All Ages Welcome to Environmental Fair
Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies will be among the featured subjects in the Schaumburg Environmental Fair, 1-3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 12, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. This event for all ages is presented through a partnership with the Schaumburg Township District Library, village of Schaumburg and Schaumburg Park District. The event will also be livestreamed on the village of Schaumburg YouTube channel for those who would like to attend from home.
Fairgoers will have the opportunity to visit with exhibitors representing environmental organizations, including Schaumburg Community Garden Club, Schaumburg Bicycle Club, GFWC Northwest Suburban Woman's Club, Hoffman Estates Garden Club, village of Schaumburg Environmental Committee, Schaumburg Township District Library, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and Hoffman Estates Sustainability Commission.
The following presentations will take place at the Environmental Fair and require registration through the Schaumburg Park District. An online account with the park district must be established in order to register.
"Attracting Hummingbirds" is scheduled from 1-1:20 p.m. Tim Joyce of Wild Birds Unlimited will demonstrate ways to attract these important and beautiful pollinators.
"Homes for Mason Bees" will take place from 1:30-1:50 p.m. Steve and Karin Klima will teach attendees how to identify these bees and construct bee houses.
"Honeybees" is slated from 2-2:20 p.m. Jeff Reader will describe the life cycle of honeybees, life in the bee colony, why bees are important, and how people can help bees. Participants will learn how and why the bees collect pollen and nectar, how they make honey, what the hives look like and how honey is harvested.
"Monarchs" will be held from 2:30-2:50 p.m., presented by Valerie Kot who will show the migratory patterns of Monarch butterflies and discuss the challenges they face. Participants will visit the butterfly rearing station.
"Schaumburg Community Bee Garden" will be featured from 3-3:30 p.m. Participants will learn about beekeeping and hear from participating beekeepers about their experiences in the Bee Garden. This session is available via livestream only.
"The library is proud to be part of this fascinating, educational and fun event," said Annie Miskewitch, executive director of the Schaumburg Library. "The exhibits and presentations are a great way to learn about the importance of nature and what we can do to protect our fellow creatures and the environment we share."