Ansonia fest to feature annual pumpkin-decorating contest

Get those creative juices flowing! 

Learn about bees, identify trees, take a hike at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has announced its calendar for October. 

Check out the variety of fun activities offered!

NATURE’S CHILD: Seeds and Pods – Oct. 2, 10 a.m.

We’ll learn that some plants produce thousands of seeds, while other types produce only a few, but all natural plant fruits have them for a very special reason. Find out about plants’ clever “travel plans” too! 
Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members and Ansonia residents). 
Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults. 

BITTERSWEET WREATHS –  Oct. 3, 2 p.m.

Bring clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led by Ranger Dawn. 
When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. 
Please register in advance. Free.

AUTUMN TREE ID HIKE – Oct. 10, 9:30–11:30 a.m. 

Enjoy the season’s beautiful colors while learning helpful characteristics used to identify trees—leaves, buds, twigs, bark, nuts and overall shape. 
Naturalists Barbara and Peter Rzasa and Viola Waldo will lead hikers along the two-mile Donna Lindgren Tree ID Trail, where over 40 trees have been marked with descriptive signs. This is a family-oriented hike appropriate for school-aged children.  Free.

BEEKEEPING WITH ERAST MARKIW – Oct. 10, 10 a.m.

Erast Markiw, a local beekeeper for over 20 years, emphasizes that honeybees are important to us because they pollinate many of our local crops and native plants. He will show the essential parts of a hive, demonstrate how to shave sealed comb in preparation for honey extraction, and give us Information on how to get started with beekeeping. 
Come enjoy his presentation and have a chance to chew on freshly shaven beeswax with honey.

Please register. Free.

    

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, 1 p.m.

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, but there are limited resources for when we lose an animal. 
Susan Wilson has created this support group for those of us who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

FORESTER WEBELOS – Oct. 12 (Columbus Day), 10 a.m.

Calling all Scouts! Join the Nature Center naturalist for an interpretive hike and earn your badge. Call to register. $5 per child.

AUTUMNFEST – Oct. 17, 11 am – 4 p.m.

Celebrate this wonderful season with the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center. 
Take a ride over hill and dale in our horse-drawn story hay wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales!  
Learn about bats, spiders and owls! Have some fresh-squeezed apple cider and fresh-made donuts, then visit the Friends Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related gifts. 
You can try your hand at pumpkin carving, get your face painted, and make some creative crafts. 
All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center’s playground project efforts. Rain or shine. 
No park admission fee. 

SIRIUS COYOTE: Musical Performance –  Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

The duo Sirius Coyote (Giovanni Ciarlo and Kathleen Sartor) focuses on environmental awareness, community building, sustainability, and diversity through music emphasizing the culture of Latin America and the Caribbean. 
The audience will participate in singing, clapping and playing upbeat, fun original songs in Spanish and English. Free.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP –  Oct. 24, 10 a.m.

Join Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo for a watercolor workshop.  Be inspired by nature’s beauty while painting at the Nature Center’s natural environment.  
Taxidermy models, as well as the resident animals, are available to paint. Please call to register for this free event. For ages 7 and up.

AMATEUR ASTRONOMY –  Oct. 24, 6 p.m.

Join “Bobcat” Carruthers and members of the New Haven Astronomical Society for another great night. Did you ever wonder why we have four seasons or why the moon goes through different phases?  
Learn why during a good old fashioned slide show and short lecture inside and then venture outside (weather permitting) to view the night sky with the Astronomical Society’s high-tech telescopes. Free. Please pre-register.

FALL FOLIAGE RANGER HIKE – Oct. 25, 1 p.m.

Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna.  
Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike. Please register in advance. Free.

Call 203-736-1053 for more information on any programs. 

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.