Natural Enquirer: September/October 2011 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

v o l . 2 n o . 5 • S e p t . / O c t . ‘ 11

In this issue... In autumn, those of us who take time to get out and experience our beautiful Midwestern landscape are reminded of the harvest we reap from the land. Whether we take a walk in the woods, visit an apple orchard, bike ride on local trails, or volunteer to collect native wildflower seeds at local nature preserves, we can’t help but notice the bounty around us. This issue of the Natural Enquirer shines the spotlight on a couple of the ways we derive our sustenance from the land. Apples are certainly an icon of autumn, and few tastes can rival that of a tart and juicy red beauty plucked right from the tree. Honeybees are surely one of the most economically important insects on the planet, although few who reap their bounty fully understand the impact they have. Both apples and honeybees put the fruits of their labors on full display during autumn (one literally). Spring Valley too puts the fruits of the past year’s labors on display. Plan to visit one of our popular autumn special events, where apples and honey are only two of the items available for consideration on the menu.

Inside The Amazing, Irrepressible Apple.......................2 Let It Bee...............................................................3 What’s Happenin’.............................................. 4-5 Where in the World is Schaumburg? Pt. 3.........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 • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 11

The Amazing, Irrepressible Apple

by Dave Brooks

urely the apple is the noblest of fruits. Let the most beautiful or the swiftest have it. That should be the “going” price of apples.

Wild Apples, by Henry David Thoreau

Apples are such an important part of the American cultural landscape that most Americans may be unaware that their original heritage stretches halfway around the world and back thousands of years. Apples were brought here from Europe by the early colonists after being carried into northern Europe and Great Britain by the Romans, after being brought to the Mediterranean region by early wandering people from Central Asia— the original birthplace of the apple. Domestic apples, whether growing sweet red or golden fruit in a tended orchard or tart green fruit along a counDomestic Apples try road, are one species, Malus pumila. Thousands of years of selective breeding have developed the large-fruited varieties that have endeared the apple to people for centuries. It is mostly within the past hundred years that many of our modern apple varieties have been developed. While the McIntosh has been around since the early 1800s, varieties such as Gala, Braeburn, and Red Delicious are quite recent developments. In fact, the apples grown by America’s early colonists, and even here in the Midwest by settlers in the 19th century, would seem small and unimpressive by current standards. Today, there are more than two thousand varieties of apples worldwide, and each apple-growing region has local varieties and favorites. Once the first orchards were planted in America, it did not take long for animals and humans to spread seeds into the

wild countryside. Native stock, since the resulting tree Americans used the fruit will remain fairly small. Apples as well (one of many do best when they have plenty European plants adof space and light, and so opted by them for their inside branches are often own use). A variety of pruned to promote flowering on wildlife, including deer, more than just the outermost wild hogs, squirrels, fox, twigs as well as to promote air and many movement in and around the birds also trees and even ripening of all seek them of the fruit. out. The Throughout America, along fleshy fruit roadsides, in brushy meadows, is intended and in cut-over woodlands, the by nature Deer Enjoying Apples wild brethren of our esteemed to be an apple still thrives and provides an enticement to hungry autumn bounty for many creatures. Any creatures, thus providing apple, after a couple generations of rethe seeds with a means of seeding in the wild, will revert to its wild transportation. Many wild form, with small tart fruits. Wild apples, plants, including the apple’s while not commercially valuable, are still close cousins, cherries, edible, their tartness making them ideal plums, and wild roses, for recipes that call for cooked apples; employ this same strategy. pie, jam, apple butter, etc. They may While John Chapman, a.k.a. require more effort to gather and more Johnny Appleseed, certainly sweeteners to make them palatable, planted apple trees here in but they have a character all their own. the Midwest, wildlife have Often growing alongside these wild Old planted many more and World apples are the native wild apples covered a lot more territory. of our region, the wild sweet crab, The prevalence of the wild apple across Malus coronaria, and the Iowa crab, our landscape is a testament to their Malus ioensis. These small trees, true unintentional efforts. to their botanical heritage, produce a The cultivation of apples involves more than simply planting apple trees. Growers usually must graft the varieties they want onto apple tree seedlings. This involves transplanting one or more shoots (called scions) from the desired varieties onto the roots of a different variety. Most trees started from seed will not result in the desired type of fruit due to the cross pollination that produced the parent fruit. It is even possible to graft more than one variety onto a single rootstock, so that the mature tree will produce several different types of apples. The rootstock is usually selected for vigor and/or the size tree it will produce. Many backyard growers use a dwarf variety for root2

bountiful bouquet of fragrant flowers in spring. Their small fruit, though tart and hard, make excellent jams and jellies.

This fall, when you sink your teeth into a sweet red apple, Crabapples sip a cup of freshsqueezed cider, or enjoy the heaven that is apple pie, savor the fact that what you are tasting is the accumulated efforts of generations of apple growers (and tasters) combined with at least some of the apple’s wild heritage. Hidden within this domesticated fruit is an irrepressible nature ready at any opportunity to return to its wild ways.

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 • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 11

Let It Bee

by Walter Plinske

Planet-crunching asteroids, megavolcanoes, mountain-swamping tsunamis, and nuclear Armageddon are but a few of the causes that have been put forth in recent years for the destruction of civilization as we know it. Thankfully, the time frames for some of these scenarios to occur can run into the 1,000 to 1,000,000 year range. There is, however, a silent catastrophe happening at this minute which involves a small but important organism to which we owe, at least in part, our survival—the honey bee.

for beekeeping in the ancient world. Bees and honey became so important that the honey bee hieroglyph became the symbol of the entire region of Lower Egypt. Honey wasn’t the only reason to raise bees. Egyptians used beeswax in mummification, shipbuilding, the lostwax casting of sacred objects, and as a kind of a gel used to slick down their wigs. Beekeeping thrived until the Dark Ages when it experienced its first setback and nearly ceased in many parts of Europe.

while their beekeeping monks were dispersed.

Honey is 40% fructose, a simple sugar, as well as antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals; including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, selenium, copper, and manganese. Honey’s reign as the premier sweetener and fermented drink was diminished with the advent of crystal sugar, which is pure refined crystallized sucrose. Full of calories and blandly sweet, it offers abBeekeeping experienced solutely nothing else. Brought to Europe a rebirth with the growth of by the Greeks (originally from the Indus Introduced into monasticism which peaked valley); sugar was referred to as “Inthe Americas by in the Middle Ages around dian salt, which comes from a reed that European colo1250. During this period, gives honey without the aid of bees.” nists for both a fermented honey called Though both sweeteners existed side their honey and mead was produced in by side for hundreds of years, it wasn’t their wax, the great quantity to supply until the price of sugar fell that honey honey bee (Apis both the church and the and beekeeping experienced another mellifera) is the monks themselves. In one setback. With a seemingly limitless supHoney Bee most important monply of suitable land, wood crop pollinator in the country today. astery, two quarts of fuel, and cheap labor in Growers of everything from almonds, mead, which has the althe American continents, apples, and berries to squash, tomacoholic kick of a strong sugar production took off. toes, and melons need them to ensure table wine, were allotted By the end of the 19th cena marketable crop. Oil and biofuel crops tury, sugar became much to each monk at every such as canola and sunflower require cheaper than honey. Also dinner. As the Catholic bee pollination. Even meat and dairy during this period, paraffin Church grew, so did the industries are dependent on bee polwax was introduced after demand for beeswax, lination for the production of forage such chemists learned how to as only candles made as alfalfa and clover. However, because efficiently separate and of pure beeswax could of a phenomena occurring during the refine the naturally occurbe used for ceremonial past five years called “colony collapse ring waxy substance from purposes. Beeswax disorder” (CCD) where bees leave their petroleum. Paraffin wax burned cleanly, without Bee’s Wax Alter Candles was a boon to candle makcolonies and simply disappear, the producing a smoky ers because it burned cleanly and was number of hives has declined by 50%. flame. It also emitted a pleasant sweet cheaper than any other candle fuel. Combined with other challenges such as smell rather than the foul, acrid odor of pollution, parasitic mites, pesticides, and tallow, from which most other candles And so we come to the bee’s present viruses, the honey bee faces “a perfect were made. With the coming of the predicament. It seems that everything storm.” Reformation, beefrom cellphone towers to exotic disease keeping in Europe has been linked to CCD. Research has The domesticaexperienced another shown that a new class of pesticides tion of the honey setback. Hundreds called neonicotinoids have produced bee began over of monasteries were symptoms in bees that are strikingly 7,000 years ago abolished, with their similar to CCD (memory loss, navigawhen someone lands seized by tion disruption, paralysis, and death), decided to take increasingly acquisibut there may not be a single cause. a hive down from tive monarchies such Concerned individuals can help bees by a honey tree and as England, Sweden, planting a pollinator garden, by cutting resituate it to a and the German back on pesticide use, or by supporting more convenient states. The great abbeekeeping. As John Lennon almost spot. Centuries beys were torn down once said, “All we are saying is give later Egypt beor left to deteriorate, Pollinator Garden bees a chance!” came the center 3

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o 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: Insect Lights in the Night, Songs in the Prairie Friday, Sept. 9, 4:30-10:00P and Saturday, Sept. 10, 8:30A-4:30P Explore the biodiversity in Chicago Wilderness through hands-on labs and field trips.

$140 (National-Louis or Aurora University graduate credit available. CPS Lane credit or 15 CPDUs available)

Early Childhood Teacher’s Workshop: Growing Up Wild

Saturday, Oct. 8 • 9:00A-12:00P This hands-on workshop, designed for early childhood educators, builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Additional workshops are being developed. For up-to-date information, visit www.parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/programs.

ADULT

All Ages

Awakening the Dreamer

Free - Heaven’s Watch

Sept. 17 • 8:30-10:30P........Pegasus Oct. 15 • 8-10P...................Queen Cassiopia Join Chicago Astronomical Society as they set their telescopes for a peek at the night skies.

Saturday, Sept. 17 • 9:00A-12:00P This workshop will inspire you to play a role in creating an environmentally sustainable future.

Canning for Beginners

Horse Power

Sunday, Sept. 11 • 1:00-4:00P Learn about canning from its early development to the system used today.

Sunday, Sept. 25 • 1:00-3:00P Learn about and meet the Percheron draft horses.

Everything’s Better with Ketchup

Spring Valley Walking Club

Sunday, Oct. 16 • 12:00-4:00P Try your hand at making tasty condiments and take home samples of your handiwork.

Monday, Sept. 12-Nov. 14 • 3:30-4:00P Wednesday, Sept. 14-Nov. 16 • 12:15-12:45P Friday, Sept. 16-Nov. 18 • 7:00-7:30P Saturday, Sept. 17-Nov. 19 • 7:30-8:00A Enjoy animal sightings and beautiful flowers as you walk our extensive network of trails.

Nature’s Night Life - ADULTS ONLY! Friday, Oct. 7 • 7:00-9:00P Start your weekend with a relaxing and enlightening evening walk at Spring Valley.

Up and At’em Animal Chores

Saturday, Sept. 24 • 7:30-9:00A Sunday, Oct. 9 • 7:30-9:00A Milk cows, feed the livestock and enjoy a light breakfast.

October Festessen

Saturday, Oct. 8 • 5:30-8:30P Enjoy a German dinner in the farmhouse with Riesling, dessert and good conversation.

Vermicomposting Workshop

A Haunting in the Valley

Saturday, Sept. 17 • 9:00-11:00A Learn about vermicomposting, the art of using worms to process food scraps into compost,

Fri. & Sat., Oct. 28 & 29 • 6:15-9:30PM

Before Oct. 28: $5 per person • Walk-in: $6 per person Enjoy a covered wagon ride to a trail of fun and adventure! Games, refreshments, a live owl and bonfire at the Nature Center.

National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept. 24 • 9AM-1PM

Learn how people work with nature to heal the land and help restore rare plants and animals.

Click here for more information.

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 • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 11

Pathway to Plants

Sunday, Sept. 11 12-4PM

Drop by Merkle Cabin to explore the beauty of fall plants through activities designed for all ages. Learn to recognize some of nature’s abundant fall beauty. If you’re going to help with National Public Lands Day, this is a great springboard. If not, it’s still a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Teens

Autumn Harvest Festival

Forestry Merit Badge Workshop

Saturday, Oct. 8 • 12:00-5:00P Boy Scouts will join certified merit badge counselors and spend the afternoon in the woods.

$4 per person • $16 per family • 3 yrs & under Free Sponsored by

Science & Nature Explorers

Wed., Sept. 14, Oct. 12 & Nov. 16 • 2:15-4:15P Explore our planet through this new program.

Sunday, Oct. 2 • Noon-5PM

Youth

Step back in time and see history come to life at a 1790s frontier encampment and an 1880s working farm! Food, beverages and children’s activities are available throughout the day. Click here for more information.

Cooking at the Cabin

Saturday, Nov. 5 • 12:00-2:00P Try your hand at cooking over an open wood fire, then eat your results.

Creepers and Crawlers

FAMILY

Sunday, Sept. 11 • 9:30-11:00A Discover what a bug’s life is really all about as you look for what’s hanging around Spring Valley.

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.

All About Apples

Fall Colors

Family Geocaching

Wild & Wacky Wool

Sunday, Oct. 23 • 1:30-2:30P There’s no time like fall to indulge in the wonders of nature.

Sunday, Oct. 23 • 3:00-4:30P Enjoy this amazing fall fruit in an adventure that’s all about apples.

Saturday, Nov. 5 • 9:30-11:00A Discover incredible wool facts while you card, spin and weave this amazing fiber.

Saturday, Sept. 17 • 1:00-2:30P Join the worldwide treasure hunt that will get the whole family outdoors and moving all year long!

Mondays for Moms and Kids

Monday, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 & Nov. 21 • 3:15-4:15P Moms, spend some Monday time walking and enjoying nature with your child.

Home School Naturalist Group Programs Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm is the perfect place for hands-on, exploration based science programs. Offerings change seasonally, so check our brochure regularly.

Night Hike

Friday, Nov. 4 • 6:30-8:00P Come to Spring Valley after the sun has set and use your five senses to explore the dark.

Fall 2011 topics:

• Orienteering - Calculate your pace and learn how to navigate with a map and compass. • Habitat Study - Compare and contrast Spring Valley’s different habitats using scientific techniques. • Super Soil - Develop your own recipe for soil, search for decomposers and analyze soil samples.

Spring Valley Super Stars

Friday, Oct. 14 • 7:00-8:00P Star gazing is for all ages! Learn Greek mythology, play some games and become experts on at least three constellations.

Available every fall: Conservation in Action, Woodlands, Owls: Predators of the Night, Cycling, Farms and Food, Gardening, Wetlands and Nighttime Nature

Twilight Hike

Friday, Sept. 23 • 6:30-8:00P Visit Spring Valley to hike, explore and look for animals that are active at dusk.

For more information or to schedule a program, call 847-985-2100. 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 • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 11

Where in the World Is Schaumburg? Part 3 In this article about my travels through the District of Schaumburg, Germany, I would like to relay a different kind of theme. The Weser River Valley (where parts of the District of Schaumburg are situated) is not only rich in cultural history, but also in folklore. Two prime examples of this are the tales of Baron Von Munchhausen and the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

Something interesting regarding the Munchhausen family is that they have estates all over the district of Schaumburg. One is located in the town of Apelern, from which some of the settlers to Schaumburg, IL, hail. The town name means “at the apple trees,” and there are apple trees in the park of the Munchhausen estate to this day.

using his own ponytail. Later in the 19th century, there were a few books written about his tall tales which were widely popular around Europe.

music.

by Patricia Kennedy Green

a brightly dressed stranger who visited the town of Hamlin, Germany. While this stranger never drove the rats out of the town, The town of Bodenweder, Germany, is Pied Piper with Water Fountain it is reported situated along the Weser River and has that he did Another wellan interesting claim to fame. Bodentake the known place weder is the birth place of Karl Friedich “children.” in Weser River Hieronymus Freiherr von MunchhauI put “chilValley is Hamlin. sen, otherwise known as Baron Von dren” in The Brothers Munchausen. Some of you may be quotations Grimm immortalfamiliar with Munchausen due to the because as ized this town in psychological condition which bears his I learned on their fairytale the name. Others of you may know of him a tour of the “Pied Piper of from the 1988 movie, “Adventures of city (conHamlin.” Most of Baron Munchausen.” The actual Baron ducted by a you are probVon Munchausen was born May 11, Pied Piper ably familiar 1720, and died February 22, 1797. He portrayer) Pied Piper with the story of served in the Russian Army until 1750, the age of the Pied Piper coming to Hamlin to rid first as a page, and finally as a lieutenthe children is debatable. Most historesidents of their mouse and rat infestaant. He fought in two crusades against rians believe that the children who foltion. As the story goes, after he drowned the Turkish Empire. Toward the end lowed the Pied Piper were second born all the rodents in the river of his life, he siblings, possibly in their teenage years. he came back to town to enjoyed hunting According to the tour, these second born get paid. When the town’s and telling tall siblings, faced with the knowledge that people would not pay him, tales to anyone they would not inherit anything because he played a song on his who would listen. they weren’t first born, decided to go off pipe and took all the children His tales were alwith the colorful man and try to make a out of the town never to be ways farfetched, new life somewhere else. The odd part heard from again. Only three with silly things to this story, however, is that the children children remained to tell the happening: like who left were never heard from again. adults what happened. One riding a canThe only things that remain of the lost was lame and could not folnon ball across children of Hamlin are the folktale and a battlefield, or Baron Von Munchausen pulling himself low the other children, one an engraving on the side of the last was blind and could not see getting stuck in a and his horse out of the water building they passed as they left the where the children went, and swamp and havtown. one was deaf and could not hear the ing to pull both himself and his horse out

Bodenweder still strongly claims their eccentric native son. Scattered throughout the town there are statues, water fountains, and a mural depicting the Baron’s famous tall tales. There is also a museum devoted to the Baron and his life.

As with many good stories, there is an element of truth to the Pied Piper tale. In 1284, there was indeed

Munchausen Museum

The Year the Children Left, 1284 Engraving

Once again, I have run out of space as I recount the memorable and interesting adventures from my trip to Germany. It will be a while before I get to write more, but if you will hang in there, more adventures are waiting to be written and read!

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 • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o 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.

National Public Lands Day

Saturday, Sept. 24 • 9AM-1PM Join us for our conservation workday and assist with this demonstration of local environmental stewardship. Help spread the message on how people can work with nature to heal and restore it. Any donation of paper grocery bags for use in seed collecting would be greatly appreciated. Drop the bags off at the Visitor Center.

National Public Lands Day

Autumn Harvest Festival

Sunday, Oct. 2 • Noon-5PM We’re looking for volunteers to help at Spring Valley’s largest event – Autumn Harvest Festival. Activities are held at both the cabin and the farm and include children’s activities and crafts, pumpkin decorating, refreshment sales, farm interpretation, and more! Volunteer shifts times are 11am to 2:30pm or 2:15 to 5:45pm. Also, additional help is needed for set-up on Thursday and Friday, September 29 and 30. Call if you can lend a hand!

A Haunting in the Valley

Friday, Oct. 28 & Saturday, Oct. 29 6:15-9:30PM We need your help with our Halloween event which will feature a wagon ride to the Cabin for a guided walk along the night trails. Volunteers are needed for check-in, concessions, family activities, characters, and props. If you’d like to be part of the adventure, give us a call!

Volunteer Meeting and Program

Wednesday, Sept. 7 • 6:30-8:30pm Come find out what projects and special events are in store for fall and learn how you can help! Then stay and join us as Sharon Peterson helps separate fact from fiction concerning bats, an often misunderstood and feared animal. Learn about bats of the world and local Illinois bat species. A special guest will illustrate a bat’s prominent features.

Pats on the back to the following volunteers... • Penny Perles for maintaining the Native American Garden. • Lynn Eikenbary and Angela Waidanz for assisting with summer camps. • Chris Curin and Jeanette Klodzen for their efforts as butterfly monitors. • Gail Ameer, Eve Carter, Lynn Eikenbary, and Carolyn White for representing Spring Valley at Schaumburg’s Farmers Market. • Sandy Meo and Donna Turner for their assistance with research and background preparation for the Farm Interpreter’s seasonal training.

Dates to Remember

• Wed., Sept. 7...................6:30pm-8:30pm Volunteer Meeting • Mon., Sept. 12.................1-4pm Handy Crafter Meeting • Sat., Sept. 24...................9am-1pm Conservation Workday • Thurs., Sept. 29...............10am-3pm Autumn Harvest Set-up • Fri., Sept. 30....................10am-3pm Autumn Harvest Set-up • Sun., Oct. 2......................Noon-5pm Autumn Harvest Fest • Mon., Oct. 10...................1-4pm Handy Crafter Meeting • Fri., Oct. 28......................5:30-9:30pm A Haunting in the Valley • Sat., Oct. 29.....................8-10am Animal Care Meeting • Sat., Oct. 29.....................5:30-9:30pm A Haunting in the Valley

Welcome New Volunteers…

• Kaitlyn Ball • Katrina Miley • Alex Yu

Happy Birthday to… September 1 3 8 11 17 18

Nancy Lyons Kelly Schultz Peggy Kulis Nancy Ruffolo Karen Verran Irene Joll Dick Ruffolo

October

2 Rick Jeske 4 Rosemary Colbert Amanda Vanderzee 8 Susan LaDore Julie Tucknott 9 Marilou Vandrush 12 Sue Ringfelt

0 2 22 23 26 28

4 1 15 16 18 21 27

Lynn Eikenbary Barb Lam Joan Pangallo Bob Wodka Phil Skultety Barb Mitchell Gail Ameer

Ken Ogorzalek Pat Heiberger Eve Carter Susanne Cannella Gene Niewiadomski Tony Meo Kiyomi Mino

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

SepTeMber 2011

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Farm Houes: Tue-Fri 9am-2pm • saT/sun 10am-4pm

Friday

Saturday

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

Labor Day

•Creepers and Crawlers 9:30am •Pathway to Plants Noon •Canning for Beginners 1pm

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm •SV Walking Club 3:30pm

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

•Mondays for Moms and Kids 3:15pm •SV Walking Club 3:30pm

Volunteer Meeting 6:30pm

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm •Science and Nature Explorers 2:15pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm

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

•Horse Power 1pm

•SV Walking Club 3:30pm

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

•Biodiversity in the Classroom 8:30am

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

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm

•Biodiversity in the Classroom 4:30pm

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

•SV Walking Club 7pm

•Twilight Hike 6:30pm •SV Walking Club 7pm

•SV Walking Club 7:30am •Vermicomposting 9am •Awakening the Dreamer 9am •Family Geocaching 1pm •Heaven’s Watch 8:30pm

•SV Walking Club 7:30am •Up and At’Em 7:30am National public Lands Day 9am

S p r i n g Va l l e y • N a t u r a l E n q u i r e r • Vo l u n t e e r C a l e n d a r

Sunday

OcTOber 2011

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Farm Houes: Tue-Fri 9am-2pm • saT/sun 10am-4pm

•SV Walking Club 7:30am

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

Autumn Harvest Festival Noon

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm

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

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

•Up and At’Em 7:30am

Handy crafters Meeting 1pm •SV Walking Club 3:30pm

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

•Everything’s Better with Ketchup Noon

•Mondays for Moms and Kids 3:15pm •SV Walking Club 3:30pm

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm •Science and Nature Explorers 2:15pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm

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

•SV Walking Club 3:30pm

•Fall Colors 1:30pm •All About Apples 3pm

Halloween

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

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

•SV Walking Club 12:15pm

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

•SV Walking Club 7pm •Nature’s Night Life 7pm

•SV Walking Club 7pm •Spring Valley Super Stars 7pm

•SV Walking Club 7:30am Teamster Training 8am •Growing Up Wild 9am •Forestry Merit Badge Noon •October Festessen 5:30pm

•SV Walking Club 7:30am

•Heaven’s Watch 8pm

•SV Walking Club 7:30am

•SV Walking Club 7pm

A Haunting in the Valley 6:15pm

Animal care Meeting 8am

A Haunting in the Valley 6:15pm

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 • S e p t e m b e r / O c t o 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

Schaumburg Park District Website: www.parkfun.com

E-mail:

springvalley@parkfun.com

Member: