff will provide an evening of activities about how Christmas was celebrated in the past.
Owl Adventure
Saturday, Nov. 19 • 7:00-9:00P Discover the secrets of these stealthy night-time hunters and observe a live owl up close.
Animal Surprises
Saturday, Dec. 17 • 9:15-11:15A Explore the prairie, wetlands and woodlands of Spring Valley looking for animals.
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.
Cooking at the Cabin
Saturday, Nov. 5 • 12:00-2:00P Friday, Dec. 16 • 6-8P Try your hand at cooking over an open wood fire, then eat your results.
Night Hike
Friday, Nov. 4 • 6:30-8:00P Come out to Spring Valley after the sun has set and use your five senses to explore the dark.
Teens
Discover how 1880s farm families put meat on their tables and preserved food for the long, cold winter. Click here for more information.
Misfit Toy Making
Sunday, Dec. 11 • 1:00-3:00P Come to Heritage Farm and make your own forgotten toys of the 1800s.
Science & Nature Explorers
Wed., Jan. 11 & Feb. 8 • 2:15-4:15P Middle school students will explore our planet through this program.
Spring Valley Winter Break Camp
Mon.-Fri., Dec. 19-23 • 10:00A-2:00P Campers will track animals, look for birds, experiment with snow and snowshoe (if there’s enough snow).
Sundays at the Cabin Who Goes There?
Wild & Wacky Wool
Sunday, Jan. 8 • 12:00-4:00P Tracks have an interesting tale to tell. Dive into the language of tracks through games and activities.
Saturday, Nov. 5 • 9:30-11:00A Discover incredible wool facts while you card, spin and weave this amazing fiber.
Lincoln, Logs and Lore
Home School Naturalist Group Programs
Sunday, Feb. 12 • 12:00-4:00P Learn Lincoln and Lincoln Log lore, and have fun exploring the life of Lincoln on his birthday.
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.
Schaumburg Park District presents...
Winter 2012 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 and Ice – Take a closer look at the science behind snow and ice through experiments and observations.
at Volkening Heritage Farm Experience the holiday season as it was in 1880s Schaumburg. Victorian decorations and traditional German foods filled the home with light and warmth as farm work continued at Sponsored by its own pace. Click here for more information.
Available every winter: Conservation in Action, Woodlands, Owls: Predators of the Night, Winter Ecology, Farms and Food, Nighttime Nature
Sat./Sun., Dec. 3 & 4 • 12-4PM
For more information or to schedule a program, call 847-985-2100.
$2 per person • $8 per family • 3 yrs & under Free
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S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 11
German Beer Influence
by Evan Zimmerman
food regulation in the world. It enforces the use of only barley, hops, and water in the production of beer. Pitching yeast, which was unknown at that time, was added into the brewing process later. With such a long history of producing beer, various types of beers have been mastered. Such beers are Altbier When one thinks of Ger(Old), Bocks many, one of the things (Strong), that comes to mind is Dunkel beer, since it is an im(Dark), portant part of German “The Brewer,” designed and engraved in the Hefeweizen heritage and culture with sixteenth century by J. Amman (Wheat), over 1,000 breweries Kolsch, Marzen (March), Helles (Light), across the country and in almost every Pils (Pilsner), Sticke (Strong), and major city. That’s not even considering Rauchbier (Smoke) beers. Each has a other breweries across the world that distinctive flavor, look (gold, amber have roots in Germany. Historically, beer and dark), and strength to it. wasn’t consumed for excessive use, When interpreting the process of brewing beer it is important to talk about its history in Germany, the culture it helped create, and the influence it has had on American beers. It is also important to note how easy it is to make beer and the different types that can be produced. For the German Beer Brewing program held on July 29th at the Heritage Farm we did all this and got a better understanding of beer society; a society that is due in large part to Germany’s beer history and production.
although that did occur occasionally. It was a healthy drink that was part of everyday life. It’s literally liquid bread! Beer was consumed at meals and by common middle class workers such as farmers, soldiers, and factory workers to boost morale.
Beer was first produced in Germany by monks over 1,000 years ago. (Its history in other parts of the world goes back much further.) When brewing became profitable, it began to be regulated by the government. The German Reinheitsgebot or Purity Law of 1516 is the oldest
To celebrate the rich tradition of beer brewing, every year in Munich Oktoberfest is celebrated. This two week festival starts in late September and goes until early October. Since the 19th century’s massive German immigration to the United States, beer has played a major role in American society. These immigrants brought their beer recipes with them. In the Midwest, there is a triangle of German settlement from which distinct beers originate—Cincinnati (Sam Ad-
ams), Milwaukee (Miller), and St. Louis (Budweiser). These cities still celebrate their German roots every year in correlation with Oktoberfest. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, beer, along with most alcoholic drinks, was deeply threatened by the Temperance and Prohibition movements. Unfortunately, as a result, many beer recipes were lost. The creation of beer as we know it today can be largely attributed to German culture. With massive migrations around the world, German immigrants spread this culture especially to the United States. Today, it’s becoming popular for people to brew their own home beer, just as it was done throughout history before the creation of huge breweries. The process, done with common equipment, isn’t very hard and the more you do it, the better you become. So try it and appreciate the drink that has a deep history in the world. Maybe that’s why one of the oldest written records is a beer recipe carved onto a stone tablet from ancient Sumeria. A drink worth documenting for future reference!
Beer Making Class at the Heritage Farm
IMPORTANT UPDATE regarding printing of Natural Enquirer!
Dear Reader, A couple of years ago, Spring Valley, like many institutions, transitioned to an electronic newsletter to save both expenses and trees. We continued to print a limited number of paper copies of the Natural Enquirer to accommodate those folks who, for whatever reason, preferred reading a printed version. The increasing costs to print even a limited number of what is now a full color newsletter, have caused us to reconsider this. Therefore, we will no longer be mailing out printed copies of the Natural Enquirer. If you were one of those folks who preferred the printed version, please accept our apologies. If you stop by the Nature Center on any weekday, we’d be happy to print one off the computer for you. 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 • N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 11
Volunteer Want Ads
If you are interested in helping with any of the following activities, please call Judy at 847/985-2100 or e-mail her at juvito@parkfun.com.
Conservation Workday
Saturday, Nov. 19 9AM-1PM We’ll be out on the grounds working on a conservation project. Come for all or part of the day!
Christmas in the Valley
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 3 & 4 1-5PM Volunteers are needed to assist with our Victorian Christmas celebration December 3 & 4. We’re looking for farm interpreters as well as other volunteers to assist with craft projects, gift sales, and the information booths.
Volunteer Holiday Celebration and Recognition Saturday, Dec. 10 If you have logged at least 25 hours of volunteer time this past year or are a new Spring Valley volunteer who joined in 2011, 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
• Sun., Nov. 6.....................Noon-4pm Hoghouse to Smokehouse • Sat., Nov. 19....................9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Sat., Dec. 3......................1-5pm Christmas in the Valley • Sun., Dec. 4.....................1-5pm Christmas in the Valley • Sat., Dec. 10....................5:30-8:30pm Volunteer Holiday Celebration
Welcome New Volunteers…
• Dan Brunelli • Victoria Mann • Malay Sapra
Pats on the back to the following volunteers...
• Eve Carter, Barb Dochterman, Lynn Eikenbary, Melina Lynch, Patty Ochs, Donna Turner, and Joan Vodraska for helping to cover the Farm front counter. • Mike Gear, Deb Hernandez, Nancy Lyons, Joan Pangallo, Donna Turner, and Angela Waidanz for tending the Farm Kitchen Garden. • Lynn Eikenbary, Carol Thomas and Donna Turner for sorting through Roger Cook’s pictures in preparation of the creation of Spring Valley scrapbooks. • In preparation for Autumn Harvest Fest: Dennis Colbert, Rosemary Colbert, and Amanda Greco for picking apples; Deanna Bruckner, Lynn Eikenbary, Patty Ochs, and Barb Mitchell for making cobbler crusts; Duane Bolin, Dean and Deanna Bruckner, Eve Carter, Barb Dochterman, Lynn Eikenbary, Victor Franks, Arthur Jeczala, Tony Meo, Barb Mitchell, Patty Ochs, and Ken Ogorzalek for cleaning and general set-up. • All the volunteers who donated their time to help make Autumn Harvest Festival and Haunting in the Valley enjoyable events for all of our patrons.
Reminder
It’s that time of year again! November 30 marks the end of the year as far as Spring Valley Volunteer recordkeeping goes. PLEASE be sure that all of your hours are recorded!! There are volunteer record books located at both the Nature Center and the Farm. If you can’t make it in to log the hours yourself, drop Judy an e-mail or give her a call and she’ll do it for you. All hours must be compiled by the end of November. Thanks! Recorded volunteer hours aid us in writing grant applications and are a tangible way of showing community support of our programs. Volunteer hours also benefit you in the form of points which may be redeemed as part of the Park District’s Mileage Club. This is the program in which you receive one point for every hour you volunteer. Points can be redeemed in increments of ten for such things as Water Works passes, golf outings, massages, fitness passes, and discounts on class registrations.
To redeem your points, call Judy Vito at 847/985-2100. 7
Happy Birthday to… November 2 5 6 8 9 10 11 13
Martin Sliwka Deanna Bruckner Joy Bertone Rick Remington Mert Rutledge Walter Plinske Renata Riccobon Bernadette Kolasa Paula Waterman
December 1 2 3 9 11 17 18 22
Susan Champagne Ted Knutsen Victoria Mann Jay Laaki Bill Forst Bill Schooley Amber Stringer Tom Perles Chuck Henry
14 Judy Leon 17 Joyce Fardoux 21 Dennis Colbert Louisa Walsh 23 Bob Royce 28 Nancy Mamsen Bob Schmidt 29 Sharon Ogorzalek
23 24 25 30 31
Laura Walsh Ray Feyerseisen Rich Ringfelt George Bailey Victor Franks, Jr. Helga Niewiadomski John Reilly
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
NoveMber 2011
Monday
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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•Spring Valley Walking Club 12:15pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Hoghouse to Smokehouse Noon
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm
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3
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•Spring Valley Walking Club 12:15pm
Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm
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•Spring Valley Walking Club 12:15pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
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Friday
4
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6:30pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 8pm
•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm •Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm
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Thursday
24
Saturday
5
•Wild and Wacky Wool 9:30am •Tips and Tricks for Green Living 10am •Cooking at the Cabin Noon
•Night Hike 6:30pm •SV Walking Club 7pm
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12
Veterans Day
•Yoga, Soup and Apples 7pm
18
•SV Walking Club 7pm
25
19
Teamster Training 8am Conservation Workday 9am •Kitchen Traditions 9am •Blacksmithing for Beginners 1pm •Owl Adventure 7pm •Heaven’s Watch 8pm
26
Thanksgiving
27
28
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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 • 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
DeceMber 2011
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Farm Closed
Thursday
Friday
1
2
8
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Cabin Closed bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers
Saturday
3
christmas in the Valley Noon
See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions
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christmas in the Valley Noon
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6
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•Holiday Survival Yoga at the Cabin 7pm
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•Advanced Blacksmithing 1pm •Misfit Toy Making 1pm
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12
Handy crafters Meeting 1pm
19 M-F
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20
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15
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•Cookin’ with Iron 9:30am
Volunteer Holiday recognition 5:30pm
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•Deer Watch 4pm
•Animal Surprises 9:15AM
•Cooking at the Cabin 6pm •A Country Christmas Sleepover 7pm
•Heaven’s Watch 8pm
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24
28
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•Spring Valley Winter Break Camp 10am
Hanukkah Begins
25
Christmas
26
27
New Year’s Eve
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 11 Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194 • 847/985-2100
Vera Meineke Nature Center
Schaumburg Rd.
N Plum Grove Rd.
The earth-sheltered visitor center provides an introduction to Spring Valley’s 135 acres of restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands and three miles of trails. The center contains natural history exhibits that change seasonally, a demonstration Backyard for Wildlife, an observation tower, classrooms, an extensive library, gift sales area and restrooms.
Vera Meineke Nature Center
Volkening Heritage Farm
Step back into the past for a look at Schaumburg as it was in the 1880s – a rural German farm community. Help with seasonal farm chores, participate in family activities and games of the 1880s, or simply visit the livestock and soak in the quiet. Authentically dressed interpreters will welcome and share activities with visitors throughout the site.
Volkening Heritage Farm 135 acres
HOURS Nature Center Grounds & Trails...............Open Daily...............8AM-5PM Volkening Heritage Farm Grounds..........Closed......................Dec.1-March 1 Nature Center/Museum Hours: Year Round.............Daily*.......... 9AM-5PM Farm Interpretive Program Hours: Nov. - March............Open for Special Events April 1 - Oct. 31.......Sat/Sun....... 10AM-4PM Tue-Fri........ 9AM-2PM Mon............ Buildings Closed
Spring Valley 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.
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 David Brooks “In this Issue...”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Scott Stompor Graphic Artist
Jean Schlinkmann
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Schaumburg Park District Website: www.parkfun.com
E-mail:
springvalley@parkfun.com
Member: