Hike, learn to garden, create art, get fit, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled a variety of activities for April. 
The month will culminate with a celebration of Earth Day April 30.  

ART PAINTING PARTY FUNDRAISER –  April 2, 3–5 p.m.

The Ansonia Nature Center and FANCI will host an art class fundraiser for “The Playground Fund 2016” at Kokopelli School of Music and Arts in Seymour. 
Join us for an afternoon of music and painting. All art materials provided; just bring your own beverage and snack as well as your enthusiasm! 
Leave with a wild painting. Fee: $30 per person. 
Register at www.kokopellimusicandarts.com; click on Wine and Easel, then click on 2016 Calendar of Classes. 
Class limited to 35 participants. 

FITNESS AWARENESS JOG – April 4 –June 27, 5 p.m.

Start your week off by jogging the path to a healthier you. Every Monday, join Ranger Dan on a Fitness Awareness Jog. This is your chance to cruise our trails on foot, sweat out impurities, and enjoy the sights and smells of our 156-acre nature preserve. 
We kick off at 5 p.m. with a stretch, then gently jog our two miles of trails for an hour and a half. All experience levels are welcome, so be sure to bring a friend or two! Free, but please register. 

NATURE’S CHILD: Amphibians – April 8,10 a.m.

Learn about these ancient, fascinating creatures that secretly inhabit our woods and wetlands. 
Take a hike to discover the Nature Center’s slippery critters. Make a take home craft too! Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

                

SPRING CLEANING AND PLANTING DAY– April 9, 9 a.m.–noon.

We’ll supply gloves, plants, and pizza. Scouts, youth groups, student interns—this is a great community service opportunity! Help us beautify our park and get ready for spring. Bring your own garden tools if you want; please pre-register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – April 10, May 8, June 12, 11 a.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; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal. Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

BUILD YOUR OWN TERRARIUM – April 10, 2–4 p.m.

Sometimes you want to enjoy the benefits of a garden without having to mow, prune, and fertilize. 
Terrariums are popular thanks to their fuss-free maintenance, beauty, and minimal space requirements, making them good options for those who want to garden but lack outdoor space. Join us to create your very own terrarium. Bring a glass mason jar, glass bowl, or other cool glass container. We’ll provide all other materials. Fee: $10 per terrarium.

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – April 14–June 2, 3:30–5 p.m.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? 
This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our eight-week after school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! Free.

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – April 15 –June 17, 3:30–5 p.m.

Food Corps and 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 might get water and/or soil on your clothing. Closed-toe shoes, please! Free, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: Lashing Project 1 – April 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Spring is here, seeds will be planted and it will be time to add décor to our organic garden plot. First up in Ranger Dan’s Lashing Project series is creating an arbor out of sticks. Want to add dimension to your garden? Perhaps you’d like a trellis for your beans, or a place for your vines to grow on. Create a stylish arbor in our Organic Community Garden, and bring your newfound skills to your own yard! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free; please register.

SPRING BREAK NATURE DAYS – April 18–22, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

For children from 5 to 10 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. Great time of the year for amphibian searches too! 
Tuition: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $175 all others. 

FULL PINK MOON HIKE –  April 22, 7 p.m.

This full moon heralded the appearance of the moss pink, or

wild ground phlox - one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon. 
Enjoy the sounds of spring with our Nature Center guides as we lead you around our wetlands to spot some spring amphibians by the light of the moon. 
For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Fee: $1. Please call to register.

SPRING MIGRATION BIRDING – April 23, 9:30 a.m.

Join avid birder Ranger Jess for this early morning walk to find the birds living in or moving through our parklands to nest farther north. This is a prime time for birders. 
Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Dress for walking outdoors. We’ll start with a quick introduction to birds. Free; please pre-register.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION –  April 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Every day is Earth Day at the Nature Center! 
We invite everyone to honor Mother Earth with our Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center co-hosting this annual event. Enjoy hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors, and much more! 
Join one of our naturalists for a wildflower walk too. Food and snacks available from local vendors. 
All ages welcome, young and old—bring family and friends.  

For more information or to register for programs, call 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.