Learn about beekeeping, maple syrup, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center offers a variety of fun and educational activities for all ages in March.

MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES – March 2, 1 p.m.

A very long time ago, the Native people of the northeastern part of the country shared their sweet tree know-how with the newcomers from Europe. 
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 this sweet treat! 
FEE: $6 per person. Please call in advance to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

JUNIOR EXPLORERS – March 6–April 10; 3:30–5 p.m.

Join us for this six-week program for children ages 6-10. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. Children may also have the opportunity to learn about and handle the Nature Center’s Animal Ambassadors! We will go outside for a hike and to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. 
TUITION: $60 for all six weeks, cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center, due at first class.
Class is limited to six 6 to 7-year-olds and eight 8 to 10-year-olds. Please call to register.

FIELD TRIP:  Kaycee Farm Sugar Shack – March 9, 10 a.m.

Each year in late winter, as the days start to lengthen, the sugar maple trees at Kaycee Farm in Hamden are tapped for their sweet sap. Join Nature Center staff for a tour of this beautiful New England family-run farm to learn how sap is collected, boiled down, and bottled. Bring some cash to purchase your own pure Connecticut maple syrup. Space is limited.  Call to register and for directions. FREE.  

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS  – Registration begins March 14. 

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 8-week after-school program, starting on Thurs. Apr. 11 at 3:30 pm. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast!  FREE.

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS – March 16, 1:30 p.m.

This class is an introduction to the fascinating hobby of beekeeping. 
Join Ranger Dawn to learn about beekeeping tools and equipment, how to begin a starter hive, and how to identify honey bees and what they are doing. 
Our observation hive at the Nature Center is a great place to see this incredible system. For ages 14 and up. FEE: $6 per person. Please pre-register.

OWL PROWL:  Raptor Woods Hike – March 22, 6 p.m.

Whoooo’s awake in our forest? Join Ranger Jess for this adventure! We’ll test our eyes by walking flashlight-free through the dark forest, our ears listening for the “Whooo’s awake? Me tooo?” of the Great Horned Owl. We may even stumble upon an owl nest! 
For adults and children 9 and older. Dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for hiking. FEE: $3 per person.

BEAUTIFUL BIRD HOUSES – March 23, 1:30 p.m.

Join Ranger Amie and paint a bird house for spring!  
Children and adults will paint simple bird houses for our feathered friends. Each finished bird house will include hanging hardware and cordage. Ages 8 and up. 
MATERIALS FEE: $6 per person. Please register; class size limited.

**And look ahead to Spring!**

GETTING YOUR GARDEN READY – April 17, 6–8 p.m.

Join Massaro Community Farm and the Ansonia Nature Center for a workshop at the Nature Center. 
We'll share steps to prepping or starting your garden for spring and summer plantings. 
Learn organic techniques to grow a healthy garden and plants for a bountiful season. 
Register online at MassaroFarm.org. 

Call 203-736-1053 to register for programs. The Nature Center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

*** 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.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 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.


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