Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago has some new arrivals — several newborn lambs have recently joined the flock of Southdown sheep. Visitors can see the new lambs jumping and frolicking in the sheepfold and take a trip back to life in the 1890s at this living-history farm. The farm is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. Outbuildings, including the sheepfold, close at 4:30 p.m.
The first lamb arrived on a Monday morning in late January. Staff and volunteers found a healthy newborn ram among the flock when they started morning chores. “The lamb was strong and nursing on its own, just as we hope for every delivery,” said Keith McClow, the farm’s manager. Several other ewes have given birth since then, and more births are expected over the coming weeks.
“We hope that visitors enjoy the exuberance of the new little ones and also learn about farm life and our agricultural heritage,” said McClow. The farm’s staff and volunteers are happy to share their experiences of providing year-round care for the sheep and other farm animals. And, they invite visitors of all ages to tour the century-old farmhouse, take a peek into the historic barn and join in the daily activities of a working farm.
Kline Creek Farm is owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. It is located at 1N600 County Farm Road. For more information on Kline Creek Farm, call 630-876-5900.
For information on the Forest Preserve District, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.
