Make autumn magical at Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm

A season of colorful leaves, rustic hikes and new learning experiences are on tap this fall at Schaumburg Park District's Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm.

Discover unique early childhood programs at the Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, featuring spiders, caterpillars, leaves and nature-based play. The Nature Center also offers adult-only events with craft beer tastings, bird watching and educator courses.

Celebrate Schaumburg's German history at Volkening Heritage Farm, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, with fall activities that include a bonfire and an apple-themed event where participants can make their own caramel apples.

"The fall colors at Spring Valley are so magnificent for all ages to enjoy-and it's not just in the trees," said Mary Rice, environmental education coordinator. "The prairie plants have some beautiful colors you don't see anywhere else. If you come early in the fall, you might see some grasses still in bloom and it's such a surprise to see all the delicate little flowers hanging on them."

Upcoming programs include:

• Harvest Bonfire, 6-8 p.m., Sept. 15, Heritage Farm (all ages)

• All About Apples, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 23, Heritage Farm (all ages)

• Autumn Harvest Festival, Noon-5 p.m., Oct. 7, Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin (all ages)

• Nature Play Date, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Sept. 20 and Oct. 18, Nature Center (ages 2-5)

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Noon-1:30 p.m., Sept. 22, Nature Center (ages 4-7)

• Trails and Ales, 4-7 p.m., Sept. 22, Nature Center, (ages 21+)

• Follow That Leaf, 1-2:30 p.m., Sept. 29, Nature Center (ages 4-7)

• Breakfast with the Birds-Adults Only, 8-9:30 a.m., Oct. 13, Nature Center (ages 18+)

• How a Spider Spins its Web, 1-2:30 p.m., Oct. 20, Nature Center (ages 3-5)

For a full list of fall programs and events, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.