Learn maple sugaring, sewing, illustrating, more at Ansonia Nature Center

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

ANNUAL MAPLE FESTIVAL – March 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Start with a delicious pancake breakfast with real maple syrup, sausages, juice, coffee, and tea from 8–10 a.m. for $8. 

We’ll also have a maple bake sale, crafts, live animal presentations, tree-tapping demos, and more! All proceeds benefit our critter care. 

HEATHER’S KORNER SEWING CLASSES: Sewing an Owl Pincushion (Class 3) – March 6, 2 p.m.

This class is for children 7–10 years old accompanied by an adult. Each child will sew an owl pincushion. Fee: $15. Materials are included. Please pre-register; space is limited.

NATURE’S CHILD: Maple Sugaring –  March 11, 10 a.m.

Do you know that trees make sugar? Join a Nature Center naturalist to learn how they make it and how we can make it into maple syrup. Sample real Nature Center syrup on ice cream. 
TUITION: $6 per child ($4 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults. 

ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – March 12, 2 p.m., includes free book. Week 4 is “The Fox and the Stork.”  

Join children’s book illustrator and Nature Center Ranger Amie Ziner, as she guides you through illustrating an Aesop’s Fables story, using the Nature Center’s real animal specimens. Easy step-by-step instruction will help you create an acrylic painting, featuring animals, nature, and a lesson in each story! 
Appropriate for people with some painting experience, ages 8 to adult, who are able to follow the instruction with some supervision. At the end of each 2-hour class you will have a page for your book, including the text of the story. FREE, Aesop’s Fables book.

A PLACE CALLED HOPE: Live Raptors – March 13, 2 p.m.

Join A Place Called Hope, a raptor rehabilitation and education center, as they share four birds of prey for an all-ages presentation. This will be an up-close and personal encounter with a hawk, a falcon, and two owls. Learn ways that you can actually help lessen conflicts wildlife may encounter in your own backyards. This interactive presentation will last 1 hour. Cameras are encouraged. 

FREE, but donations will be accepted. Please pre-register.

OWL PROWL – March 18, 6 p.m.

“Whoooo” wants to join us for this night hike? Learn about owls’ amazing adaptations while we stroll through our woodland trails listening for the Nature Center’s nocturnal inhabitants. Quiet is the key, so this program is geared for 8 year olds and up. The hike will be 1.5 miles on uneven terrain. Please wear appropriate clothing and foot gear, and call to register, as space is limited. FREE.

BLUEBIRDS IN THE FIELD – March 19, 2 p.m.

The Nature Center is proud to be a refuge for many native and migratory bird species. Located on our property are a number of boxes that we build to ensure these birds have a safe and comfortable place to call home. Join Ranger Dan in the construction and placement of three bluebird boxes for one of our wetland fields. FREE.

SPRING EQUINOX DRUMMING –  March 19, 6 p.m.

Let’s wake up the earth gently as we make music together by the fire. Bring your own drums and musical instruments. Dress for the outdoors. Adults and supervised children are welcome. FREE: Admission is a canned good for Spooner House. Please pre-register.

ANSONIA COMMUNITY ORGANIC GARDEN PLOT – March 20, 11 a.m.

Have you always wanted to grow your own vegetables but don’t have enough property or sun for your own garden?  No worries—the Nature Center has plenty of fertile spots in full sun just for you. 
Sign up for your own garden plot with ACOG President Pat Evans. We will meet at the Nature Center’s visitor center and walk to the organic gardens.

ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – March 26, 2 p.m., includes free book, Week 5 is “The Lion and the Mouse.”

Join children’s book illustrator and Nature Center Ranger Amie Ziner, as she guides you through illustrating an Aesop’s Fables story, using the Nature Center’s real animal specimens. Easy step-by-step instruction will help you create an acrylic painting, featuring animals, nature, and a lesson in each story! 
Appropriate for people with some painting experience, ages 8 to adult, who are able to follow the instruction with some supervision. At the end of each 2-hour class you will have a page for your book, including the text of the story. FREE Aesop’s Fables book

ART PAINTING PARTY FUNDRAISER – April 2, 3–5 p.m. 

The Ansonia Nature Center and FANCI will host an art class fundraiser for “The Playground Fund 2016” at Kokopelli music and arts center in Seymour. 
Join us for an afternoon of music, and painting. All art materials provided. Bring your own beverage, snacks and your enthusiasm. Leave with a wild painting and a warm feeling FEE: $30 per person. Please register at www.kokopellimusicandarts.com Wine and Easel, 2016 classes. 

Class size limited to 35 participants.

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS 

Open registration; program begins April 14, at 3:30–5 p.m., for eight weeks, ending June 9.
Calling all children 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. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast!  FREE.

Call 203-736-1053 for more information on any programs.

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

Ansonia Nature Center schedules winter activities, craft classes

                                                                   Photo from Ansonia Nature Center website

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

NATURE’S CHILD: Getting Ready for Winter – Dec. 4, 10 a.m.

Join us for this morning class developed for 3-to 5 year olds accompanied by an adult. 
A themed craft, story, and hike are integrated into each program. 
Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

BACK TO BASICS: Needle Felting – Dec. 5, 1 p.m.
Bring a dose of your own unique creativity for this class based on an ancient craft. 
Dawn Sotir, needlecraft wizard, will inspire you with her beautiful and practical items made from natural fibers. Create a 3D animal of your choice; it’s easier than you think! Advance registration required for this popular program. Fee: $8.

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too! Wreath frames and wire will be provided. $10 materials fee. Please pre-register. 

EAGLES OF NEW ENGLAND (Natural History Series) – Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Join a Connecticut DEEP biologist who will share extensive knowledge and photographs during this program on bald eagles. 
Best known as the national emblem of the United States, bald eagles have made a huge comeback in New England after a precipitous decline due to loss of habitat and nesting trees, food contamination by pesticides (DDT), and illegal shooting. 
Due to the increase in nesting pairs in recent years, the bald eagle’s status was reclassified in Connecticut from endangered to threaten. 

Winter is a difficult time for any wildlife species, including bald eagles. Food is harder to find and cold temperatures cause energy stress. Come and learn why it’s important to stay away from nesting areas and to avoid disturbing the birds. The Wildlife Division participates in a midwinter eagle survey in January for the United States Geological Survey; volunteers are always welcome to help! 
This Natural History Series is dedicated to the memory of Noble S. Proctor, Ph.D. Free; please pre-register.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT –  Dec. 19
This annual survey provides important data to assess the increase or decline of avian populations worldwide. 
After an early morning start, the New Haven Bird Club members will stop at the Nature Center for their lunch at 12:30 or 1 p.m. Be ready to join the members of the club to look and listen along the park’s trails. For adults. Free. Please register.

DRUM IN THE WINTER SOLSTICE – Dec. 19, 5 p.m.
True winter begins on Dec. 21! On that day we’ll have a full 15 hours of darkness! Since June, the days have been getting shorter, but from now on, the reverse will be true. We’ll stoke the fire pit, so bring your drum and other percussion instruments, and warm yourself with good fellowship. 
Ranger Dawn will lead us. Free, but bring a canned food item for our local homeless shelter; please register.

HOLIDAY NATURE DAYS – Dec. 29–31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For children who love the outdoors and wildlife. These popular educational classes are designed for children five to 10 years old. We’ll have a chance to explore the park’s 150 acres and visit a variety of habitats. 
Come meet new friends, play games, create beautiful and useful items using natural objects and recycled materials, and much more. 

Tuition: $30/day ($90 all 3 days) for priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members); $35/day ($105 all three days) all others. 
Advance registration by Dec. 11 required. 

For more information and to register for any programs, call 203-736-1053.


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

Make a wreath, help count birds at Ansonia Nature Center

Winter Wreath Workshop
ANSONIA - Celebrate Ansonia’s 125th anniversary and the festive season at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 as you create a wreath with fresh, locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. 

Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too. Wreath frames and wire will be provided.
There is a $10 materials fee. Please register by Dec. 10.

Winter Solstice Drumming Circle
Come to the nature center at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 with your own percussion instruments as we drum in the beginning of winter, when our portion of the planet takes a nap! 

Please bring a nutritious canned good donation for Spooner House in Shelton. Dress for the cold. Children over 10 and adults welcome.
Free, but please register in advance.

Annual Christmas Bird Count
Join the New Haven Bird Club at noon Dec. 20 for this traditional bird count, which has been taking place for over 110 years! 
Bird count results are sent to the National Audubon Society, and are included in the international census of early winter bird populations.

Dress for the weather. Rain or shine. Free. Middle-school age children and their adults are welcome. Please register in advance.

Winter holiday nature days
For children who love the outdoors and wildlife holiday nature days will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 29-31.
These popular educational classes are designed for children ages 5-10.
We’ll have a chance to explore the park’s 150 acres and visit a variety of habitats.
Come meet new friends, play games, create beautiful and useful items using natural objects and recycled materials, and much more.

Tuition: $30/day ($90 all three days) priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members); $35/day ($105 all 3 days) all others. Advance registration only.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

For more information on activities, call 203-736-1053.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.