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THE ANSONIA NATURE CENTER BUILDING IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19. ALL OUTSIDE AREAS ARE OPEN. ALL PROGRAMS ARE VIRTUAL OR OUTSIDE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. ************
Because of concerns about Covid-19, the Ansonia Nature Center is running outdoor programming only and asking participants of those programs to practice social distancing and wear masks.
The Nature Center building is closed and all indoor programs are cancelled until further notice.
Calendar of Events
See our Home page
Calendar of Events, Spring 2021
Please register for all programs at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org
Dates and times are subject to change.
- All In-person classes are socially–distant events.
- Space is limited
- Building is CLOSED
- Must register in advance,
- No walk-ins allowed.
- Must fill out wavier and health screening
- New rules and regulations must be followed
April 2021
Nature Explorers: In-Person – Fri. April 23 & 30; May 7, 14, 10 am
Join Wendy for this fun program exploring and learning about nature. For ages 2-5 with an adult explorer. This class is loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and interest of the group. Class is entirely outdoors. Space is limited and COVID rules apply.
Please register in advance atansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.
TUITION: $40 per 4 week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center)
Family Organic Garden: class – Wed., April 28 – June 9, 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
Jr. Rangers: In-Person – Thursday, April 29 – June 10, 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 7 – week after school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE Register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org
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Earth Day Celebration Events –
Monday thru Thursday (April 12 – 15; April 19 – 22), 1pm to 3 pm
This year, the Ansonia Nature Center is celebrating Earth Day with two weeks of fun, hands-on classes! Explore this year’s theme – ‘a healthy environment for a healthy world’ – with plantings, hikes, and live animals. All ages welcome. See below for class descriptions. These classes are free to attend and participants will receive a free gift.
Email to register in advance at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org
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- Edible Plant Foraging: In-person – Mon., April 12 & 19, 1:00 pm
Backyards, vacant lots, woodlands, and open fields support tons of food and medicines for the natural collector! Join Ranger Dawn on an identification walk where we will taste and smell some wild edibles along the way. Reflect on and discuss the importance of collecting wild plants in healthy environments. Class size limited to 12.
- Hike: Vernal Pool: In-person – Tues., April 13 & 20, 1:00 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. Class size limited
- Roots to Shoots : In-person – Wed., April 14 & 21, 1:00 pm
Join Ranger Amie to help prepare our organic family garden. Make sure you and your family wear old clothes and shoes because we will get wet and dirty. Help us prepare our garden beds for the upcoming growing seasons. During class we will explore many of the roots and shoots that overwintered in the garden, plant some new ones, and look to see what kind of earthly critter might be living there. Each family will make their own garden starter tray to take home. Class is limited to 10.
- Pond Exploration: In-person – Thurs., April 15 & 22, 1:00 pm
Wetlands are critical habitats for supporting biodiversity – but how can we know if a pond is healthy? To answer this question, join Ranger Evelyn for this hands-on program to investigate Redwing Pond by analyzing water samples and studying the aquatic insects and other pond life we find. Dress in clothes that can get muddy! Class size is limited to 12.
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Summer Nature Days –July 12-16; July 19 – 23; Aug. 2-6; Aug. 9-13,
Choose one of our week-long sessions, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For children 6 to 10 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will be not only educational but also a chance to explore the 156 acres the 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. A great choice for a fun late-summer experience! TUITION PER WEEK: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family – level FANCI members); $175
To Register email us at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org
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MAY 2021
CANCELED, Migration 101: Virtual Zoom Program – Saturday, May 1, 2 pm, SORRY THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELED
It’s that time of year again – birds are once more on the move! Join Ranger Evelyn for this virtual Zoom program to explore the ups and downs of bird migration, and celebrate the incredible journeys they make each year.
World Migratory Bird Day: In-Person – Saturday, May 8, 10 am
Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird! Come down to the Nature Center for fun games and activities celebrating migratory birds. Learn about bird behavior with this family–friendly program lead by Ranger Evelyn. Space is limited; to register, email us at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. Dress for running around outside. Ages 6-10 FREE
Mother’s Day Herb Window Gardens: In-Person – Sat., May 8, 1:00 pm
Join Ranger Dawn for this class to learn about how to grow and make use of culinary and medicinal herbs at harvest time. Herbs don’t mind growing in planters on window sills or where other places in your yard. Make a very special Herb Window Garden for your Mom in your life for Mother’s Day. FEE $10 per person. Space is limited; to register, email us at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.
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Feeder Chats: Virtual Zoom Program – Sat., May 15th, 9am
You’re invited to join the conversation! Back by popular demand, Feeder Chats returns on the 3rd Saturday of each month, starting in May. This virtual program invites you to be a part of a community, sharing bird-feeding observations and knowledge. Learn about Community Science opportunities, discuss ways to create suitable habitats, and more! To receive the Zoom link, email ansnaturectr@ansonia.org
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May 29 Saturday 1:00, Spring Babies!
In person walk 15 people, from parking lot, down steps through vernal pools, over to pond and ending at meadow.
Help Ranger Amie spot animal, plant, and insect babies at the nature center! This will be an in-person walk, through our wetland vernal pools, Woodland, and over to the pond and meadow. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet. Bring Binoculars, and bug spray. Space is limited; to register, email us at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.
JUNE 2021
CT Trails Day – Saturday, June 5, 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. We might get lucky and find a lady slipper or two. This hike will be an educational and entertaining hike to identify nature along the way while we explore Raptor Woods trail and beyond. Dress for hiking: sturdy shoes, water and small snack recommended. Please register in advance as space will be limited.
FREE Click here to register
Butterflies in the Park: Sunday, June 13, 1 pm
Take a relaxing walk through a meadow and look for butterflies (and moths!) with Ranger Evelyn. We’ll hope for warm and sunny weather- the kind when butterflies are most active and varied. Learn ways you can help our native pollinators and support biodiversity. Space is limited; to register, email us at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org. Dress for the weather; masks are required. Ages 5 and up.
Feeder Chats: Virtual Zoom Program – Sat., June 19th, 9am
You’re invited to join the conversation! Back by popular demand, Feeder Chats returns on the 3rd Saturday of each month, starting in May. This virtual program invites you to be a part of a community, sharing bird-feeding observations and knowledge. Learn about Community Science opportunities, discuss ways to create suitable habitats, and more! To receive the Zoom link, email ansnaturectr@ansonia.org
June 26th, Sat. 1:00
The Third Annual Fairy Houses and Tea Party! Ranger Amie will show little visitors how to make three styles of Fairy Houses in our shady woodland near the visitor center. Mint tea will be provided, and some tiny cookies, as well as tiny cups! Please bring your preferred snacks and beverages! Space is limited; to register, email us at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org.
Note: Please, no glitter, plastic, or balloons. Our little friends are all-natural 🙂
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For in person classes
All participants must pre-register and adhere to the new rules list.
Now and always, the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors is a priority. We are excited to have reopened our outdoor facilities and to provide outdoor programs. Here is how we are working to keep everyone safe.
For Your Class:
- Per State of Connecticut guidelines, face masks must be worn by class participants.
- Physical distancing of 6ft should be practiced between groups at all times.
- Spacing will be indicated in the outdoor teaching spaces.
- Hand sanitizer is available for your use
- No passing or sharing items between groups
- No restrooms available
- Our employees are screened daily.
- All participants must fill out a Waiver of Liability before attending class
- Health Pre-Screening must be filled out the day before class.
No walk-ins will be allowed to participate.
OUR BUILDING IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
NO BATHROOMS AVAILABLE
Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 pm via zoom
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.