Phases of Venus, CT Trails Day on Ansonia Nature Center calendar

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has announced several activities slated in June.

THE TURNING OF VENUS –  7 p.m. June 5.

Gaianne Jenkins, a retired mathematician with an interest in paleo-astronomy, will tell us about an ancient calendar used as late as the Middle Ages that predicts the motions of the moon and some planets.

Venus (NASA website photo)

She will focus on the eight phases of Venus and the ancient five seasons of the year. 
On the night of this talk Venus will be near maximum Eastern elongation, turning from the phase of the lake to the phase of the earth, and we will be changing from spring to high summer. 

After the talk, weather permitting, we will view Venus through telescopes; it should appear as a bright half disc. Free; pre-register by calling 203-736-1053.

CT TRAILS DAY - 9 a.m. June 6.

Join Nature Center director Alison Rubelmann, an avid hiker and nature buff, for this morning walk. Discover the flora and fauna of our typical New England woodland.

This moderate hike will also visit the settlement of the Paugasucks. Bring water and a snack, and please wear sturdy shoes. This hike is suitable for older children and adults. Free; call 203-736-1053 to register.


OUTER ISLAND FIELD TRIP – 8:30 a.m. sharp June 7.

Join the staff of the Ansonia Nature Center on this amazing field trip to Outer Island, one of the Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford.
Meet us at 8:30 am at the Thimble Islands Ferry Service for the 9 a.m. ferry. 

Wildlife refuge
Outer Island is a wildlife refuge and also an ecological preserve and refuge for migratory birds. 
Its habitats include rocky intertidal zone, marsh, and beach, all typical of Long Island Sound. 
A docent will teach us about the flora and fauna and the beauty of this unique natural environment. 

Cost: Round trip ferry fee is $10 per person. 
Registration required; trip is limited to 14 people. Call 203-736-1053.

FANCI ANNUAL MEETING AND POTLUCK SUPPER - 5:30 p.m. June 10.

Join the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. to see what new and exciting projects they've been working on.
Bring your own table.

NATURE’S CHILD: Tidal Pools – 10:30 a.m. June 12.

Come to meet some animals from Long Island Sound who are visiting the Nature Center's salt water tank. Snails, crabs, a sea star perhaps, and even a sponge may be on hand to delight you.
A craft to take home is planned, and a short story too. This class is for preschool children.
For tuition information call 203-736-1053. Please pre-register.

NATURE GAMES FOR CHILDREN – 2 p.m. June 13.

“You Can’t See Me!” 
Come join Ranger Jessica for an afternoon of hiding in the woods, chasing each other through the fields, and pretending we are the animals that live in Connecticut's forests, while learning about the wonderful wild world around us!

 We’ll top it off with a wilderness scavenger hunt. Free.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.