Your news Visit Spring Valley to learn about 19th century farming

Experience a busy spring day on Spring Valley’s working 19th century 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 22.

“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.”

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, restuffing 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, green cleaning methods and refreshments.

Admission is $3 per person and $12 per family; free for kids ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages are 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 details, call (847) 985-2102 or visit www.parkfun.com.

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