For Immediate Release
Feb. 27, 2009
A sure sign of spring has been spotted at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield: newborn lambs jumping and frolicking in the sheepfold. Visitors can see the lambs and explore 1890s life during a trip to the living-history farm. The farm is free and open to the public 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. Outbuildings, including the sheepfold, close at 4:30 p.m.
Two ewes delivered twins; both had one ram and one ewe. "Both births went smoothly, just as we hope for every delivery," said Keith McClow, the farm’s supervisor and facilitator for the recent births. "The ewes delivered without assistance, dried off the lambs and got them nursing." A dozen other ewes are pregnant and due to give birth by mid-March.
The farm’s staff and volunteers work together year-round to care for the flock of Southdown sheep, and lambing season is a busy time of year. The mothers-to-be received prenatal vaccinations and a bit of extra feed during pregnancy, and the barn was thoroughly cleaned in anticipation of little ones arriving. "We strive to create conditions for the animals to be healthy and deliver easily," noted McClow. "Of course, our staff and volunteers are trained for when things don’t go as planned."
Kline Creek Farm is owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. It is located on County Farm Road, one-half mile south of North Avenue. For information on programs and events, call the farm at 630-876-5900. For information on the Forest Preserve District, call 630-933-7200, or visit www.dupageforest.com.
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Media Contacts: Mark Johnson, Kline Creek Farm, 630-876-5900
Bonnie Olszewski, Office of Public Affairs, 630-871-6402