Natural Enquirer November/December 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.6 • Nov.-Dec. 2017

In this issue...

Much about the world around us seems magical! Indeed, before science and reason began to influence the way most people think in the developed world, people imbued nature and life in general with magical qualities. While we now have science and reason to help explain much of what used to be mysterious, the magic remains for those willing to maintain what author Rachel Carson calls “a sense of wonder.” In this issue of the Natural Enquirer, we can learn about the science behind solar eclipses, but also vicariously experience the awe of witnessing an eclipse firsthand. We also get insights into something most of us never think about; how frogs, turtles and snakes survive winter. Science helps us understand this, but the explanations remind us just how amazing—indeed magical—our world is. Lastly, we are reminded that, in spite of all of the tragedy, misfortune, and suffering in the world, there is always much to celebrate, much to be thankful for!

Inside Surviving the Cold with Cold Blooded Adaptation......................................................... 2-3 The Total Experience...........................................4 Holiday and an End of the Year Reflection........5 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 6-8

Spring Valley General Information....................12 Volunteer News Contents Volunteer Information..........................................9 Volunteer Calendar........................................10-11

Schaumburg Park District

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

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Surviving the Cold with Cold Blooded Adaptation

by Matt Streitmatter

ith fall in full swing and winter looming just around the bend, plants and animals adjust and ignite their instinctive routines to cope with the falling temperatures. The fluttering monarchs and trumpeting sandhill cranes have hopefully caught beneficial tailwinds for their long journey south. Chipmunks and squirrels have been busy stockpiling an ample food source for the upcoming frigid season. And bears are busy consuming up to 20,000 calories a day. With bird migration and different forms of mammal hibernation common knowledge, there seems to be less of an understanding of reptile and amphibian wintering tactics. While warm blooded animals possess the ability to regulate heat, cold blooded animals are reliant on an external heat source. So, one must wonder, how do these animals battle the ice and snow to survive the winter months?

Wood Frog

A single step near a pond or wetland in the summertime can send dozens of frogs skyward, skipping across the weeds to safety. Their familiar and frequent chorus can represent a season filled with activity and commotion. Much like humans, frogs definitely stay busy during the warmer months hunting for prey, dodging predators, and attracting mates. But, as winter approaches, they would seem to be in the most peril in relation to the colder temperatures due to their low body weight and the habitat in which they live. So, drastic and remarkable strategies are needed in order to survive. The common assumption, with most frogs, turtles, and reptiles is that they burrow into the mud to hibernate. While some species do burrow…frogs in this area, do not truly hibernate at all. They go through a process called brumation. Brumation is a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles during winter or extended periods of low temperature. Aquatic frogs (i.e. American bullfrog and leopard frog) experience brumation, but are not likely to burrow. Because most spend winter underwater, aquatic frogs actually possess the ability to breathe oxygen in the water through their skin. Due to this, most simply lay on the bottom of a body of water, among the silt, fallen leaves, and debris near a highly oxygenated water source. If they were to burrow too deep, the lack of oxygen would eventually be lethal. A frog’s bodily functions also drastically transform. Their metabolism and heart rate slow significantly. Almost all unneeded bodily functions shut down; however, they do possess the ability to move slightly to seek out more oxygen. Perhaps the most stunning survival strategy is shown by frogs. Antifreeze! Within their blood they store excess glucose (simple sugars) that they can use to warm their vital organs. Acting much like antifreeze in our cars, this chemical compound has allowed frogs to survive the winter while being completely encapsulated in a block of ice! The glucose is able to keep the most basic functions of life going until the temperature warms to rejuvenate the “zombie amphibian”. Terrestrial, or land dwelling, frogs and toads utilize the burrowing technique. American toads are capable of burrowing very deep to get below the frost line. And, since they are not underwater, much more oxygen is present within the soil. Spring peepers and wood frogs cannot dig as efficiently as the toad, so they often hibernate in leaf litter or within logs and other debris. They too, are capable of creating excess glucose to survive. Frost may cause ice crystals to form on the body and liver. During deep stretches of cold the heart may stop beating and the lungs may stop breathing, but these functions will resume once the weather warms. Turtles also have interesting winter survival skills. Much like frogs, many turtles in this area do not fully hibernate. They rather choose areas like overhanging banks, fallen trees in the water, or muskrat houses to wait out the colder months. They do, however, drastically reduce their metabolism by approximately ninety percent. They get the small amount of energy they need by metabolizing stored fat. Snapping and painted turtles are sensitive to light and other movements around them while in the brumation stage. And there have been sightings of snapping turtles swimming underneath the ice. Amazingly, they are also able to survive without taking a breath for months at a time! This is due to their bone and shell structure. As Snapping Turtle Under Ice time passes, without oxygen, lactic acid builds up inside the turtle’s body. This buildup is relieved by calcium and carbonates within the turtle’s shell and bones. Without this capability, the lactic acid 2

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and lack of oxygen would be fatal. The shell also collects and stores the lactic acid, where it can be neutralized. We experience this after a hard workout or physical exertion in the form of cramping due to the lack of oxygen to our muscles. So, a turtle’s shell not only protects them from predators in the warmer months, but also allows them to survive throughout the winter. Normal brooding times for turtle hatchlings in this area usually occur in late summer or fall. Snapping turtles are born equipped and ready to handle the lactic acid buildups in their first year because of their dense shell. So, they generally head to the nearest body of water upon hatching; however, the later broods of painted turtles may stay on the nest on land all winter and emerge in the spring. They can then develop and grow for an entire summer/fall season to survive the following winter. Softshell turtles do not contain the same amount of calcium carbonates when Garter Snakes Emerging in Spring compared to a snapping turtle, due to their thin shell. Because of this, softshell turtles hibernate from late fall to early spring. They dig down into the sand or mud on the bottom of rivers and lakes to sleep the winter months away. While their bodies are shut down, they still need oxygen. To receive this reduced level of needed oxygen, softshells can take in oxygen through their skin and also conduct a process known as pharyngeal breathing. This is carried out by gas-exchanging structures in the turtle’s mouth and throat. As, the turtle circulates water though its mouth and throat, they are able to retrieve tiny particles of oxygen which are sent into the blood stream. Many theories suggest they would struggle to survive in stagnant water sources like shallow ponds because of their shell structure. Due to this, they are often found in rivers, streams, and deeper lakes where there are higher levels of oxygen in the water. While snakes are fortunate enough to have an abundance of oxygen, they still need to battle the cold. Being cold blooded animals, snakes are often seen sunning themselves on blacktop driveways and paths. An external heat source is needed for them to maintain bodily functions and activities. When winter sets in, snakes have no choice but to head below the frost line. A wintering site or den is called a hibernaculum. They will head to any area they can find that is free of frost including animal burrows, caves, within tree root systems, under logs, and even basements and crawlspaces. If timed properly, snakes will increase their food consumption before brumation; however, they must plan this correctly to allow time for digestion to take place. If they ingest something too late and the temperature falls, the food will rot in their stomach, eventually causing death. The farther north across the globe you travel the deeper the snakes will have to burrow to get below the frost line. While sites are very common in the southern half of the U.S. due to the low frost line, as you travel north sites become scarcer. Additionally, when the sites become less frequent the amount of snakes per den rises drastically. Some hibernaculum nests in Canada can host thousands of snakes of many different species. Every winter, reptiles and amphibians must adapt. Without modes of widespread transportation or internal heat regulation, these animals may show the truest form of persistence in spite of extremely harsh conditions. Many of these species can be traced back to prehistoric ages. With their innovative survival methods, it will not be a surprise that they continue to flourish for many years to come. Sources: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-frogs-survive-wint/ https://apps.carleton.edu/campus/arb/programs/student_naturalists/arbtalk/?story_id=1516707 https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/24195/20140227/natural-selections-how-do-turtles-survive-a-winter-underwater http://www.loyno.edu/lucec/natural-history-writings/pharyngeal-breathing-softshell-turtles http://www.snakeprotection.com/snake_bite_blog/view/2085/snakes-less-active-in-winter--but-don-t-hibernate

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The Total Experience The author’s photo of totality in Festus, MO

The author watches the solar eclipse approach totality

by Derek Gronlund

was slightly scared to take off the protective glasses. Staring into the sun goes against every piece of advice I had ever heard. For over an hour now, I, along with 2000 or so people gathered at a vineyard in Festus, Missouri, had been watching the Moon slowly engulf the Sun. It started with first contact, just a tiny sliver of dark visible on the sun’s disk. Half an hour later, a significant chunk of the sun appeared to be gone, like some sort of deformed PacMan. However, all this was viewed behind the safety of eclipse glasses, designed specifically to look directly into the sun. Now the time was 1:13 p.m., and all that hung in the sky was the thinnest sliver of light. Totality was imminent.

The last glimmer of sunlight sparkled around the edge of the moon, and my glasses went completely black. Which meant no more direct sunlight was reaching the spot of the Earth I was on. Which meant it was safe to look. After a moment’s hesitation, I lowered the glasses and peered upwards. Where the sun had hung just moments ago now loomed a perfect black circle, darker than anything I had ever seen. Surrounding this void, shimmering tendrils of the Sun’s corona radiated out into the emptiness of space. Nearby, planets and stars twinkled in the unnatural twilight. All around, people were cheering and shouting. For the next 2 ½ minutes, I gazed in awe at the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Then with another twinkle and bright flash, totality was over, and the world was illuminated again.

Witnessing the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017 was a truly awesome and humbling experience, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to experience totality firsthand. Considered to be the most spectacular astronomical event visible from the Earth, total solar eclipses are so rare because there are many factors that must be perfectly aligned for one to see them. Consider that as the Earth is orbiting the Sun, the Moon is also orbiting the Earth. If the two orbital paths were perfectly aligned in the same plane, we would see solar eclipses every month. However, the orbit of the Moon is tilted about 5° from the orbit of the Earth. This means that the two orbits only cross each other at two points, known as lunar nodes. When the moon passes between the sun and the earth while outside of these lunar nodes, the moon’s shadow is simply projected out into space, where there is no one to see it. It is only when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun along one of the two points where the orbital planes intersect that the Moon’s shadow is projected onto the Earth’s surface. Those lucky enough to be in the 50-70 mile wide path of this shadow will experience the total eclipse. People outside this strip of land will only see a partial eclipse, the degree of which depends how far away they are from the path of the shadow. While everything is in alignment, another astronomical event can be observed. A lunar eclipse (when the Earth’s shadow is projected onto the full Moon) usually occurs within a two-week window either before or after a solar eclipse. Lunar eclipses are easier to observe for several reasons. For one, unlike solar eclipses which can only be seen along a limited path, lunar eclipses can be seen from any location on the night-side of the Earth. Also, since the Earth is larger it casts a bigger shadow, which has a better chance of covering up the Moon. Finally, lunar eclipses can be observed more frequently. One can expect to witness a total lunar eclipse every 2-3 years from any particular place on the Earth. To see a total solar eclipse from the same location can take an average of 350 years. This gives perspective to why people in Solar and lunar eclipses Carbondale, Illinois, are so excited. They were in the path of totality in 2017, and will be again in 2024. A mere seven year wait seems much more tolerable than three centuries!

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s atmosphere gives the Moon a red hue

Here in northern Illinois, we won’t have to wait even that long to experience the next eclipse event. On Jan. 31, 2018, Chicago and the suburbs will have the perfect opportunity to see a lunar eclipse. The action will begin early in the morning, around 4:50 a.m. when the very outer edge of the Earth’s shadow (the penumbra) begins to cover the Moon. This is too faint to notice, and usually goes undetected. This is good news for those of us that want to watch the eclipse…we get to sleep in a bit! About an hour later, around 5:45 a.m., the partial eclipse begins. The Moon will begin to creep into the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow (the umbra). As more and more of the Moon is swallowed by shadow, the partial lunar eclipse becomes more apparent.

By 6:51 a.m., the Moon will be fully engulfed in shadow. It is during this time that the Moon may take on an ethereal, red glow. This color change is caused by light refracting through the Earth’s atmosphere. The red light wavelengths are bent in towards the Moon as the light from the sun passes through our atmosphere. The blue wavelengths are scattered off into space. This same phenomenon is why sunrises and sunsets are hues of red and orange. Unfortunately for those of us in the Chicago region, our view of the 2018 lunar eclipse will be cut short. By 7:30 a.m. when the Moon is in maximum shadow, the Earth will have rotated enough that the moon will be below the horizon. The final hours will take place as we all go about our regular Wednesday morning rituals. However, the next total solar eclipse will be here April 8, 2024. The path of totality will cut through northern Ohio, central and southern Indiana, and southern Illinois. Mark your calendars now, as witnessing this phenomenon is a can’t-miss opportunity. Who’s ready for a road trip? 4

Path of the 2024 total solar eclipse

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Holiday and an End of the Year Reflection

by Mary Rice

Well, it’s that time of the year again. The time for leaves to finish falling off trees, the time for snowflakes to begin their lazy descent from the sky, the time for pumpkins to be made into pies, and the time for all of us to be thankful for the blessings we have received during this amazing year we have just survived. Think of what we’ve witnessed these past twelve months: hurricane destruction in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the other Caribbean islands; earthquakes in Mexico, California, and Japan; unbelievable fire devastation in California; shootings on campuses, in entertainment venues, and even in churches; and the list could go on and on and on. These are simply the most recent in a long line of thankless tragedies with which we’ve had to contend. Where is the sense of gratitude and thankfulness we should all be experiencing? We need to dig deeper into the recesses of our own spiritual traditions, our own family traditions, and our national traditions to bring forth the good present in each and all of them. We are more alike than we are different. We have similar dreams. We all want what’s best for our children. We expect, hope for, and should be demanding a clean world in which to live and raise our families. What steps are you taking to make this happen? I recently received an email. I suspect it’s from a site I visited last year when trying to come up with suggestions to give family and friends about gifts I would like to receive. In all honesty, I don’t need or want anything. I’ve got all that I need and more than enough; however, how do you explain this to family and friends? In one response to the question of what I’d like for Christmas, I said, “Experiences!” These are the gifts I treasure most; time with family and friends doing something together. Enjoying each other’s company is the best there is. Now, that’s not what I received, but it is what I gave to others. I discovered a website (sokindregistry.org) where, just like a wedding or shower registry, a person can list gift suggestions and where to get them. I filled in the site just to see what I’d come up with, but when it came to sending it out to family and friends, I couldn’t do it. It seemed a bit presumptuous to assume I was on someone’s list and expected a gift in the first place. So, even though I thought it was a great idea, I bailed. Now, it’s another year; another set of questions; another hunt for the perfect gift for the other and for the other to give the self―me! So, let’s return to the email I received the other day. Here is what it said: “This month, as Christmas decorations go up even before Halloween, we are reminded of how much the holiday season is at odds with our values. What should be a time of connection and celebration has become an onslaught of shopping, spending, and frenzied preparations. Pressure to center the holidays around consumerism often leaves us feeling exhausted instead of uplifted. That’s why every year New Dream encourages our community to Simplify the Holidays and prioritize connection over consumption. From an alternative gift catalog filled with hundreds of meaningful gift ideas to SoKind, an online registry that will encourage your loved ones to give gifts that align with your lifestyle and values, we have resources for anyone who wants to focus on more of what matters this holiday—and less of what doesn’t. Not ready to start thinking about the holidays yet? Not a problem. Our resources are available whenever you want to start simplifying your season.” I’ve been thinking about what to do with this information and thought it might be something you’d be interested in. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Be thankful and celebrate the start of a New Year! Make it the best for all of us!

SHOPPING AT OUR

WOODS & FIELDS

In addition to our natural areas, walking trails, living history farm, and wonderful programs, Spring Valley also provides some great gift ideas. While we may not be Woodfield Mall, you can be sure that the items sold in our gift case are educational and reasonably priced. Spring Valley honey, Spring Valley t-shirts, bug boxes, children’s games, and a variety of excellent books on nature and history are available. All proceeds from these sales ben-efit Spring Valley. The Spring Valley Nature Club also has attractive Spring Valley shirts, the sale of which benefits the Club. So, forget the highpriced malls, the traffic and parking, and purchase meaningful gifts at our Woods and Fields!! 5

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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!

Early Childhood Educators’ Combo | Saturday, Nov. 11 • 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Receive two nationally acclaimed curricula, Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood and Growing Up Wild.

Project Learning Tree | Saturday, Nov. 18 • 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun filled day in which you’ll learn about and participate in many of the 96 interdisciplinary activities.

Additional workshops are being developed. For information, visit ParkFun.com/Spring-Valley/programs

Prepare for winter at the Farm!

Hog House to Smokehouse

Discover how 1880s farm families put meat on their tables and preserved food for the long, cold winter. Click here for more information.

Sunday, Nov. 19 Noon-4 p.m. Volkening Heritage Farm

$3 per person • $12 per family • 3 yrs & younger Free

ADULT or TEEN

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Dutch Oven Cooking

Follow Those Feathers

Saturday, Dec. 9 • 2:00-5:00 p.m. Learn different cooking techniques, Dutch oven care and make different foods to sample.

Saturday, Nov. 18 • 1:00-2:30 p.m. Help Flute the bird find his lost feathers and continue his journey south.

ALL AGES

Getting Ready for Winter

Saturday, Dec. 9 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon Read a story and explore Spring Valley to find out how plants and animals get ready for winter.

NEW • End of the Year Night Hike

Friday, Dec. 29 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Celebrate bringing in the New Year with a nighttime snowshoe hike around Spring Valley.

NEW • Lil’ Gobblers

Sunday, Nov. 19 • 10:00-11:30 a.m. Trot on over to Spring Valley to make turkey chow, create a craft and hike to discover turkeys!

Howl at the Moon Hike

Friday, Nov. 3 • 7:00-8:30 p.m. Brave the dark and venture into the woods to see what happens when the sun goes down. 6

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Spring Valley Holiday Bazaar

Weekend Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at the Farm

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 25 & 26 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nature Center

Noon-3 p.m. 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.

The Nature Center becomes a festive holiday gift shop for two days as numerous vendors of hand-crafted items display their unique creations. Admission is free. Sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club.

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

YOUTH

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

Cub Scout Saturdays

Select Saturdays Throughout the Fall CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Scouts will complete the requirements for their Cub Scout Adventures through these hands-on programs offered by an experienced naturalist. Register for one or all!

Reindeer Watch

Saturday, Dec. 16 • 2:00-4:00 p.m. Read a story, make a craft and search for signs of deer as we explore their habitat.

Girl Scout Saturdays

FAMILY

Select Saturdays Throughout the Fall CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Girls will complete the requirements for their Girl Scout Badges through these hands-on programs offered by an experienced naturalist. Register for one or all!

Bird Buffet

Saturday, Nov. 18 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon Create a birdfeeder to energize and prepare birds for their long journey south for winter.

Spring Valley Winter Break Camp

Home School Naturalist Group Programs

Tues.-Fri., Jan. 2-5 • 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Spend winter break at Spring Valley exploring, tracking animals, looking for birds, experimenting with snow and snowshoeing (if there’s enough snow).

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

Schaumburg Park District presents...

This fall the following topics are offered: • Fossils – Dig deeper into the world of geology. Study real fossils up close, go on a simulated fossil dig and make a replica fossil to take home. • Kitchen Chemistry – Transform an everyday kitchen into a chemistry lab. Conduct experiments on pH, acids and bases, density and more. • Energy Sources – Discover basic physics concepts with hands-on demonstrations of wind, solar and geothermal energy. Participants will also make a simple car to take home. • Available every winter: Conservation in Action, Owls: Predators of the Night, Winter Ecology, Nighttime Nature

Volkening Heritage Farm & Merkle Cabin Experience the holidays season as it was in 1880s Schaumburg. Enjoy Victorian decorations, holiday kitchen aromas and music at the Heritage Farm. A wagon shuttle will transport you to the Merkle Cabin to visit Father Christmas, make crafts and sip soup. Click here for more information.

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

Sat./Sun., Dec. 2 & 3 • Noon-4 p.m. $3 per person • $12 per family • 3 yrs & younger Free

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Click on program/icon for information and to register online.*

Spring Valley Winter Fest

WINTER

Saturday & Sunday, Jan 13 & 14 • Noon - 3 p.m. Nature Center

HOURS

While Spring Valley’s grounds and trails are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout the winter, certain areas of Spring Valley close for the winter due to hazardous conditions resulting from snow and ice. Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground will be CLOSED any time there is snow or ice on the ground. If you see these signs posted at the entrances to the play area, for your safety, please do not enter the nature playground.

Get bundled up and join in some winter fun. Enjoy snowshoe walks through the prairie, horse-drawn wagon rides, winter snacks, crafts and activities inside the Nature Center and marshmallows roasted on a winter bonfire! Admission: $3/person or $12/family, children 3 and under free.

Thanks!

Snowshoe Rentals Available Beginning Dec. 1

Experience the beauty of the winter landscape in a new way! The following rental policies apply: • There must be at least four inches of snow on the ground before rentals will be made available. • First-time renters will be asked to view a short videotape on the proper way to use snowshoes prior to taking them out. • A rental application and liability waiver must be filled out at the Nature Center Visitor Center. • A driver’s license or some other form of ID is required as deposit. • Rental rate is $5 for a maximum of three hours for use at Spring Valley. • Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. All rentals must be returned by 4:30 p.m. • Special youth group rates are available after 3 p.m. on weekdays. Call to inquire. No youth groups on weekends. • To take snowshoes off site, a deposit of $50 is required. The cost is $10 per day.

Call 847/985-2100 for more information.

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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 Workday

Saturday, Nov. 18, 9am-1pm We’ll be out at Oak Hollow working on a conservation project. Come for all or part of the day!

Christmas in the Valley

Saturday, Dec. 2 & Sunday, Dec.3, Noon-4pm Volunteers are needed to assist with our Victorian Christmas celebration. We’re looking for farm interpreters as well as other volunteers to assist

with craft projects, food sales, and the information booths.

Volunteer Holiday Celebration and Recognition Friday, Dec. 8 If you have logged at least 25 hours of volunteer time this past year or are a new Spring Valley volunteer who joined in 2017, we hope you can join us for our annual volunteer recognition event. Keep an eye out for your invitation and be sure to RSVP for this festive evening.

Dates to Remember

• Monday, Nov. 6 ..........................1-3pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, Nov. 18..................9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Sunday, Nov. 19.................. Noon-4pm Hoghouse to Smokehouse • Monday, Nov. 20 ........................1-3pm Handy Crafters Meeting • Saturday, Dec. 2.................. Noon-4pm Christmas in the Valley • Sunday, Dec. 3.................... Noon-4pm Christmas in the Valley • Friday, Dec. 8.............................6-9pm Volunteer Holiday Celebration

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 Parkfun Volunteer Reward Program. 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.

Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Dennis and Rosemary Colbert, Pat Ramos, and Ellie Vogel for their assistance at Trails and Ales. • In preparation for Autumn Harvest Fest: Rosemary and Dennis Colbert, Lynn Eikenbary, and Peg Dorgan for picking apples; Lynn Eikenbary and Barb Mitchell for making cobbler crusts; Christine and John Curin, Lynn Eikenbary, Arthur Jeczala, Tony Meo, Barb Mitchell, Ken Ogorzalek, Penny and Tom Perles, Renata Riccobon, Al Vogel, and Angela Waidanz 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. 9

Welcome New Volunteers… • Bev Calahan

• Mireya Martinez

Happy Birthday to… November 5 8 9 10 11 14 15 19

Deanna Bruckner Mert Rutledge Walter Plinske Renata Riccobon Bernadette Kolasa Judy Leon Tony Phillips Steve Prorak Gretchen Coleman

December 1 2 3 9 12 17 18 20

Susan Champagne Victoria Mann Jay Laski Bill Forst Caroline Bezik Jennifer Harkin Tom Perles Tony Satoh

21 23 28 29

Dennis Colbert Elaine Deibert Louisa Walsh Bob Royce Nancy Kraft Nancy Mamsen Bob Schmidt Sharon Ogorzalek

23 25 27 30

Luke Schmidt Max Schmidt Laura Walsh Elizabeth Moorman Rich Ringfelt Brian Decker George Bailey Helga Niewiadomski

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 2017

Monday

Tuesday

Farm Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm Cabin Closed Bold indicates volunteer activities Italics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteers See “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

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

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

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

•Cub Scout Saturdays 9am •Girl Scout Saturday 11am

Veterans Day

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

Saturday

•Howl at the Moon Hike 7pm

Thanksgiving Holiday Craft Bazaar 10am

Friday

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

•Lil’ Gobbler 10am Hoghouse to Smokehouse Noon

Thursday

Spring Valley Nature Club 7pm

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

Wednesday

Conservation Workday 9am •Cub Scout Saturday 9am •Bird Buffet 10:30am •Girl Scout Saturday 11am •Follow those Feathers 1pm

Holiday Craft Bazaar 10am

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 2017

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

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

Christmas in the Valley Noon

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

Christmas in the Valley Noon

•Getting Ready for Winter 10:30am •Dutch Oven Cooking 2pm

Volunteer Holiday Recognition 6pm

•Cub Scout Saturdays 9am •Girl Scout Saturday 11:30am •Reindeer Watch 2pm

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

Hanukkah

Saturday

Friday

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

Christmas 11

•End of the Year Night Hike 6pm

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 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 MAry Rice.......... “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.