Experience a busy spring day April 14 at Spring Valley's Heritage Farm

Spring brings new life and activity to Heritage Farm.

The annual Springtime on the Farm represents the spring season "home opener" of Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road. This year's event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., April 14.

"Visitors will experience a busy spring day in 1880s Schaumburg at the event," said Dave Brooks, manager of nature conservation. "We encourage guests to stop by the barn to meet Emma and Schmidt, the Farm's new cows."

Many of the hands-on activities revolve around the concept of spring cleaning, which was an important reality in the 19th century. Participants will be able to help with spring vegetable planting, sowing oats in the fields, churning butter, re-stuffing bedding with fresh straw and washing clothes in a washtub. Demonstrations include cow milking, plowing with draft horses and blacksmithing. The event also includes craft activities, games and refreshments.

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

Parking is available at 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 every 15 minutes.

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