Sketch the moon, listen to music at Ansonia Nature Center in March

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will host a variety of activities in March.

WINTER ASTRONOMY: Lunar Sketching – March 10, 7 p.m.

Come to Ansonia’s darkest location for some fun viewing the moon with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society. 

Get a chance to see the waxing gibbous moon’s surface through Bob’s TV camera and learn to sketch its craters. Bring a clipboard and pencil. 

Class size is limited to 12; please register in advance. Free.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – March 14, 1 p.m.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal. 

Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Sessions are free; donations appreciated.

JOSEPH FIRECROW: Native American Flute Player – March 12, 2 p.m.

“The natural beauty of the flute evokes very powerful emotions. The traditional flute is social, not ceremonial, in nature, and should always be treated with that in mind and spirit.” Joseph FireCrow, a Grammy Award winner and renowned Native American flutist, inspires such emotions with his beautiful music. Together we will enjoy this Sunday afternoon relaxing and listening in the beauty of the Nature Center’s natural surroundings. 

Fee: $5 per person; please call to register.

SPRING EQUINOX DRUMMING – March 18, 6 p.m.

Let’s wake up the earth gently as we make music together by the fire. Dress for the outdoors. Adults and children are welcome. Bring your own drum or borrow one from us. Free, but bring a canned good for Spooner House. Please call to register.

ANIMAL TRACKS AND TRACES –  March 25, 2 p.m.

Follow the signs and tracks and become an animal detective. On our hike discover the clues of the animals that inhabit our forest and fields. We will teach you how to put together these clues to tell their story. Make a plaster cast for your own collection. Fee: $7; please register in advance. 

To register call 203-736-1053.

*** ONGOING PROGRAMS *** 

Sundays: Guided Hikes, 1 p.m.  

Thursdays: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, 6:30 p.m. - call Pam, 203-888-4124.

Saturdays: Creature Features, noon. 

This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center.

Ansonia Nature Center schedules winter activities

ANSONIA - Take a hike, learn karate, make crafts, and more in January at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Building closed except for hike, 10 a.m. Jan. 1 - Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center.

Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk while you learn a little natural history trivia along the way.

Free, but please register in advance.
Inclement weather cancels.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal.

Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. While these sessions are free, donations are accepted.

KARATE CLUB – 5-5:45 p.m.Tuesdays, Jan. 10 - Feb. 7.
In this dynamic and energetic after-school program at the Nature Center for children in grades K-6, 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: $45 per five-week session (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, 203-736-1053.

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY – 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
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, 203-888-4124.

21ST ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – noon–4 p.m. Jan. 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Jan. 16.
Join the Nature Center at the Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. The Peabody will once again offer world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages, in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people.

BACK TO BASICS: Natural Lip Balms – 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21.
Soothe your lips with your own homemade lip balm! Join Ranger Dawn and learn how to make lip balm with natural ingredients such as beeswax and essential oils in this easy and fun workshop.
Take home a sample! Materials fee: $10 per person. Please register in advance; space is limited.

GRANDMOTHER TURTLE: An Iroquois Tale – 2 p.m. Jan. 22.
Storyteller Leslie Elias will tell the Iroquois creation myth, a story of sky people and water animals and how the earth came to rest on Grandmother Turtle’s back.
During this workshop, children will create a mask and perform the creation myth for their families. Materials fee: $10 per person.

FIELD TRIP: Behind the Scenes at the Peabody Museum – 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan 24. From Anthropology to Zoology, the 13 million objects and specimens in the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History’s collections represent a world-class record of the history of the Earth and its cultures. Less than one percent is on display in the public galleries!
In this tour a guide will take you to visit two different curatorial divisions; you’ll learn how the collections are stored and organized, and have the opportunity to glimpse some hidden treasures that rarely see the light of day! Tours are not open to children under 12.
Register in advance; space is limited. $15 per person.

All participants will meet at the museum at 2:45 p.m.

SPECIAL EDITION OF PLAYGROUND MOUSE – 2 p.m. Jan. 28. A true story from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center told by Ranger Amie Ziner. Come hear the adventure of Playground Mouse, who was found at our beloved old playground.

This is the fun story of a local mouse growing, meeting some friends, and his release back into the great outdoors. We will create a Playground Mouse of your own to take home and care for. Donate $10 and you will receive a copy of the adventures of Playground Mouse. All donations will help feed the animals at the Nature Center.


*** ONGOING PROGRAMS ***

Sundays: Guided Hikes, 1 p.m.

Thursdays: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, 6:30 p.m.—call Pam, 203-888-4124.

Saturdays: Creature Features, noon

*** THINGS TO COME (Spring 2017) Hidden Landscapes Celebration • Family Organic Garden • Nature Explorers • Spring Junior Rangers

Please check www.ansonianaturecenter.org for updates.

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

View meteor showers, learn about wildflowers in August at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled a variety of fun and educational activities in August. 

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER NATURE DAYS!!! 

Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12, 

Aug. 15–19, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.               

Choose one or more weeks!

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 the 156 acres the park offers. 
We will visit a variety of habitats such as the park’s wetlands, fields, and woodlands. A great choice for a fun late-summer experience! 

TUITION: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $175 all others.  

CREATURE FEATURE: Snakes of Connecticut – Aug. 6, noon

Meet some of nature’s most important predators up close and personal! Discover how they eat, what’s inside those long, skinny bodies, and how invasive species impact the natives. Come see some of our indigenous snakes. FREE. Please register in advance.

ROCKS IN SPACE: Perseid Meteor Showers – Aug. 12, 8 p.m. 

Come to Ansonia’s darkest location for some unusual night sky viewing with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society. In addition to a chance to see the annual meteor showers (and touch a real meteor!), lunar rays—glass ejecta from the moon’s meteor craters—and Saturn will be visible if we have clear skies. Telescopes will be available. 
Meet at picnic pavilion #2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. Please register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Aug. 14, 1 p.m.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal. 

Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these FREE sessions.

SUMMER AND FALL WILDFLOWERS OF CONNECTICUT – Aug. 19, 7 p.m.

Many colorful summer and fall wildflowers can be found growing in Connecticut’s fields, forests, and wetlands. Compared to the light pastel colors of our spring flowers, summer flowers are bold and vibrant. 

Asters, goldenrods, and milkweed are easily observed, but many others are elusive and require a bit of searching. 
Area naturalists Peter and Barbara Rzasa will provide a Powerpoint presentation highlighting not only our common native wildflowers but also the not so common ones such as pipsissewa, turtlehead, bottle gentian, butterfly weed, rattlesnake plantain, Virgin’s bower, and arrowhead. 
This FREE presentation will also cover the parasitic plants dodder and Indian pipe as well as the carnivorous Northern pitcher-plant and sundew. Stories and flower folklore of our native summer and fall wildflowers will be shared.

THE NAUGATUCK RIVER: THE MOVIE – Aug. 21, 1-3 p.m.

This Naugatuck River Revival Group movie shows our river like never before. You will see it from its beginning in Torrington to its tide waters, where it meets the Housatonic River, and view what it is like in, over and under the river. The Naugatuck River, suitable for both children and adults, is a glimpse into a planned documentary called The Last Refuge and features the wildlife and people who use the river. 
You will see songbirds bathing and get close to eagles, owls, and salmon. 
You will meet two ancient creatures: lamprey and elvers (baby eels). Trapped at the Kinneytown Dam in Seymour, these elvers traveled thousands of miles from the Sargasso Sea to grow to lengths of over three feet. If they survive they will stay in the Naugatuck for the next 20-30 years before returning to the Sargasso to breed. Come close to one of the oldest predators on Earth: the peregrine falcon. 
Watch volunteers struggle to clean the river. See unique views of the new $6.4 million Tingue Dam Bypass. “We want to bring the river to the community,” Sondra Harman, NRRG Executive Director, said. “We want to show people that the river is beautiful.”

For information call the nature center, 203-736-1053.


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

Learn animal tracking, create crafts, have fun in snow at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled many fun activities in February.

NATURE’S CHILD: Groundhogs – Feb. 5, 10 a.m.

If groundhogs in Connecticut could talk, they’d ask why people are waking up their relative in Pennsylvania! Learn about their sleeping habits and hear a short story, make a craft, and walk to their den site. 
TUITION: $6 per child ($4 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Adults come for free. Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults. 

ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – Feb. 6, 2 p.m.

See Jan. 9 listing for program description. The story for Week 3 is “Belling the Cat.”

SNOWSHOE SUNDAY: Animal Tracking –  Feb. 7, 1 p.m.

Become an animal detective! Learn to look for clues in nature and uncover some fascinating signs that our local wildlife left behind. Dress for cold weather and bring your snowshoes too. Free; please register.

HEATHER’S KORNER SEWING CLASSES: Sewing a Fox      Pillow (Class 2) - Feb. 7, 2 p.m.

These sewing classes are for children 7–10 years old accompanied by an adult. In today’s class, each child will sew a fox pillow. FEE: $15. Materials are included. Please pre-register, as space is limited.

TALKING FEATHER WORKSHOP –  Feb. 13, 2 p.m.

In American Indian culture, the Talking Feather was and is still used. During a ceremony, or a gathering of two or more people for a discussion, its use ensures the utmost respect. The feather is passed from one person to the next, allowing the person who holds it the privilege of speaking. Join Ranger Dan in constructing this item that can be incorporated into your family’s tradition. 
MATERIALS FEE: $5.  Children must be accompanied by an adult who can assist in the construction. Please pre-register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Feb. 14, 11 a.m.

ECO-ART VALENTINE WORKSHOP – Feb. 14, noon.

Create gifts for your loved ones out of recycled magazines. Transform your old magazines into new valentine storage baskets. This will be a fun day to share with your family and friends! Call to register for this free program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

PRESIDENTS’ DAY CREATURE FEATURE – Feb. 15, noon.

Looking for a fun activity for the children this Presidents’ Day? Come and learn about the Nature Center’s resident animals. 
The staff will talk about the different types of mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds we have on display. We will also teach the children how to touch and handle some of these soft, scaly and feathered friends. Free. Please pre-register.

FUN IN THE SNOW – Feb. 16, 11 a.m.

What a great place to enjoy winter! The Nature Center has awesome hills for sled riding, as well as plenty of space for making a snow animal and even building a snow fort or two. Enjoy hot cocoa around our outdoor fireplace too! Dress for the weather—hats, gloves, and snow pants and boots are a must. Pre-register for this free program.

COMMUNICATING WITH ANIMAL SPIRTS – Feb. 17, 6-7:30 p.m.

Ever wonder what happens to your Animal’s Spirit, how they are, where they are and where Animals go once their body passes away and their spirit moves on?  Do you have questions about an animal’s behavior, why they act the way they do, their way of life, their spirituality and their universal law?  
Would you like to be able to communicate with your animal(s) in the life hereafter (what animals call heaven) and in a body? 
Join Susan Wilson, Animal Communicator and Spirit Channeler, every third Wednesday of the month, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Nature Center

ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – Sat. Feb. 20, 2 p.m.

The story for Week 4 is “The Ant and the Dove.”

THE NAUGATUCK RIVER: THE MOVIE – Feb. 21, 2 p.m.

CREATE A VISION BOARD –  Feb. 27, 10 a.m.

A vision board is a powerful tool that can shape an ideal future through the power of intention and visualization. Create a vision board and retrain your brain to start believing that you can achieve all your goals and dreams. Then, the universe will work its magic! 

This free class is for ages 12 and up. Supplies will be provided, but please feel free to bring magazines of things that interest you. 

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