Click to Download a Copy of Our Spring 2018 Calendar of Events
Please call to register for all programs. Dates and times are subject to change.
Parties and organizational groups of more than 15 people visiting the park must call the Ansonia Nature Center (203 736-1053) and talk with a staff member about space availability and are required to rent the picnic pavilion for $125 including a $200 returnable clean up deposit
Scout or other organizational groups must book a separate class or program than those being offered to the public.
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JUNE
CONNECTICUT TRAILS DAY – Sat. June 2, 9 am
Join Nature Center Director Alison Rubelmann and Ranger Daniel Bosques for this morning walk. Discover the beauty of the Nature Center’s typical New England woodland during the CT Forest and Park Association’s annual Trails Day weekend. We might get lucky and find a lady slipper or two. This moderate hike will also focus on the history of the land, and we will visit the settlement of the Paugasucks. Bring water, a snack, and bug spray, and wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for older children and adults. FREE.
FANCI ANNUAL MEETING AND POTLUCK SUPPER –Wed. June 6, 5:30 pm
If you’re a FANCI member who can’t make the regular meetings, now is the time to find out what we’ve been up to! Reports and the election of officers will take place. Bring your own table setting and a dish to share (12 servings), and your ideas and suggestions for next year’s activities. Please register in advance.
CT DEEP FISHING EDUCATION PROGRAM–(2-day program) Classroom instruction: Sat. June 9, 9 am–11 am Fishing at Colony Pond: Tues. June 12, 5:30 pm–8 pm
The Nature Center is sponsoring this CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.F.E.P. (Connecticut Fishing Education Program) Family Fishing Class. The classroom instruction will be held on June 9 at the Nature Center; fishing with the instructors and DEEP representatives will take place at Colony Pond in Ansonia on June 12. All equipment and bait will be provided. Adults over the age of 16 must have a fishing license to participate in the fishing event. Please pre-register for this FREE program, open to 7 years old and up; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
WILD EDIBLE HARVEST AND FEAST – Sat. June 9, 1 pm
Join Rangers Jessica and Dawn on an epic foraging adventure. Together we will explore the wilds of the Nature Center’s property to learn about and harvest wild edible plants. The program will conclude with tasting prepared wild edible treats like garlic mustard pesto, knotweed crumble and dandelion fritters back at the building. For adults and children ages 9 and up. FEE: $6 per person. Please pre-register.
SURVIVAL SCHOOL: Stay Dry, Stay Warm! –Sun. June 10, 10 am–1 pm
One of the basic necessities for a survival situation is shelter. Staying dry goes hand in hand with keeping warm. Join Ranger Dan in scouting for a suitable place to build a shelter, and help construct a hideaway made from the surroundings. Learning this survival skill is a great reason to get out into nature! Be advised: We will be traveling off-trails, so insect awareness and terrain are your own consideration. Ages 14 and up. Class size limited, so you must pre-register. FEE: $10 per person.
NATURE AND PLAY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS – Sun. June 10, 2:30 pm See Apr. 15 listing for group description.
Session 3 activity: Big Meadow Exploration Hike
FIELD TRIP: Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery
Sat. June 16, 10 am (meet at nursery, 9:45 am)
Join the Nature Center for a field trip to Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery in Woodbury. We will be provided a guided tour as we walk enjoying this beautiful rustic setting. Learn about New England’s grasses, ferns, perennials, shrubs and trees and how you can create an amazing landscape using natives. If you’re looking for plants that flourish without synthetic pesticides, rarely need watering, provide food and habitat for wildlife, be sure to bring some shopping money. Space is limited so pre registration is required. For directions, visit www.earthtonesnatives.com. We will meet in the parking area at the nursery at 9:45 a.m.
CREATURE FEATURE: Meet Our Scaly Friends –Sat. June 16, 12 noon
Snakes, lizards, and turtles, oh my! Come learn about the Nature Center’s non-native and native reptiles. Get a chance to even touch some during the program. Take a short walk around the pond and to our snake boards to see what native species you can observe here in the park. This program is for all ages. FREE; please register in advance.
SUMMER NATURE DAYS!
Open registration; choose one or both of our week-long sessions, each held Mon.–Fri., 9 am to 3 pm.
Dates: Aug. 6–10, Aug. 13–17.
For children 6 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes are not only educational but also a chance to explore the park’s 156 acres. We will visit a variety of habitats in the park such as wetlands, fields, and woodlands. Hikes, games, crafts, and cooking will be incorporated into our lessons. A great choice for a fun late-summer experience!
TUITION PER WEEK: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $175 all others.
***ONGOING PROGRAMS***
Pet Loss Grief Support Group – By appointment
Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal. Susan Wilson has created this FREE support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Please call Susan at 1-802-379-4449 to set up an appointment.
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.
Monday Night Trail Run – Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm
For all the runners who want something out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend’s extra calories. This FREE program is the best way to start off your week. Please register and wear appropriate footwear.
Karate Club – Tuesdays, 5–5:45 pm (Karate Kids); 5:45–6:15 pm (Little Dragons).
This after-school program at the Nature Center is for children 6-12 years old (Karate Kids), and 3-5 years old (Little Dragons). Students will engage in martial arts techniques and activities while learning skills such as discipline, focus, self-control, and confidence. They can earn higher-ranking belts as their participation continues. TUITION per 5-week session: $45 for Karate Kids, $40 for Little Dragons (cash or check payable to AMAA), which includes a Karate Club T-shirt and white belt. For more information call Chief Instructor Adam Rylski at 203-671-6903 or 203-931-1979, or the Ansonia Nature Center at 203-736-1053.
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.
Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body – Thursdays, 6:30 pm
Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner Pam Mellitz will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise. The 90-minute classes require a mat or thick towel; dress for easy movement. Class is limited to 12 students. $7 per class. Please call Pam to register at 203-888-4124.
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.