Friday, March 22, 2019

St. Vincent De Paul in Derby seeks donations for Easter distribution


Dziekan to guest bartend at Archie Moore's to support Derby Running Club


DEEP to offer brush fire training at White Hills Fire Co. 5 in Shelton


Ansonia Nature Center offers gardening, readies Earth Day celebration


ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun and educational activities in April.

ACOG MEMBERSHIP DRIVE April 6, 11 a.m.1 p.m. 
Are you interested in getting your own garden plot over by the Ansonia Nature Center? 
Stop by the ANC, learn about ACOG (the Ansonia Community Organic Gardens), and sign up for a plot! $20 for a 20' x 40' plot; $10 for a 20' x 20' plot; and $10 per small elevated bed.


ACOG ANNUAL MEETING – April 7, 10:30–11:30 a.m. 
Are you a new or returning member of the Ansonia Community Organic Gardens? Come to their first official meeting of the gardening season! Find out what's going on at the gardens and how you can help! Open to all ACOG members. FREE!

WHITTLING 101: Carving a Bird – April 7, 2 p.m.
Using local soft pine wood from the Nature Center, Ranger Amie will teach safe carving techniques and show how to make a small bird carving using a mat knife. She will show some of her own carvings for inspiration. 
This class is geared for teens 16 years of age and up as well as adults.  Registration and release forms are required. Class size is very limited. FEE: $10. 

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS Thursdays, April 11–June 6, 3:30–5 p.m.
Calling all children 11-14 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 during our 8-week after school program. Parental permission is required. 
Registration began in March. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast!  FREE.

CONSERVATION PROJECT: Wood Duck Box Installation – April 13, 10 a.m.
Be a part of maintaining healthy habitat for the wild native animal species that call the Ansonia Nature Center home. Join Ranger Dan in an introduction to the benefits of artificial nesting structures for birds. Take a short walk to our pond, where Dan will install a newly constructed Wood Duck box. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FEE: $6 per person. Please register.

SPRING NATURE DAYS – April 15–18, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
For children from 6 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will not only be educational but also a chance to explore our 156 acres. 
We will visit a variety of habitats in the park such as wetlands, fields, and woodlands. Great time of the year for amphibian searches too! TUITION: $125 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $150 all others. 
(While you’re here, register for Summer Nature Days! See the notice at the end of the calendar!)

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 and bountiful garden. 
Register online at MassaroFarm.org. 

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAMTuesdays, Apr. 23–June 18, 3:30–5 p.m.
We’ll lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; you will get water and/or soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – April 27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Every day is Earth Day at the Nature Center! We invite you to honor Mother Earth with our Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. co-hosting this annual event. Enjoy hikes, live animals, music, environmental exhibitors, interactive activities with Nature Center staff, and more! 
Food and snacks available from local vendors. No park admission fee. All ages welcome; bring family and friends to celebrate Spring!

***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.

Monday Night Trail Run – Mondays, April–June, 5:30-6:30 pm
This is a call to all of the runners who want something out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre park’s network of trails, while you burn off the weekend's extra calories. We guarantee that this program is the best way to start your week. FREE; must register and wear appropriate footwear. Adults only. Class dates are subject to change.

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. FREE.


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