Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Learn to ID trees, go snowshoeing, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun and educational programs in February.


Grumpy Groundhogs - Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m. You'd be grumpy too if someone forced you to wake up when you weren't ready! 
For all ages. A short hike to discover a groundhog den, a craft, and a story. Please call to register.

It's All in the Bark: Winter Tree ID - Feb. 3, 1 p.m. Tired of straining your eyes to discern leaves to determine what type of tree you are looking at? Never worry about leaves again! During this guided hike Ranger Jess will show you how to identify at least 20 common woodland trees by their bark alone! For adults and children 9 and up. Dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for king. Free. Please call to register.

Sweet Treats for Valentines - Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m. Join Ranger Dawn and make a basket filled with chocolate dipped goodies that we will make for your favorite Valentine! 
Please call to register. Fee is $5 for a small basket, $10 for a large. 

Fundraiser: Creature Parade - Feb. 16, noon-3:30 p.m. Our nature center animals serve as ambassadors for their species, here for the purpose of teaching about the natural world. This is a chance to get up close and learn about each animal individually, how they've adapted and where they came from. Cost of their care is considerable; contributions help with their specialized diets, daily care, and creature comforts. 
You'll get a chance to hold a dove, pet a snake, and high-five a spider. Each animal will get a 20-minute spotlight during this fundraiser. 
A schedule of animal showings will be listed on the center's website. The program is for all ages. 
Donation: $6 a person, $15 a family.

Snowshoe Sunday: Getting ready for Bluebirds - Feb. 17, 1 p.m. Need to get outside? Enjoy the winter with this guided hike through our woodlands and fields. 
Join Ranger Dan and snowshoe around the nature center grounds to clean out the bluebird boxes. Bluebirds will start nesting again in March and April. Great exercise and fun for adults and children 8 and up. Snowshoes available to borrow. Please register.

Winter break: Winter Wonderland activities - Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m. Come for fun outdoor activities on this day off from school. There's nothing better than going through the cool air on your sled. We'll take the whole family to our hill for sledding fun. Toddlers should ride with a parent. Everyone should be well-bundled in layers to stay warm. After our adventure we'll come inside for hot cocoa and a chance to meet one of the Nature Center's animals. Free. Registration required. Families must bring their own sleds. 
The Art of Animal Tracking with Andy Dobos - Feb. 23, 10 a.m.  Naturalist and educator Andy Dobos will take you on a wildlife tracking walk through the nature center's fields and forests. There are always clues left behind by the animals for us to decipher, telling a story of their habits and lives. Get to know our beloved wildlife that much better. 
Wear good boots and extra layers; there will be a lot of standing and time off trail. For ages 6 and up. Fee is $6 a person.

Nature Explorers - Wednesdays, Feb. 27, March 6,13, 20, 10 a.m. Join us for this four-week preschool/toddler program for ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week. Classes are loosely structured and influenced by the seasons; there will be a short hike so please dress for the weather. Classes end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. 
Tuition is $40 for all four weeks, space permitting. Cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center due at first class. Limited to 10 children. 

Maple Syrup Program for Families - March 2, 1 p.m. Join us as the Nature Center staff presents an introduction to making maple syrup the old-fashioned way, and help us to choose just the right tree for tapping into for this sweet treat!
Fee is $6 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call to register. 

Call 203-736-1053 to register for programs.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center. 

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