Create wreaths, repurpose candles, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center has scheduled fun activities for October, including its annual Autumn Festival.

FAERIE HOUSES AND TEA PARTY - Oct. 6, 1-3 p.m. Join us at Pavilion 2 to build faerie houses out of natural materials, which we will provide, and enjoy a tea party with mini-cupcakes and herbal tea. Donations of baked goods to share are also cheerfully accepted. 
FEE: $7 per person. For children 18 months to 5 years old; each child must be accompanied by an adult. Bring blankets or mats to sit on and dress appropriately for the weather. 
Please call to register.

BITTERSWEET WREATHS – Oct. 13, 1 p.m. 

Bring your own 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. 
FEE: $5. Please call to register.

AUTUMN FESTIVAL – Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 
Celebrate this wonderful season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center. Take a ride through our community gardens and fields in our horse-drawn story wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales! 
Learn about bats, spiders, and owls! 
Enjoy some fresh apple cider and baked goods. Visit the Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors. 

You can try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, and make some original crafts. 
All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center. 
Rain or shine. No park admission fee.

NATURE EXPLORERS - Oct. 24, 31, and Nov. 7, 14; 10–11:30 a.m. 
Join us for this four week pre-school/toddler program for children ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. The classes are loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside for a short hike and to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. 
Classes will end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. 
TUITION: $40 for all four weeks, space permitting (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center), due at first class. Class is limited to 10 children. Please call to register.

REPURPOSE OLD CANDLES – Oct. 28, 2:30 p.m. 
Wondering what to do with all of your old, burnt out candles? Bring them to this class! Ranger Jess will show you how to melt down wax from your old candles and make brand new candles out of them. Bring an old glass jar with you to hold your new candle. 
For adults and children 11 and up. Please pre-register; class size is limited. MATERIALS FEE: $6 per person.

For registration and more information, call 203-736-1053. The center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

This is a press release from the Nature Center.