Celebrate Groundhog Day, make valentines at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Fun and educational activities are on tap in February at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road. 

GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION – Feb. 2, 3 p.m.

Come celebrate Groundhog Day this Sunday at the Ansonia Nature Center! 
Go outside and explore a groundhog’s natural habitat while you learn about this quirky American folk holiday. We will head back inside for a fun and interactive shadow puppet performance followed by a craft activity where you will be able to make your own shadow puppet to take home. Class limit 12. For all ages. MATERIALS FEE: $3.

ECO-ART VALENTINE WORKSHOP – Feb 14, 1:30 p.m.

Create gifts for your loved ones out of recycled materials – Valentine boxes, cards, paper bracelets, and some other sweet surprises.  
This will be a fun day to share with your family and friends! Call to register for this FREE program. For all ages.

WINTER WONDERLAND – Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Chilly, snowy days are calling your kids outdoors. Come for fun winter activities on this day off from school. There’s nothing better than gliding through the cool air on your sled. We will take the whole family to our awesome hill for sledding fun, but toddlers should ride with a parent. Everyone should be well-bundled in layers to stay warm. After our adventure we will come inside for hot cocoa and a chance to meet one of the Nature Center’s animals. FREE for families of all ages. Registration required; families must bring their own sleds.

NATURE EXPLORERS  – Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26; March 4 and 11, 10 a.m.

Join us for this 4-week program for children ages 2–5 with their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. 
The classes are loosely structured, influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light  snack. 
TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, Class is limited to 10 children ages 2–5. Please call to register.

LITTLE SCIENTISTS – Feb. 29, 1 p.m.

Join us for this exciting hands-on program by Little Scientists. Please call to register.

Station 1 (for ages 5–7): “Why Is It Cold Outside?” During this lesson your children will learn why the weather gets colder and it often snows outside. They will get an opportunity to observe what’s different outside when it’s cold!  Winter conditions are due to the part of the Earth that we live on being tilted away from the sun. The effect of less sunshine is that it’s colder. Lakes and ponds freeze over.  Short days, snow, and a change in the animals seen outdoors also mark the season. FEE: $6 per child.

Station 2 (for ages 8–11): “How Do Animals Survive the Winter?” During this lesson your children will learn what animals, as living organisms, do to survive through cold and winter conditions. They will learn about how animals adapt to frigid temperatures and are able to conserve body heat. Different types of animals adjust in different ways, using their protective coverings, such as feathers, fur, and even layers of fat, which help insulate them against the cold environment. FEE: $6 per child.

* * *  ONGOING PROGRAMS  * * *  

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.

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.

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.