Please call to register for all programs. Dates and times are subject to change.
Registration is required 3 days before an event. If not enough people sign up the program may be canceled
Scout or other organizational groups must book a separate class or program than those being offered to the public.
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Fall 2019
Calendar of Events
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center Mission Statement
The mission of the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center is to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship that will connect our communities to the natural world of the Lower Naugatuck River Valley, and balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation.
Please call to register for all programs. Dates and times are subject to change. 203 736-1053
DECEMBER 2019
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION – Sat. Dec. 21, 2–4:30 pm
December 21 marks the Winter Solstice: the start of winter, and the longest night and shortest day of the year. Learn about the journey of the Earth around the Sun, which makes the seasons change. Join us to celebrate the slow return of the light. We will gather for a relaxed afternoon around the fire at Picnic Pavilion 1. Make a craft, have some cider, and drum in the coming of longer days from 4:00-4:30 as the sun sets. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event; children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. FEE: $6 per person. Please dress for the outdoors.
Scout or other organizational groups must book a separate class or program than those being offered to the public.
JANUARY 2020
FULL MOON HIKE: Full Wolf Moon – Fri. Jan.10, 5:30 pm
Join Wendy and Ranger Evelyn, our Nature Center naturalists, on a hike by the light of the moon! Listen for coyotes howling while we gather around the fire at pavilion #1 from 5:30–6:30 to warm up before the hike begins. We will use our night vision and other senses for this after-dark park expedition in Raptor Woods. Wear warm clothes and proper foot gear! Inclement weather or dangerous conditions will cancel the hike. FEE: $1 per person; all ages are welcome. Children must be with an adult. This hike is not stroller friendly. Call to register.
HIKE: Trees in Winter – Sun. Jan. 12, 1 pm
Join our Nature Center naturalist, Ranger Evelyn, for this winter hike. Come see the different ways trees have adapted to the changing seasons. Learn what to look for to identify trees without their leaves. Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike and dress for the weather. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE, but please register.
INSPIRING RAPTORS: A Place Called Hope and Sophie Zyla – Sat. Jan. 18, 12 noon
Visit the Nature Center to meet a few live raptors up close and personal and the artist who was inspired by them. These animal ambassadors from A Place Called Hope, as well as images of the different raptor feathers, were photographed by Sophie Zyla. Who hasn’t been intrigued by a found feather? Some slash through the air with a whirl while others remain silent. During this meet-and-greet, not only will you get to see her beautiful photographs on exhibit but also get to meet the animal ambassadors she was inspired by. Christine Cummings, founder of the raptor rehabilitation center A Place Called Hope, will bring a couple of native birds of prey from their facility for you to see up close and to learn about their impressive adaptations. FREE; please call to register. For all ages.
HIKE: Snowshoe Sunday – Sun. Jan. 26, 1 pm
Need to get out and breathe the fresh air? Enjoy the winter with this guided hike through our beautiful woodland and fields. Great exercise after the holidays. This program is geared toward adults and older children. We have a limited number of snowshoes to borrow, so please register in advance. FREE.
FEBRUARY 2020
GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION – Sun. Feb. 2, 3 pm
Come celebrate Groundhog Day at the Ansonia Nature Center! Go outside and explore a groundhog’s natural habitat while you learn about this quirky American folk holiday. We will head back inside for a fun and interactive shadow puppet performance followed by a craft activity where you will be able to make your own shadow puppet to take home. Class limit 12. For all ages. MATERIALS FEE: $3.
ECO-ART VALENTINE WORKSHOP – Fri. Feb 14, 1:30 pm
Create gifts for your loved ones out of recycled materials – Valentine boxes, cards, paper bracelets, and some other sweet surprises. This will be a fun day to share with your family and friends! Call to register for this FREE program. For all ages.
WINTER WONDERLAND – Tues. Feb. 18, 1 pm
Chilly, snowy days are calling your kids outdoors. Come for fun winter activities on this day off from school. There’s nothing better than gliding through the cool air on your sled. We will take the whole family to our awesome hill for sledding fun, but toddlers should ride with a parent. Everyone should be well-bundled in layers to stay warm. After our adventure we will come inside for hot cocoa and a chance to meet one of the Nature Center’s animals. FREE for families of all ages. Registration required; families must bring their own sleds.
NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Feb. 19 & 26; Mar. 4 & 11, 10 am
Join us for this 4-week program for children ages 2–5 with their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. The classes are loosely structured, influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack. TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, Class is limited to 10 children ages 2–5. Please call to register.
LITTLE SCIENTISTS – Sat. Feb. 29, 1 pm
Join us for this exciting hands-on program by Little Scientists. Please call to register.
Station 1 (for ages 5–7): “Why Is It Cold Outside?” During this lesson your children will learn why the weather gets colder and it often snows outside. They will get an opportunity to observe what’s different outside when it’s cold! Winter conditions are due to the part of the Earth that we live on being tilted away from the sun. The effect of less sunshine is that it’s colder. Lakes and ponds freeze over. Short days, snow, and a change in the animals seen outdoors also mark the season. FEE: $6 per child.
Station 2 (for ages 8–11): “How Do Animals Survive the Winter?” During this lesson your children will learn what animals, as living organisms, do to survive through cold and winter conditions. They will learn about how animals adapt to frigid temperatures and are able to conserve body heat. Different types of animals adjust in different ways, using their protective coverings, such as feathers, fur, and even layers of fat, which help insulate them against the cold environment. FEE: $6 per child.
MARCH 2020
NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Mar. 4 & 11, 10 am
See Feb. 19 for more information.
MAPLE SUGARING FOR FAMILIES – Sat. Mar. 7, 11 am
A very long time ago, the native people of the northeastern part of our country shared their sweet tree know-how with the newcomers from Europe. Ranger Dawn and Alison present an introduction to making maple syrup the old-fashioned way, and help us to choose just the right tree for tapping into this sweet treat! FEE: $6 per person. Please call to register. Family program; children must be accompanied by an adult.
PIGEONS THROUGH THE AGES – Sat. Mar. 14, 2 pm
Did you know pigeons were first domesticated over 5,000 years ago? Take a deep dive into dove history with Ranger Evelyn. Learn what makes these birds so unique, the role they’ve played in wartime, and even meet Chuckles, our resident ring-necked dove. Play the part of a carrier pigeon and learn to navigate the way birds do with an orienteering game. For ages 10 and up. FREE. Please register.
SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Registration begins Wed. Mar. 18
Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our 8-week after-school program, starting on Thurs. Apr. 16 at 3:30 pm. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.
HIKE: Signs of Spring – Sun. Mar. 22, 1 pm
Enjoy this outdoor hike with Ranger Amie to find and listen to emerging mammals, insects, birds, and amphibians that show up in the spring. Learn about what these signs of spring are as you observe animals and plants that are waking from their winter slumber. Wear appropriate shoes for wet and muddy conditions. FREE; for all ages.
TRACKING AND AWARENESS – Sat. Mar. 28, 1 pm
Brush up on your tracking and awareness skills with Alison Rubelmann, Director of the Ansonia Nature Center. This class will be very hands-on, teaching you techniques by doing physical and mental exercises to help expand your senses. We will explore and observe the Nature Center’s property for wildlife signs and tracks using our new tracking skills. Be prepared to go off trail into the bush. This program is geared for ages 14 and up. Dress for the weather and prepare to spend the afternoon. Bring water and a snack. FREE. Please register; class size is limited.
***ONGOING PROGRAMS***
Sunday Guided Hikes – Sundays, 1 pm
Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.
Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 pm
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.
Creature Features – Saturdays, 12 noon
Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.
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