Celebrate “Springtime on the Farm” in Schaumburg

Celebrate Earth Day this year by getting back to the earth in a 19th century kind of way.

“Springtime on the Farm” will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road in Schaumburg.

The event will demonstrate how integral the concept of “spring cleaning” was on farms of the period, and the types of activities and chores that went along with it.

“An abundance of spring activities including plowing and planting fields, preparing the kitchen garden and cleaning the home are featured,” said Dave Brooks, manager of nature conservation. “Visitors also can meet new piglets, calves and chicks that were born in the winter.”

Participants will be able to help with spring vegetable planting, sowing oats in the fields, churning butter, restuffing bedding with straw and washing clothes in a washtub.

Demonstrations include cow milking, plowing with draft horses and blacksmithing. The event also includes craft-making, games, green cleaning methods and refreshments.

Admission is $3 per person and $12 per family. Children 3 and under are free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Parking is available at the nearby Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, and Olympic Park, 1675 E. Old Schaumburg Road. A shuttle bus will pick up and drop off guests at all three sites every 15 minutes.

For more information, call (847) 985-2102 or visit parkfun.com.