VEHE FARM FOUNDATION TIMELINE

1999

Village applies for a grant to help purchase the Vehe property and then purchases the Vehe property.

2000-2003

The Vehe farmhouse is converted to the Village Hall, the soccer field is installed and grading begins.
The exterior barn, shed, and chicken coop rehab begins
Vehe Farm Foundation developed to help the Village coordinate the farm restoration and to coordinate with CFC the restoration and seeding of the prairie and wetland.
Vehe descendants donate artifacts to Foundation and visit the farm.
2 children oriented summer events sponsored by the Foundation take place (2001 and 2002?)

2003 to 2006

The exterior walking paths sites were developed, installed and mulched.
Foundation plants oaks on the farm property to supplement the older oak savanna
Foundation works with local Girl/Boy Scouts to help with property clean up; build bluebird houses, and other projects at the farm.
Foundation installs Bluebird trail and bluebirds arrive at the farm
The Betty McLaughlin Memorial Butterfly Garden was planted (using only donated funds) by the Foundation. Shortly thereafter, the Little Garden Club of Barrington donates a fence and a bench.
The exterior rehab of the barn was completed and interior barn renovation begins.
Descendants of the Vehe Family visit the farm and donate various photos and archival materials to the Foundation.
The Vehe Farm receives the Conservation and Natural Landscaping Award by Chicago Wilderness and Midwest EPA, is sanctioned a Wildlife Habitat Area by the National Wildlife Federation, and is sanctioned as a bird and butterfly sanctuary by the Audubon Society.
The Foundation coordinates a visit to the Vehe Farm with the IDNR to view what has been accomplished for Deer Park residents, local schools, and surrounding communities to use at the municipal complex.
The Foundation develops the Vehe Farm Barn Operations and Management binder for the Village.
The Illinois State Geological Survey Team (ISGST) drills an educational aquifer monitoring well on the property with cooperation with the Foundation and Village. In addition, the Foundation and, the IGST work together to design an educational area for the barn's museum space. It includes local geological information as well as core samples from the installed well.

2007

Donated photographs and other materials are archived by the Foundation.
The Foundations starts showing the barn to potential renters, develops preferred caterer's list, and schedules first rental events.
Foundation receives 20 tons of granite donation for ADA paths.
The Foundation completes the Vehe genealogy with help of the Vehe descendants.
The IDNR with cooperation of the Vehe Farm Foundation designates the farm as an educational trunk site. In addition, much of the educational material to be used at the farm has been provided by the IDNR to the Foundation at no cost.
Foundation and Health World open discussion regarding the barn holding Health World's off site summer camps. Village approves farm as host site for Health World camps. Village of Deer Park receives approximately $20,000.00 in assets from Health World. The donations included Bessie, a milking cow that now resides in the barn's museum space. Foundation members work the opening and closing of the camps and with the help of Health World, set up camp policies and procedures for the Village.
National Garden Week Event: with coordination of the Little Garden Club of Barrington and the Foundation, was held at the Betty McLaughlin Memorial Butterfly Garden during June. Annuals are donated and planted by the Little Garden Club of Barrington.
Foundation coordinates first Barrington Library storytelling on the farm property in June, July, and October.
Foundation prepares work projects for local scouts and scouts list Vehe Farm as a project source on their web site.
Pepper Construction is hired by the Village to complete the interior barn renovation. Foundation acts as liaison to the Village.
With donation from Little Garden Club of Barrington to the Foundation, the ADA path is installed in the butterfly garden. In addition, Country Bumpkin donates added cost of doing the paths by hand rather than using machines in the garden to the Foundation. Job is overseen by Foundation.
Interior barn storyboards developed by the Foundation and hung in barn.
Foundation designs and installs garden and prairie signs.
History of Deer Park developed and put on DVD's by the Foundation.
Museum space set up for educational venues using IDNR materials, ISGS display installed, and the children's library is developed.
Perpetually loaned framed Vehe Family photos are hung in barn.
Donations are received in the form of whiskey barrels, plants, corn stalks, food from caterers; cakes form caterers, balloons, edging pavers for the butterfly garden, and hay bales for 50th anniversary from local businesses and residents to the Foundation.
Foundation, Village, and local residents ready barn and grounds for anniversary event. Foundation scrubs floors, bathrooms, clean walls, beams, and more in preparation for event.
Foundation holds fundraiser for matching windmill donation.
Relationship develops between the Foundation, the Long Grove Historical Society, and Prairie Woods Audubon Society.
Foundation harvests and disperses seeds in the prairie with the cooperation of the CFC during fall of 2007.
IDNR tree trunk arrives and local schools and organizations are notified that trunk is available for rental by the Foundation.
Additional antique farm implements are donated to Foundation.
Children's educational animal foot print brochures and animal tracks are developed in collaboration with local Girl Scout troop and Foundation. This will be part of Chicago Wilderness “Leave No Child Inside” initiative at the Vehe Farm.
Windmill installed on Vehe property by Foundation without using any Village funds.
Quay Farm stone pillars moved to Vehe Farm by Brian Toczyski for his Eagle Scout Project with coordination of Pepper Construction, Kildeer Police, and resident Pat Winkelman on behalf of the Village.

2008-2009

New agreement between Foundation and Village for years 2008-2013 developed and signed.
Foundation develops new Eagle Scout project for the LNCI initiative. Greg Frech will be making wooden stands to hold an animal photo, footprints of the animal and a holder for children brochures regarding the animal. These stands will be placed along the walking paths for all to use.
Vehe Farm is chosen to host the Junior Duck Stamp Display on behalf of the IDNR. This is well publicized on behalf of Vehe Farm and Village.
Foundation members attend the Volo Bog LNCI round table discussion and develop bird brochures with cooperation of Volo Bog.
The Foundation meets with Chicago Wilderness to discuss the LNCI program for Vehe Farm, develop the kick off event, discuss potential speakers, and apply for grant to cover costs of event.
Foundation in cooperation with Prairie Woods Audubon Society holds the Big Backyard Bird Count as part of the LNCI program at Vehe Farm.
Foundation completes exterior storyboard text, design, and install storyboards.
Foundation meets with Bensenville Park District (BPD) representative to discuss what programs are available at Vehe Farm and how the BPD can implement these programs at their location.
In coordination with the CFC, the Foundation works year-round to remove non-native invasive species from the farm property.
The Leave No Child Inside kick off event is scheduled for June 22, 2008, invitations developed and mailed, and Foundation awarded a Barrington Area Community Foundation grant.
First Eagle Scout project, the moving of the Quay pillars, was successful and Brian Toczyski received his Eagle Badge.
As part of the Leave No Child Inside initiative, the First Annual Big Backyard Bird Count was held at Vehe Farm with partner Prairie Woods Audubon Society
Vehe Family Artifacts are digitized, available for viewing electronically, and stored at Barrington Area Library
Website updated and reorganized
New oaks and orchard planted for Village
Leave No Child Inside Tri-Community Event for Barrington, Deer Park, and Lake Zurich, held at Vehe Farm
Walking path installed from barn to butterfly garden
Roof installed on tool shed
After school activities being held at farm
Brownie and Cub Scout field trip to Vehe
First school field trip to Vehe Farm by Quest Academy. Curriculum and lesson developed by VFF. VFF instructed and supervised. Prairie seeding at Vehe Farm coordinated with CFC.
New Eagle Scout projects developed for farming tools and horse drawn bobsled.
Existing partnerships expanded and new partnerships developed, such as Chicago Wilderness, Lake County Farm Heritage, Barrington Area Library, Flint Creek Wildlife
Rehabilitation, Little Garden Club of Barrington, and others.
Donation received from Little Garden Club of Barrington for new path from barn to butterfly garden. Services in kind received from Gewalt Hamilton and Milieu designs for path installation.
The Flint Creek Watershed Partnership due to high quality of the wetland restoration showcased Vehe Farm.
The Foundation was proud that a significant partner, The Little Garden Club of Barrington, held their annual meeting at the farm and that they were pleased with the new path from the barn to the butterfly garden.
Additional farm artifacts donated to Foundation
Discussions begin with potential donor to restore outbuildings
The Foundation continues our grounds stewardship by removing invasive species. Grounds stewardship also included collecting seed from our own prairie and sowing that seed and the seed donated by CFC, all with the help of scouts and volunteers.
Foundation develops fundraiser mailers and sends to residents.
New Eagle Scout project: educational signage regarding prairie plants, birds, paths, bluebird trail, etc.
LNCI event, on behalf of the Village, Raptors for Children, held at barn and over 100 parents and children attend.
LNCI events for the Village, The Big Backyard Bird Count, and Owls for Children (with over 90 parents and children attending) are held at Vehe Farm barn.
Lake – McHenry Historical Alliance asks VFF to join organization on behalf of Village to promote historical aspects of Vehe Farm.
District 220 field trips to be held at Vehe Farm as part of LNCI initiative. All second graders will take part in learning about insects at the farm.
Vehe Farm chosen to host two new IDNR education trunks. Illinois Prairie and Illinois Symbols will arrive during the latter part of summer.
Smart Farm of Barrington and the Foundation discuss partnership and Smart Farm's involvement with LNCI initiative. Smart Farm asks Village of Deer Park to use a small part of farm property for educational and organic children's vegetable garden.
Vehe Farm has its first prairie burn
REI of Schaumburg nominates Vehe Farm Foundation for grant to lengthen ADA path into prairie.
New Eagle Scout project to restore horse drawn manure spreader and hay rake.
Discussions with Kinder Care for possible field trip
The Leave No Child Inside initiative grows to include towns in districts 95 and 220, including part of district 3.
Over 50 organizations, villages, schools, etc. become part of the Leave No Child Inside Consortium of the greater Barrington, Deer Park, and Lake Zurich areas.
Vehe Farm is once again asked to host the Junior Duck Stamp Display and will do so this fall.
Marketing of LNCI events include national and local websites, schools, newspapers, magazines, businesses, etc.
LNCI events, Yoga for Children, and Leave No Trace are held on behalf of Village of Deer Park.
Farm Tales held with Barrington Area Library at Vehe Farm. Tour of farm, barn, and buildings provided by VFF.
The Betty McLaughlin Memorial Butterfly Garden is highlighted in main display cases at the Barrington Area Library.
The Garlands of Barrington decide to visit butterfly garden during August.
New visitors coming to see farm property and garden due to library display.
Bluebird fledglings successful for third year
BACOG, Townships, and Villages sign LNCI resolution, including Village of Deer Park.
Group of twelve-year-old girls attending Prairie Campus Summer Camp volunteer a morning at Vehe Farm removing invasives as part of their community service with non-profit organizations.
Kinder Care holds picnic and enjoys farm as part of their summer program.
Resident attending Owls for Children with his sons and works for Hampshire Farms, comes forward with wonderful donation from Hampshire Farms to provide one gallon butterfly friendly perennials for two LNCI butterfly events at Vehe Farm
Discussions continue with possible donor re outbuilding restoration
VFF coordinates Butterflies for Children, Butterfly Fun at Vehe Farm, and Ice Cream in the Woods on behalf of the Village's LNCI efforts.
VFF works with resident involved with Indian Princess to hold community service event at Vehe Farm for 50 fathers and their daughters. Preparing the butterfly garden for winter, and removing invasives are some of what the girls will do. The VFF will give an educational tour regarding the prairie and ecology.
Foundation members begin seed collection and cleaning at Vehe Farm.
VFF/LNCI consortium partner with Ela Youth Coalition and Foglia YMCA to have after school seed collection take place at Vehe Farm. Almost fifty students attend and collect three full trash cans of various seeds.
VFF coordinates private donation to cable and prune one hundred year old catalpa tree by shed.
VFF continues to volunteer with Citizens for Conservation work days.
LNCI/VFF representative takes part in the Lake Barrington Fun and Fitness Fair
VFF begins installation of long term protection around oak and orchard saplings.
Boy Scout Troop 927 performs community service project at Vehe Farm mulching oak and orchard saplings, install heavy wire protection around saplings, and remove buckthorn.
VFF and Eagle Scout develop text for exterior educational Bobsled storyboard, to be installed on bobsled in spring of 2010.
VFF coordinates mulching of butterfly garden and under catalpa tree.
The Little Garden Club of Barrington makes contribution to VFF for butterfly garden improvements.
VFF/LNCI attend Chicago Wilderness/LNCI Parks and Forest Preserve workshop at Wild Wood Nature Center.
VFF discussion with Four Seasons Garden Club to help maintain Vehe Farm’s butterfly garden.
Wetland, woodland, and mesic prairie seeds cleaned and sown.
CFC donates highly valued and rare seeds to be dispersed at Vehe Farm.
VFF presents Village Board with formal letter stating the VFF will dissolve mid 2010.

2010

LNCI Consortium chosen for UIC Capstone project.
VFF continues to offer its assistance to work with Village to ensure smooth transition of responsibilities after VFF dissolves.
Prairie restoration work continues during the winter months.
VFF/LNCI members develop a possible LNCI June Cultural event.
VFF volunteer coordinates for Village of Deer Park, the Great Backyard Bird Count with Prairie Woods Audubon Society. Due to acquired donations totaling over $150.00, event cost to the Village is $4.00.
VFF members continue to attend Lake Zurich Middle School youth Coalition and Lake – McHenry Historical Alliance meetings.
VFF/LNCI begins preparations to ask members of the LNCI Coalitions to name June as LNCI month.
VFF continue to volunteer services with CFC.
New stepping stone path installed in rear of Betty McLaughlin Memorial Butterfly Garden to prevent damage to plants during school field trips.
With aid of VFF volunteers, new Eagle Scout opportunities in the form of benches, picnic tables, and outdoor educational items for Vehe Farm brought to Village Trustee.
Several Girl Scout Silver Award projects to benefit the butterfly garden brought to Village.
Work continues by VFF to remove invasives on farm property.
VFF develops Village owned farm artifact inventory on behalf of Village. Photo CD of artifacts presented to Village with final letter.
VFF transfers ownership of Foundation owned archived materials to various museums as required by law.
VFF continues to offer Village Board assistance with transitional items and Village Board continues to ignore transition.
Thank you letter to the community developed and mailed to Deer Park residents.
Due to lack of support from Village Board, the IDNR coordinates with the VFF to remove IDNR education trunks from Vehe Farm to new location.
Village Board decides to no longer take part in Lake-McHenry County Historical Alliance or the Ela Township Middle School Youth Coalition.
VFF steps down from the Lake-McHenry County Historical Alliance.
LNCI is one of several local organizations highlighted at the Barrington Area Development Council’s annual dinner at the Sanfilippo Estate.
LNCI is asked to take part in the American Girl Mother and Daughter Tea at the Arboretum of South Barrington.
BACOG supports LNCI and June as LNCI month for 2010 as it did in 2009.
LNCI asked to participate in the International Migratory Bird Day Lake Arlington on May29th.
LNCI asked to participate in the grand opening of the Conservancy of South Barrington on June 13th.
LNCI facilitates the Brilliant Parent Discussion Group at Water’s Edge Waldorf School in Wauconda.
Foundation prepares butterfly garden for growing season and installs exterior butterfly poster by garden.
Capstone reveals its study to the members of the LNCI Consortium at the May 4, 2010 meeting held at Vehe Farm.
LNCI approaches local villages and townships to proclaim June 2010 as Leave No Child Inside Month.
June 2010 is declared Leave No Child Inside month by local villages and townships.
LNCI takes part in the American Girl Mother and Daughter Tea at the Arboretum of South Barrington.
Local trails are designated LNCI trails with signage.
Unspent Barrington Area Community Foundation (BACF) funds for LNCI returned as requested by BACF.
Final letter presented to Village Board of Trustees and Village Administration stating the dissolution of the Vehe Farm Foundation. As part of the final letter, the following items were attached: a listing of contributions received from Deer Park and expenses charged against those contributions, a deed of transfer of Vehe Farm Foundation non-cash assets, a CD of photographs of Village-owned non-cash farm artifacts and a list of Vehe Farm Foundation accomplishments/activities.
Remaining Vehe Farm Foundation cash assets donated to the Village of Deer Park with restrictions to use for the sprinkler system of the butterfly garden and repair of outbuildings.

Other activities, events, and tours have been held and the above are just some of the highlights the Foundation has accomplished on behalf of the Village of Deer Park and the Vehe Farm. In addition to the many thousands of volunteer hours, many contributions have been donated by various businesses and organizations partnered with the Foundation.

Throughout the ten years of existence, the Foundation’s mission continued to be: To provide the public with a visual and interactive experience featuring the essence of the original prairie, history of local farming, community recreation, and a restored centennial barn and outbuildings serving as a community and cultural center.