Learn to ID edible plants, take bird walk, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun and educational activities in May. 

CONSERVATION PROJECT: Weekend Warriors Part 1 – May 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Ranger Dan is seeking naturalists who want to help keep our park beautiful. Managing our precious landscape requires your help! Together we will continue the legacy of this nature preserve. 
Part 1 will focus on controlling invasive plant species around our open fields. Great for teen-aged Scouts and adult volunteers. Bring water, snacks, gloves, and trimming tools. Call to register.

PIGEONS: SMARTER THAN YOU THINK – May 5, 2 p.m.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitator Megan Eaton will bring her pigeon friends for this unique meet and greet. Megan has spent the last three years rehabbing every pigeon brought to her door. At this family-friendly program, meet some of her rescues and learn all about one of the earliest domesticated and most misunderstood birds: the pigeon. FREE; donations appreciated. 

LAVENDER BATH BOMBS FOR MOTHERS’ DAY –  May 11, 10 a.m.

Join us in making these wonderful bath bombs. Each attendee will make a batch, learn how to mold them, and prepare them as gifts. For 8 years old and up. 
MATERIALS FEE: $12 per person. Please register; class size limited.

FAIRY HOUSES AND TEA PARTY – May 11, 1 p.m.

Join Ranger Amie at Pavilion #2 to design tiny homes for fairies and gnomes from bark, moss, stones, and other natural decorations. Materials will be provided. Celebrate these magical creatures during the fairy tea party. 
Bring tea party food to share if you would like. Please register for this FREE family program.

ADVENTURES IN EDIBLE PLANT FORAGING –  May 18, 10 a.m.

Karen Monger is the author of the 3 Foragers blog, which she runs with her husband, Robert. Come join them for a short lecture and a hike to discover and identify edible plants in the park. Their mission is to impart their knowledge of wild edible plants to others. FEE: $6 per person for this family program.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, May 22, 29; June 5, 12; 10 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 typically 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 4 weeks, space permitting (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center), due at the first class. Class is limited to 10 children. Please call to register: 203-736-1053.

MIGRATORY BIRD WALK – May 25, 9 a.m.

Warblers, catbirds, and grosbeaks, oh my! Join Ranger Jess for a migratory bird experience. The Ansonia Nature Center is the home to many migratory birds. See redstarts, common yellow throats, towhees, and more during this birding adventure. 
This is a slow-paced walk on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. FREE; please register.

JUNE 2019

CONNECTICUT TRAILS DAY – June 1, 9 a.m.

Join Nature Center Director Alison Rubelmann and Ranger Daniel Bosques for this morning walk. Discover the beauty of the Nature Center’s typical New England woodland during the CT Forest and Park Association’s annual Trails Day weekend. We might get lucky and find a lady slipper or two. 
This moderate hike will also focus on the history of the land, and we will visit the settlement of the Paugasucks. Bring water, a snack, and bug spray, and wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for older children and adults.  FREE.

To register for programs call 203-736-1053.

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