Hunt for fireflies, learn to ID trees, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun activities in July.

CREATURES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND – July 13, noon

This is a great weekday family program to learn all about the creatures of Long Island Sound. We will explore the Nature Center’s salt water tank and learn how to identify and hold common critters you will find at New England’s local beaches this summer. FREE.

FIREFLY HUNT – July 16, 7:30 p.m.

Follow the Nature Center’s ranger along our wooded paths looking for glowworms in the leaf litter under the light of the moon. We’ll end the hike with a show by beetles in the Lampyridae family, better known as lightning bugs and fireflies. FEE: $3 per person. 
Wear shoes for hiking.

TREE ID HIKE –  July 21, 1 p.m.

Join Ranger Jess to learn how to identify trees by their bark, branches, and leaves along the Donna Lindgren Tree Identification Trail. Hear stories of how people have used wood over the years for many different things. Discover 45 trees along the trail, which transverses a variety of habitats including abandoned agricultural fields and pastures, deciduous forest, wetland, and pine plantation. FREE; wear appropriate hiking shoes.

NATURE AS MENTOR – July 31, 1–2:30 p.m. 

Join Marlow Shami, a nature-based teacher, artist, healer and writer, who will conduct the Nature As Mentor program for adults. 
Learn the magnificent language of nature in this powerful workshop. Discover your unique niche as part of our planet’s restoration plan. The wisdom of elder/earth-based cultures as well as recent empirical research in the fields of eco-psychology and environmental psychology, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and energy medicine, provide the foundation of this program. Attendees acquire simple tools to access the guidance they seek and restoration needed for negotiating the challenges of daily life. 
Discover how to actively engage in caring for our shared home. Adults only. Please call to register. FEE: $20 per person.

AUGUST

CHRIS ROWLANDS: Puppeteer and Singer – Aug. 2, 7 p.m.

Chris Rowlands is an award-winning singer and songwriter who offers an interactive kid-friendly presentation for those who love music and nature. He creatively blends music, comedy, and education in a fast paced show that teaches and inspires. Chris brings animals to life through song, dance, puppets, and colorful props, to teach children about animals and their habitats. 
The Environment Magazine has honored Chris with its first E Award for his environmental education programs. Don’t miss this FREE musical program! 

***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 – Sundays, 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, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; 3:30–5 p.m.

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!

This is a press release from the Nature Center.