Learn beekeeping, take a hike, learn karate at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA -The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center has announced April activities for all ages - from karate and yoga to organic gardening and beekeeping.

KARATE CLUB – Tuesdays, five-week sessions beginning March 28, May 2, June 7, 5–5:45 p.m. (Karate Kids); 5:45–6:15 p.m. (Little Dragons)

This dynamic and energetic after-school program at the Nature Center has classes for children 6-12 years old (Karate Kids), and 3-5 years old (Little Dragons). 

Students will engage in various martial arts techniques and activities while learning important skills such as discipline, focus, self-control, and confidence. They will have the opportunity to earn higher-ranking belts as their participation continues. 

TUITION per five-week session: $45 for Karate Kids, $40 for Little Dragons (cash or check payable to AMAA), which includes a Karate Club T-shirt and white belt. 
For more information call Chief Instructor Adam Rylski at 203-671-6903 or 203-931-1979, or the Ansonia Nature Center at 203-736-1053.

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY – Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Our seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner, Pam Mellitz, will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise. The full 1.5 hour classes require a mat or thick towel; dress for easy movement. Class is limited to 12 students. $7 per class. Please call Pam to register at 203-888-4124.

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS – April 2, 2 p.m.

Have you ever thought about being a beekeeper? Ranger Dawn will teach you about beekeeping tools and equipment, how to begin a starter hive, and how to identify honeybees and what they are doing. Our observation hive at the Nature Center is a great place to see this incredible system. FREE.

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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 register and wear appropriate footwear.

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Thursdays, April 6–June 1, 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 8-week after school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.

SPRING CLEANUP – April 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Bring your garden and trail tools! Scouts, youth groups, and students, this is a great community service opportunity. Help beautify our park and get ready for spring and summer. We’ll supply the gloves.

ANSONIA COMMUNITY ORGANIC GARDENERS – April 9, 10 a.m.

Have you always wanted to grow your vegetables but don’t have enough property or sun in your yard for a garden? No worries; the Nature Center has plenty of fertile spots in full sun just for you. Sign up for your own garden plot with ACOG President Pat Evans. We will meet at the visitor center and walk to the organic gardens.

SPRING NATURE DAYS – April 10–12, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

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. Great time of the year for amphibian searches too! 
TUITION: $90 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $105 all others. (While you’re here for Spring Break, why not register for Summer Nature Days?)

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Tuesdays, April 11, May 9, June 13, 2 and 6 p.m.

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, 802-379-4449, for arrangements to meet at the Nature Center.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 10 a.m.

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session is for children ages 2–5 years old with an adult. These outdoor classes will be fun exploring and learning through play. We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, exploring, singing, games, reading, and making crafts. Every class is outside!!!! TUITION: $40 per 4-week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center).

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!

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

This full moon heralded the appearance of the moss pink, or wild 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: $1.00. 

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Vernal Pools – April 23, 1 p.m.

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.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – April 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

We invite everyone to join us to honor Mother Earth. At this annual 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.

AUDUBON BIRD HABITAT ASSESSMENT – April 29, 11:15 a.m.

Audubon Connecticut’s Forest Bird Initiative focuses its conservation efforts on priority species, giving us an opportunity to keep these species common before they become threatened or endangered. Properties like the Nature Center can be critical parts of large forested landscapes that provide high-quality habitat for breeding birds. Come to hear recommendations for protecting and improving habitat at the Nature Center by Corrie O’Keefe, Audubon biologist. She will present the park’s 2016 Bird Habitat Assessment findings. This is a great program for volunteers and Scouts looking for conservation projects.  



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