Ansonia Nature Center to hold program about protecting migratory birds

ANSONIA - Craig Repasz, Connecticut Ornithological Association’s Past Conservation Committee chair and past president of the New Haven Bird Club, will tell us about Lights Out! CT, at 7 p.m. Friday (Aug. 25). 

Lights Out! CT is a campaign to help protect migrating birds from crashing into buildings at night. 

Why Lights Out? Most migratory birds pass over our state at night, when temperatures are cooler and skies are less turbulent. 

However, artificial lights attract and disorient birds, leading to collisions with buildings. The result is catastrophic: almost 1 billion birds are killed in the United States every year. Craig will tell you more about the problem and the steps you can take to protect our birds. 

FREE adult program. Click HERE to register. 

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Lane.

Ansonia Nature Center to offer Facebook video programs in May

The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center at 10 Deerfield Road is temporarily closed.  

Ansonia Nature Center posts calendar of September events

ANSONIA - Learn about migratory birds, take a harvest moon hike, and more in September at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
NATURE EXPLORERS – 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 21, 28, Sept. 4, 11.

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 203-736-1053 to register.

THEMED GUIDED HIKE:  Goldenrod Jungle – Sept. 8, 1 p.m.

For all nature enthusiasts! Enjoy a walk through the park’s fields and vast Goldenrod Jungle. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of insects, spiders, and birds that depend on this unique habitat for survival. FREE guided hikes every Sunday at 1 p.m.

FALL TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Thursdays, Sept. 12–Oct. 31, 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.

FULL HARVEST MOON HIKE – Sept. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m.

This year, the September full Moon is called the Harvest Moon. Unlike other full Moon names, the Harvest Moon is tied to an astronomical event: the autumnal equinox. The full Moon that falls nearest to the equinox takes on the name “Harvest Moon.”
This Moon provides the most light at the time when it’s needed to complete the harvest. FEE: $3 per person. Please wear appropriate footwear.

BIRDS ON THE MOVE – Sept. 28, 8 am

Join environmental educator and conservationist Sophie Zyla for this informative family friendly program on migratory birds. 
She will concentrate on the end-of-summer journeys taken by our “flying friends” to faraway places each year. Find out who’s going and who’s staying put! FREE.

*** ONGOING PROGRAMS ***  

Creature Features – Saturdays, noon  

Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Sunday Guided Hikes – 1 p.m.

Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Family Organic Garden Program – Tuesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; 3:30–5 pm

ANC will be continuing 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 soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh produce!

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays starting Sept. 3, 6 p.m.

Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.

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.

Ansonia Nature Center to host migratory bird walk

ANSONIA - Warblers, catbirds, and grosbeaks, oh my!
Join Ranger Jess for a migratory bird walk experience at 9 a.m. May 25 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

The Nature Center is 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 at 203-736-1053.

*Photo and text shared from Facebook.