New year dawns for Spring Valley update efforts

As 2011 dawns, the Schaumburg Park Foundation is hoping to make even greater strides than last year in its fundraising efforts for the updating of Spring Valley Nature Museum.

The five-year campaign, of which this will be the second year, intends to raise $350,000 for new interactive displays and exhibits at the museum to replace those installed for its opening in 1987.

Last year's efforts alone raised $125,000 from fundraisers, corporate support and direct donations.

“Spring Valley serves as a cultural and educational resource for the Northwest suburban region,” said Dave Brooks, manager of conservation services for the Schaumburg Park District, which owns and runs the property. “Our focus is on the plants, animals and ecosystems of northeastern Illinois.”

While the museum originally fostered understanding, awareness and curiosity about Illinois' native ecosystems, its now 24-year-old exhibits reflect an outdated way of looking at the land and interpret a landscape that no longer exists at Spring Valley, Brooks said.

The museum also lacks exhibits on environmental sustainability and how the visitors of today fit into the new “green” culture, officials say.

“The thriving green appreciation makes environmental education increasingly important,” said Park Foundation Trustee Bill Kelley. “An updated approach in our presentation is needed to hold the attention of today's visitor.”

The Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which benefits the Schaumburg Park District. Prior fundraising campaigns have helped develop Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, the Ken Alley Safety Park, preschool scholarships for disadvantaged youth and families in crisis, and a tour bus for the senior center.

For more information or to make a contribution, call (847) 985-2115.