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InsideVolunteer News ContentsVolunteern Want Ads ..........................................7Volunteer Calendar .......................................... 8-9

Changes ...............................................................2Sprouting Through the Drought .........................3What’s Happenin’ ............................................. 4-6Corn: What an Amazing Crop ...........................10

In this issue... Living in the Midwest, we are all accustomed to changes in the weather; however, 2012 brought extreme heat and drought conditions that likely challenged most of our notions of what constitutes ‘normal’ weather for our area. This issue of the Natural Enquirer addresses some of the implications of our extreme weather. While the mild winter, early spring, 100 degree days, and lack of rainfall demanded everyone’s attention, the effects of all of this on the natural world are apparent only through careful observation. The effects on food prices during the next several months will be a stark reminder that our lives do indeed depend on the climate and weather. All indications are that what we saw in 2012 will be a more regular part of our local weather scenarios. We will certainly return to cold weather, snow, and moderation in summer temperatures during many years, but the incidence of extreme weather years has increased during the past 30 years and looks to increase further. This is the new ‘normal’ we will have to adapt to.

Natural EnquirerNewsle t te r fo r Spr ing Va l l ey Suppor te rs and Vo lun tee rs vo l . 3 no .6 • N ov. /D e c . ‘ 1 2

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Change is a fact of life. Almost everyone has probably heard that phrase at some time. Changes can be big or small, positive or negative, but they are an ongoing part of the world around us. Months fly by, and seasons shift one into

the other. The time between fall and winter is full of changes: leaves falling, plants going to seed, animals preparing for the winter to come. People prepare for the changing times as well, and Spring Valley is no exception. Fall brings many special events, an onslaught of school groups, and a multitude of programming opportunities. Winter doesn’t slow the tide of options; it just alters the focus.

world, has changed over time. Where we once were a handful of people striving to create a vision of what we wanted to protect, we are now a strong community dedicated to preservation, conservation, and education. Our family has grown over the years, staff and vol-unteers both, from few to many. Special events bring visitors back year after year, even when life has taken them to other locations. School programs have evolved from one or two into the dozens that exist today. Generations of families return to experience programs that are both old friends and unexplored genres of learning. Topics have grown and changed over time, as the world around us opens our eyes to new ideas and viewpoints.As winter officially arrives with the solstice, the days begin to stretch and lengthen once more. It’s a dance as old as time itself, one of the many changes that occurs almost without our noticing. As we transition from fall to winter, open your world to the beauty and possibilities of life. Stretch your personal boundaries; discover something new about yourself. Some changes may surprise you, but they are all worth exploring.

Changes by Luetta Coonrod

Spring Valley has seen many changes in its almost thirty year existence. Schaumburg 2012 is a very different place than Schaumburg 1983. The Merkle Log Cabin has gone from being the Visitor Center to a place set aside for smaller gatherings such as meet-ings, classes, and programs. The Nature Center itself came into being, and the Heritage Farm was born to recreate Schaumburg in the 1880s. What once was farm fields created from tall-grass prairie has become prairie yet again. Miles of trails have been installed, and signs direct visitors through the habitats and history of the landscape.One of the most obvious changes to be soon seen will occur in the Nature Center. Phase 1 of the redesigned ex-hibits is scheduled to be installed in late 2012. When you realize that the current exhibits were installed in 1987, it’s easy to see why a face-lift is needed. There are a few of our long-term volunteers that have been around as long as the Nature Center exhibits, but not many. It will be a refreshing change and a new perspective on how we view ourselves and the world.Spring Valley’s place within the world, particularly its Schaumburg Park District

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Yellow…the overwhelming color of Spring Valley’s prairies this fall. The purples and blues of asters and deep crimson of little bluestem, while present, were significantly less frequent this year as one of the most substantial droughts in decades has left its scorched mark. Many conditions contribute to a healthy plant ecosystem. Temperature, proper light, soil quality, predation, pollina-tion from insects, pollution and moisture all present hurdles that forbs, grasses and vines must overcome. Each of these repre-sent a piece of a natural puzzle, that must fit together smoothly for a plant species to survive and flourish; however, when one or more of these pieces dominates throughout a growing season, the remaining pieces do not match, many problems arise, and the natural puzzle is left significantly changed or even incomplete. High temperatures and extremely low precipitation levels occurred during this summer’s historic drought. And, although, we received adequate rain accumulations this fall, the effects of this drought may be seen for years to come within the plant community.

The overall climate of Illinois seems to be undergoing a shift towards warmer temperatures, more drastic storms, and long stretches of incredibly dry periods. While we all felt the heat effects of the drought this June and July, I believe one of the most contributing factors to the stunted plant growth this year was our previous mild warm winter. Cold deep freezes are necessary for native plant seed to stratify and germinate in the spring. If seed does not receive the proper conditions, it will remain dormant for another year, where it may become victim to mice, birds, and mold. And while it was nice to leave the shovel in the garage for most of the season, snow accumulation and frost in the soil provide the melted moisture needed in March and April to revive native perennials once temperatures rise. The lack of snow last winter was a foreshadowing of the relentless dryness that occurred in the Midwest this summer. According to the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois (www.isws.illinois.edu/hilites/drought/archive/2012/docs/DroughtUpdate20120820.pdf):

turtlehead, and false dragonhead have diminished this year. Unfortunately, the non-native purple loosestrife (a wetland invasive) continued to thrive throughout the dry season. This could be related to the plant’s overwhelming annual seed production, with some single plants pro-ducing up to a million seeds per season. In addition to species diversity, there have been some physical changes to this year’s crop of prairie plants. The duration of the flowering stage of forbs has been noticeably shorter and many plants have gone to seed sooner than past years. This, in my opinion, can be linked to the lack of moisture that each

plant needs, and could be seen as a survival procedure to ensure that seed is being produced. Native grasses like big bluestem and Indian grass are also quantitatively thinner and their overall height has been stunted. Although, late August and September rains helped to persuade these warm season grasses and au-tumn flowering forbs skyward, it was in most cases too little too late. All is not lost, however! The

adaptability and beauty of native plants will ensure a future quality ecosystem. Native prairie has evolved to survive drought due to its deep fibrous root systems. These plants are very durable and, once established, do not need wa-tering or care during extreme weather. Native plants will go dormant for an extended period of time until favorable conditions return. So, while the year of the goldenrod and sunflower was spec-tacular in its own way, let’s hope for a return to a more reasonable climate and, in turn, a diverse ecosystem.

Sprouting Through the Drought by Matt Streitmetter

Through the end of July, this year so far is the warmest and third driest on record. The statewide average temperature for January–July 2012 was 56.9°, 5.5° above normal. The statewide aver-age precipitation for January–July was 14.05 inches, 9.82 inches below normal or 59 percent of normal. Only 1936 and 1934 were drier at this time of the year.The numbers don’t lie, and this climatic change caused the effects in the

field that were severe and apparent.One significant effect of the drought this year was the lack of plant diversity. Sensitive plants like bottle gentian and shooting star were few and far between, and the overall numbers of many spe-cies declined. While the unfavorable conditions prevented plants from bloom-ing, other more invasive forbs filled the void. Goldenrods, teasel, and saw-toothed sunflowers have run rampant this year, due to their aggressive seed dispersal and overall adaptability to harsh conditions. Wetland plants have obviously struggled and seed collection totals for plants like queen of the prairie,

Illinois Drought Map on Aug. 7, 2012

Sprout Through Dry Soil.

Scott, Below are the pix for Matt’s article!

Here is the link for the map: http://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-illinois-drought-monitor-map.php

AbnormallyDry

ModerateDrought

SevereDrought

ExtremeDrought

ExceptionalDrought

Illinois Drought Map on August 7, 2012

Map data ©2012 Google - Terms of Use

MapSatellite HybridTerrain

National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA

Here’s the link to the picture on the next page: http://www.timesunion.com/news/slideshow/Midwest-drought-46019.php

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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.

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ADULTA Walk with the BirdsSaturday, Jan. 5 • 7:30-9:30PBinoculars and field guides will be on hand to identify Illinois’ hardy winter residents.

Nature’s Night Life - ADULTS ONLY!Friday, Nov. 2 • 7:00-9:00PFriday, Jan. 4 • 7:00-9:00PStart your weekend with a relaxing and enlightening evening walk at Spring Valley.

Restorative Yoga ExperienceFriday, Nov. 9 • 6:30-8:00PFriday, Dec. 7 • 6:30-8:00PRecharge and restore the body, mind and soul. Accompanied by Tibetan singing bowls.

Weekly Yoga at the CabinTuesday, Jan. 8-March 19 • 6:00-7:00PTuesday, Jan. 8-March 19 • 7:30-8:30PThursday, Jan. 10-March 21 • 6:30-7:30PThursday, Jan. 10-March 21 • 8:00-9:00PNurture your mind and body in this rustic setting and connect with nature.

ALL AgESDeer WatchFriday, Jan. 4 • 4:00-5:30PTake a hike to look for this elusive mammal and discover its tracks, as well as the places where it eats and sleeps.

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

Hoghouse to Smokehouse$2 per person$8 per family

3 yrs & under Free

SUNDAY, NOV. 4 NOON-4PMVolkening Heritage Farm

Sponsored by

Free - Heaven’s WatchSat., Nov. 3 • 8:00-10:00P ........ Andromeda galaxySat., Dec. 8 • 8:00-10:00P ........ JupiterSat., Jan. 5 • 8:00P .................. OrionJoin Chicago Astronomical Society as they set their telescopes for a peek at the night skies.

Owl AdventureSaturday, Nov. 10 • 7:00-8:30PDiscover the secrets of these stealthy night-time hunters and learn what makes them so special.

FAMILYThe 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.

Spring Valley Super StarsFriday, Nov. 16 • 7:00-8:30PBring the family out for a night under the stars. Learn Greek mythology, play games and be-come experts on at least three constellations.

EARLY CHILDHOODStranger in the WoodsSaturday, Jan. 12 • 10:00-11:00AListen to the story Stranger in the Woods, dis-cover the animals that are active in winter and build a snowman using food to attract animals.

Teacher’s Workshop: Winter ExplorersSaturday, Jan. 19 • 8:30A-4:30P • Sring ValleySunday, Jan. 20 • 11:00A-5:00P • Brookfield ZooBecome an expert on mammal adaptations. Learn what makes winter so important to the plants and animals living here. For information, contact Lanis Petrik at lanispetrik@czs.org or Mary Rice at marice@parkfun.com.

Special Offer:Only $90!Additional workshops are being developed. For up-to-date information, visit www.parkfun.com/Spring-Valley/programs.

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Sat./S­­­­­­­­­­­­­un.,­Dec.­1­&­2­•­Noon-4PM$2 per person • $8 per family • 3 yrs & under Free

at Volkening Heritage Farm & Merkle CabinExperience 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 its own pace. Click here for more information.

Schaumburg Park District presents...

Sponsored by

TEENSMammal Study Merit Badge WorkshopSaturday, Jan. 19 • 10:00A-3:00PBoy Scouts, join with certified merit badge coun-selors to earn your Mammal Study badge.

YOUTHCooking at the CabinFriday, Jan. 4 • 6:00-8:00PLeave the stove at home and explore the art of cooking with fire.

School Day-Off Field TripsFriday, Jan. 18 • 9:00A-4:00P .... Field MuseumMonday, Jan. 21 • 9:00A-4:00P .... MSIExplore a great Chicago museum on your day off. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather.

Spring Valley Winter Break CampWednesday-Friday, Jan. 2-4 • 10:00A-2:00PExploring Spring Valley! Campers will track ani-mals, look for birds and experiment with snow.

Trees-Dead or AliveSunday, Jan. 13 • 10:00-11:30AExplore the differences between deciduous and evergreen trees.

Wild and Wacky WoolSunday, Nov. 18 • 1:00-3:00PDiscover incredible wool facts while you card, spin and weave this amazing fiber.

Home School Naturalist group ProgramsSpring 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.

Winter 2012-13 topics:• Stars & Constellations – Explore the far-out world of stars while traveling the life cycle of a star, telling constellation

stories and star-hopping across the winter sky.• Pioneer Living – Travel back in time and practice pioneer

skills, including weaving and cooking over a fire.• Winter Insects – Discover what insects need to do to

survive the winter while searching under logs, leaves and ice for these tiny animals.

Available every Winter: Biscuits and Butter, Conservation in Action, Woodlands, Owls: Predators of the Night, Winter Ecology, Farms and Food, Nighttime Nature

For more information or to schedule a program, call 847-985-2100.

Snowshoe Rentals Available: Beginning Dec. 1Experience 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.

Who Goes There?Sunday, Jan. 13 • Noon-4PMTracks have an interesting tale to tell if we know how to read the words. Come down to the Cabin and dive into the language of tracks. There will be track games to play and an opportunity to decode what’s out there. Once you’ve become a track expert, feel free to hike around and decide who has gone before you.

Winter Explorers: Snow and IceSunday, Feb. 10 • Noon-4PMExplore the winter world of snow and ice. Experiments, games and activities using snow and ice take the chill from the February air. This free program takes place at Merkle Cabin, so take a short hike from the Nature Center to enjoy an afternoon of snowy fun.

FREE MERkLE CABIN PROgRAMS

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It’s that time of year when corn is done growing and farmers are either letting it dry out in the field or harvesting it. This year the corn didn’t grow like in years past due to excessive high tempera-tures and lack of rain. Once harvesting season is over, the drought of 2012 will be the worst natural disaster per square mile in American history. Farmers in the Corn Belt from Nebraska to Ohio are being hit hard and we will all feel it at the checkout counter and fuel pump. Corn (maize) is native to the western hemisphere and directly associated with the United States, especially the Mid-west. The old adage says to plant corn by Mother’s Day so it should be knee high by the 4th of July; however, with the development of modern agricultural practices these rules are no longer nec-essary since farmers grow crops at dif-ferent times in both spring and summer. The rule of thumb when growing corn (whether flour, flint, dent, sweet, or pop) is to plant seeds two inches deep, with four to six seeds per foot in rows 30 inches apart. Plants need to be thinned

This is due in large part to land con-servation; manure spreading, plowing, disking, harrowing, and cultivating. Despite the lack of rain, our success can be attributed to the location of our fields in low lying

areas next to Yeargin Creek that hold moisture for longer periods of time. The most amazing thing this year is that despite the drought, the corn was still able to grow and produce ears. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. Plants shouldn’t grow so well with such little rain and so much heat. I suspect this can be attributed to the genetic modi-fication of the corn gene. That’s a bit scary when you think about it, yet when you look at the bigger picture it might be a necessary practice due to the increase in the world’s population. To feed ever increasing numbers of people, we need to grow an increasing abundance of crops, especially corn. It will be interest-ing to see how this year’s Midwest corn crop affects the world economy; and how future years’ corn crops will do if there are droughts like this summer.

Corn: What an Amazing Crop by Evan Zimmerman

to 10 inches be-tween plants with the growth time ranging from 90 to 110 days depend-ing on the type.This year we planted an heirloom variety of Reid’s yellow dent corn. This variety was developed by the Reid family of Illinois in 1847. It became popular among Mid-western farmers in the late 19th century for its high yields. The plant grows 5–7 feet tall with yellow ears developing on red cobs that are 9 inches long and 7 inches round. The ears develop 16–22 rows of corn with dented kernels. The stalks are also a source for silage which is an alterna-tive for hay and grains fed to livestock.

Today the variety is grown in every state and around world.At the Heritage Farm this year, we produced one of the best corn crops since the farm started. Compared to many farmers, ours grew tall and de-veloped large ears.

Corn Ear

Corn on Stalk

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Volunteer Holiday Celebration and RecognitionDecember 15If you have logged at least 25 hours of volunteer time this past year or are a new Spring Valley volunteer who joined in 2012, 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. 4 ............... Noon-4pm

Hoghouse to Smokehouse• Wed., Nov 7 ............... 9am-Noon

Conservation Workday• Sat., Nov. 10 .............. 8-10am

Animal Care Meeting• Mon., Nov. 12 ............. 1-4pm

Handy Crafters Meeting• Tue., Nov. 13 .............. 6-8pm

Animal Care Meeting• Sat., Nov. 17 .............. 9am-1pm

Conservation Workday• Mon., Nov. 19 ............. 2-4pm

Handy Crafters Bazaar Prep• Sat., Dec. 1 ................ Noon-4pm

Christmas in the Valley• Sun., Dec. 2 ............... Noon-4pm

Christmas in the Valley• Mon., Dec. 10 ............. 1-4pm

Handy Crafters Meeting• Sat., Dec. 15 .............. 5:30-8:30pm

Volunteer Holiday Celebration

Volunteer News

Pats on the back to the following volunteers...• Eve Carter, Barb Dochterman, Lynn Eikenbary, Melina

Lynch, Donna Turner, and Joan Vodraska for helping to cover the Farm front counter.

• Nancy Lyons, Donna Turner, and Angela Waidanz for tending the Farm Kitchen Garden.

• In preparation for Autumn Harvest Fest: Leon Blum, Dean Bruckner, Lynn Eikenbary, Amanda greco, Nancy Mamsen, Leo Salais, and Angela Waidanz for picking apples; Lynn Eikenbary and Donna Turner for making cobbler crusts; Duane Bolin, Dennis and Rosemary Colbert, Barb Dochterman, Lynn Eikenbary, Arthur Jeczala, Tony Meo, Barb Mitchell, Donna Turner, and Ellie Vogel 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.

Welcome New Volunteers…• Robin Barr • Karen Delmonico • Amanda Kraus • Jordan Maier

December 1 Susan Champagne 2 Victoria Mann 3 Jay Laski 9 Bill Forst 11 Bill Schooley 17 Amber Stringer 18 Tom Perles

22 Chuck Henry 23 Laura Walsh 25 Rich Ringfelt 30 George Bailey Victor Franks, Jr. Helga Niewiadomski 31 Jack Reilly

Happy Birthday to…November 2 Martin Sliwka 5 Deanna Bruckner 6 Joy Bertone 8 Mert Rutledge 9 Walter Plinske 10 Renata Riccobon 11 Bernadette Kolasa 13 Paula Waterman

14 Judy Leon Elise DeGeus 17 Joyce Fardoux 19 Robin Barr 21 Dennis Colbert Louisa Walsh 23 Bob Royce 28 Nancy Mamsen Bob Schmidt 29 Sharon Ogorzalek

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.

Volunteer Want AdsIf 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 WorkdayNovember 7 and 17 We’ll be out on the grounds working on a conservation project, Nov. 7 from 9am-Noon and Nov. 17 from 9am-1pm. Come for all or part of the day!

Christmas in the ValleyDecember 1 & 2Volunteers are needed to assist with our Victorian Christmas celebration on December 1 & 2, noon to 4pm. We’re looking for farm interpreters as well as other volunteers to assist with craft projects, gift sales, and the information booths.

Sunday WednesdayMonday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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NoVEMbEr 2012

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

Farm Closed

Cabin Closed

Bold indicates volunteer activitiesItalics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteersSee “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

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

•Nature’s Night Life 7pm •Heaven’s Watch 8pm

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

•Restorative Yoga Experience 6:30pm

Animal Care Meeting 8am

•Owl Adventure 7pm

Hoghouse to Smokehouse Noon

Conservation Workday 9am

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

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

•Spring Valley Super Stars 7pm

Conservation Workday 9am•Blacksmithing for Beginners 1pm

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

Schaumburg Community Garden Club 7pm

Animal Care Meeting 6pm•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 6pm•Weekly Yoga at Cabin 7:30pm

Spring Valley Holiday Bazaar 10am

•Wild and Wacky Wool 1pm Handy Crafters Bazaar Prep 2pm•Mondays for Moms and Kids 3:15pm

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

Spring Valley Holiday Bazaar 10am

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

Thanksgiving

Veterans Day

Sunday WednesdayMonday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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DECEMbEr 2012

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Farm Closed

Cabin Closed

Bold indicates volunteer activitiesItalics indicates programs which may be taken as complimentary by volunteersSee “What’s Happening” for program descriptions

3130

Christmas in the Valley Noon

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

•Restorative Yoga Experience 6:30pm •Heaven’s Watch 8pm

Christmas in the Valley Noon

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

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

•A Country Christmas Sleepover 7pm

Volunteer Holiday Recognition 5:30pm

Blacksmithing for Beginners 1pm

Handy Crafters Meeting 1pm

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

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

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

Christmas

Hanukkah

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SCHAUMBURg PARk DISTRICT WEBSITE: www.parkfun.com

E-MAIL: springvalley@parkfun.com

MEMBER:

Vera Meineke Nature CenterThe earth-sheltered visitor center provides an introduction to Spring Val-ley’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.

Volkening Heritage FarmStep 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 is a refuge of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams with over three miles of handicapped-accessible trails, a museum featuring natural history displays and information, and an 1880s living-history farm. Spring Val-ley is open to the general public. Admission is free.

Environmental Outreach ProgramWe’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.

Programs at Spring ValleySchool, Scout and adult groups are encouraged to take ad-vantage 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.

Scout BadgesWe 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.

SCHAUMBURg PARk DISTRICTBOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:Mike DanielsSharon DiMariaDavid JohnsonGeorge LongmeyerBob Schmidt

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:Tony LaFrenere

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.

Spring Valley • Schaumburg Park District • 1111 East Schaumburg Road • Schaumburg, Illinois 60194

Vera Meineke Nature Center

Volkening Heritage Farm

Schaumburg Rd.

Plum

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135 acres

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NATURAL ENqUIRER STAFF:Mary RiceEditorJudy VitoVolunteer CoordinatorDave Brooks“In this Issue...”Scott StomporGraphic Artist

Spring Valley Birthday PartiesLooking for a unique, fun, and educational venue for your child’s birthday? Spring Valley is the answer! Two party themes are avail-able. A hayride can be added for an extra fee. Call Spring Valley for more information.

Spring Valley Firepit and Shelter RentalsMake 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.

Hourly use fees:Residents: .............$25 Civic groups: ..............................$25Non-residents: ......$40 Corporate/business groups: ......$55

HOURSNature Center grounds & Trails ..............Open Daily ..............8AM-5PMVolkening 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 EventsApril 1 - Oct. 31 ......Sat/Sun ...... 10AM-4PM Tue-Fri ....... 9AM-2PM Mon ...........Buildings Closed

*All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held rain or shine.

Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.

PHONEVERA MEINEkE NATURE CENTER ..............................................847/985-2100VOLkENINg HERITAgE FARM .....................................................847-985-2102