Schaumburg farm camp participants care for 10 piglets

Ten little piggies have arrived this summer at Spring Valley Nature Center’s Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg.

Born to the farm’s Berkshire sow, the entire litter of dark black piglets has survived — a rare occurrence, according to farm staff.

The new little pigs have become a particular draw for children in the community.

Facing one of the hottest and driest summers in history, the young pigs have kept cool by either staying in the shade of the hog house or running through the mud of their outdoor pen. The little pigs are being cared for daily by volunteers and staff at the farm. Among the helpers are the children ages 8 to 12 in Farmer Boot Camp at the farm.

Heritage Farm’s other children’s camps, including Animal Crackers, Chores and Chortles, and Wee Sprouts, will also have the opportunity to visit and learn about the piglets.

Registration for Heritage Farm’s camps is now available at parkfun.com or at the Schaumburg Park District’s registration facilities.

For the general public, Heritage Farm at 201 S. Plum Grove Road in Schaumburg is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The farm’s interpretive program runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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