April & May Events
Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – Saturday April 29, 10 am – 4 pm
join us to honor Mother Earth at our annual spring event enjoy plantings, hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors and a special guest. This year storyteller Leslie Elias will create masks for $5 with families and then perform the Iroquois creation myth. This story is of sky people and water animals and how the earth came to rest on Grandmother Turtle’s back. You can also hear an Audubon biologist present the 2016 Bird Habitat Assessment findings for the Nature Center property (see more information in the calendar entry below). Food and snacks available from local vendors and the Nature Center bake sale. No park admission fee. All ages welcome
Creature Feature Saturdays at noon
Guided Hike, Sundays at 1:00
The Great Give, May 2-3, 2017
SUMMER NATURE DAYS – Mon.–Friday, 9:00 am–3 pm
For children from 5 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will not only be educational but also a chance to explore our 156 acres. We will visit a variety of habitats such as the park’s wetlands, fields, and woodlands.
Choose one or more weeks for our week long sessions
Dates: July 31- Aug 4, Aug 7-11, Aug 14-18
TUITION: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and FANCI members), $175 all others.
MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – -----------------------Mondays,in April and May, 5:30-6:30 pm
This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is 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. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week. Please call to register and wear appropriate footwear. 203 736-1053
PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP ----– Tuesdays---------April 11, May 9, June 13, ------2 pm and 6 pm
Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. Grief support and grief counseling will benefit the human left behind.
FREE, but donations are accepted.
Please contact Susan Wilson at 802-379-4449 to meet at the Nature Center.
NATURE EXPLORERS –---- Wednesdays,.... April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 10 am - 11:30
Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session is for children ages 2–5 years old with an adult explorer. We will learn about nature and science through fun activities such as hiking, exploring, singing, games, reading, and making crafts. Every class is outside!!!!
Please call to register 203 736-1053
TUITION: $40 per 4-week session
FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, April 18–June 27, 3:30–5 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!
AMPHIBIAN EVENING HIKE -------– Saturday April 22, 7 pm
Enjoy the sounds of spring with our Nature Center guides as we lead you around our wetlands to spot some spring amphibians.
For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). FEE: $1.00
SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Vernal Pools – Sun. Apr. 23, 1 pm
Learn about our local amphibians during our Sunday hike to the Nature Center’s vernal pools. These fascinating creatures secretly inhabit our woodland and wetlands. Help our ranger lift rocks and logs to find these slippery creatures beneath. FREE.
AUDUBON BIRD HABITAT ASSESSMENT – Sat. Apr. 29, 11:15 am
ADVENTURES IN EDIBLE PLANT FORAGING – Sat. May 6, 10 am
Karen Monger is the author of the 3 Foragers blog, which she runs with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Gillian. Come join their family in discovering edible plants and harvesting them together in the park. Their mission is to impart their knowledge of wild edible plants to others. After the walk, try a wild food “sampler” made by the staff of the Nature Center.
FEE: $5. Please call to register 203 736-1053
CARTOONING THE NATURAL WORLD – Sunday May 7 & 21, 10 am
Ranger Amie Ziner, our artist in residence, will teach four classes in cartooning nature! We will use on site materials, stuffed specimens, and live animal observation to complete four cartoons with a plant and animal in each one. Improve your drawing accuracy and realism for fun, for story illustration, and for expressing yourself using pictures—a picture is worth a thousand words! For ages 10 to adult. Limited space. FEE: $5 per class.
Please call to register 203 736-1053
SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: History Hike – Sunday May 7, 1 pm
Hike to the Nature Center’s historic sites with Ranger Dan. Discover old roads, stone walls, and even some secret treasures he’s found during his exploring. Enjoy the day off with your family on this Sunday hike. FREE.
Please call to register 203 736-1053
EARLY MORNING BIRDING ---– Saturday, May 13, 9 am
Join Ranger Jessica for our early morning birding. Find the birds living in or moving through our parklands to nest farther north. This is a prime time for birders to come and spot some of our magnificent migratory birds. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Dress for walking outdoors. We will start with a quick introduction to birds. FREE.
Please call to register 203 736-1053