Calendar of Events

Spring 2022

Please register for all programs at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org
Dates and times are subject to change.
Space is limited. Must register in advance – No walk-ins allowed.

Full Moon Hike – March 18, 6:30 p.m.
Join Ranger Jeremy 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 footgear! 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

All About Bluebirds – Sunday, March 27, 1 p.m.
Join Ranger Evelyn for a fun and educational program all about bluebirds. Take a walk through bluebird habitat and watch for these harbingers of spring. Wear shoes suitable for walking and dress for the weather. Register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. FREE

APRIL

Sunday Guided Hike: Explore Vernal Pools – April 10, 1 pm
Come learn about our local amphibians and their importance during our hike to the nature center’s vernal pools. Amphibians play a special role as indicator species in determining the health of our environment. These fascinating creatures secretly inhabit our woodland and wetlands; help our staff lift rocks and logs to find these slippery creatures beneath. Make sure you and your family wear old clothes and shoes because we will get wet and dirty. FREE. Pre-register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org

Spring Nature Day – Thursday, April 14, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
For children 6 -11 years old who love to be outdoors. Enjoy the day exploring the Nature Center’s wetlands for amphibians and other important creatures who live in these unique habitats. Children will need to be prepared to get wet and muddy during our adventures. Please pack appropriate clothes and shoes as well as a snack and lunch. Class space is limited, so pre-registration is a must at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. FEE: $30 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members) $35 for all others.

Full Moon Hike: Pink Moon– Sat. April 16, 7:00 pm
Join our staff on a hike in our meadows to watch as this full moon rises. April’s Full Moon is named after the early springtime blooms of a wildflower native to eastern North America commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox—which also went by the name “moss pink.” Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Limited space, so please pre-register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. FEE: $3 per person. Wear appropriate footwear.

Jr. Rangers: In-Person – Thursday, April 21– June 9, 3:30 -5:00 pm
Calling all teens 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with conservation and community science projects? This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our 8 – week after-school program. Parental permission and registration are required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE Register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Earth Day Celebration – Saturday, April 23, 10 am – 3 pm
Every day is Earth Day at the Nature Center! We invite everyone to join us to honor Mother Earth. At this annual event, enjoy plantings, hikes, live animals, music, and environmental exhibitors. Food and unique items will be available for sale from local vendors. Bring some cash for our raffle! All ages are welcome for this family-friendly event. No park admission fee – No registration required.

Family Organic Garden – Tuesdays, April 26 – June 14, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
ANC will lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and/or soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce! Class size is limited to 10. Please register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Birds on the Move – Saturday, April 30, 9 am
Spring is underway and many birds are busy migrating. Join Ranger Evelyn for a bird walk and learn about how and why birds migrate, as well as some of the challenges they face and what you can do to help our fine feathered friends! Binoculars provided or bring your own. This is a family program and all children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. Register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Registration begins April 18 for…

Summer Nature Days
Dates: July 11-15, July 18-22, August 1-5, and August 8-12
Choose one of our week-long sessions, held from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
For children 6 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will be educational and children will also have a chance to explore the 156 acres our park offers. 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. ANC is a great choice for a fun summer experience! TUITION PER WEEK: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members); $175 for all others. Please register on or after April 18th by emailing ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. We do not hold spots.

MAY

Lavender Bath Bombs For Mother’s Day – Sat., May 7, 1:30 pm
Join Ranger Dawn in creating bath bomb gifts from lavender. Bath bombs calm and uplift your mood as well as soothe your skin. Each attendee will make a lavender-infused batch, mold them, and prepare them in a gift basket. For 8 years old and up. MATERIALS FEE: $10 per person. Please register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Star Hopping – Friday, May 13, 8 pm
Like stepping stones across a river, Astronomers can navigate the darkness of space by following a trail of stars until they arrive at the object they were looking for. Join Ranger Jeremy on a crystal clear night and learn the patterns of the stars. Discover the link between constellations, as well as their roles in human history. FREE. Please register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. Date and time subject to change. Ages 8 and up

Nature Explorers: Wednesdays, May 18, 25 & June 1, 15, 10 am
Join Ranger Dan for this fun program of exploring and learning about nature. For ages 2-5 with an adult explorer. This class is loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and interests of the group. Class is entirely outdoors. Space is limited. Please register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.
TUITION: $40 per 4-week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center)

Fairie Houses – Saturday, May 21, 2:30 pm
Join Ranger Evelyn to design tiny homes for fairies and gnomes. We will gather natural materials such as bark, twigs, leaves, and moss. Bring a blanket or mats to sit on. FREE please register at ansnaturecte@ansoniact.org.

Field Trip Series I: Meg’s Point Nature Center – Thursday, May 26, 10 am
Join the Ansonia Nature Center staff on a field trip to Meg’s Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Experience beachcombing as participants search for signs of life from Long Island Sound. Beach seining will also be exhibited and the aquatic life, seaweed, and shells found will be discussed. FEE: $5 per person, check or cash in advance. Registration is required at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. Meet the ANC staff in the Meg’s Point Nature Center parking lot at 9:45 am. Directions available here: https://hammonasset.org/directions/

JUNE

CT Trails Day – Saturday, June 4, 9 am (Rain or shine)
Join Nature Center Director Alison Rubelmann and Ranger Evelyn Kubik for this morning walk. Discover the beauty of the Nature Center’s typical New England woodland. This hike will be an educational and entertaining hike to identify nature along the way while we explore the Raptor Woods Trail and beyond. Dress for hiking: sturdy shoes, water, and a snack recommended. Please register in advance at ctwoodlands.org as space will be limited. FREE.

Planetary Arts and Crafts – Sunday, June 5, 2:30 pm
Did you ever want to have your very own planet?! Come join Ranger Jeremy for this fun arts and crafts project. We will help you create one of our 8 planets out of paper-mâché. For children 5 and up. FEE: $10 per person. Register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper
Wednesday, June 8, 5:30 pm
If you’re a member of the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center or would like to become one, come find out what our organization has been up to this past year. As a member of the Ansonia Nature Center, you are supporting important land stewardship efforts, as well as environmental education programming for young and old. There are many ways you can get involved. Bring your table setting and a dish of food to share (12 servings), as well as your ideas and suggestions for next year’s activities. Reports and the election of officers will also take place. (only members will be allowed to vote). Please register in advance by emailing ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Read-Along The Beaten Path: Summer Reading Program – Friday, June 17, 11 a.m.
The Ansonia Library and the Nature Center join forces for the first of many Story walks this summer! Take your summer reading along Nature Center’s beaten paths. The pages of a book will be displayed along our trails, combining movement and literacy in these fun events. Our first of three Story Walks will kick off with the Ansonia Public Library’s Miss Jen on Friday, June 17 at 11 a.m. Please register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org for this FREE program.

Wild Teas – Saturday, June 18, 1:30 p.m.
Summer is upon us and many plants are blooming making a huge selection of plants available to forage in our park for teas. Join us as we explore the history of tea and have some samples available for tasting. Be prepared to go on a brief sensory hike with our ranger to identify plants used for making the best teas. Please register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org for this FREE program.

Field Trip Series II: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic – Thursday, June 23, 10 am
Join the Ansonia Nature Center staff on a field trip to the beautiful Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for2-hour program. This program includes museum admission, an environmental education program on insects, and a guided hike. FEE $10 per person. Registration and payment must be made in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. All participants will meet at the museum parking lot at 9:45 am. Denison Nature Center is located at 109 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic, CT 06355.

Butterfly Walk – Sunday, June 26, 1 pm
Take a walk through our meadows with Ranger Evelyn and look for butterflies. Learn all about these important pollinators that can be found on all continents except Antarctica. This fun, family-friendly program is for all ages. FREE. Please register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.

Ongoing Programs

Sunday Guided Hikes – Sundays, 1 pm
Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning. See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme. FREE.
Saturday Creature Feature – Saturday, 12 pm
Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have a chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Family Organic Garden Class – Tuesday, 3:30 pm
ANC will lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and/or soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce! Class size is limited to 10. Please register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org

Things to Come
Summer Nature Days – Firefly Night Hike – Incredible Insects – Summer Reading Program