Make natural dye, learn about birds, hike, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Make natural dye, learn about birds, take a hike, explore, and more in September at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26; 10 a.m. Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session is for children ages 2–5 years old with an adult. These outdoor classes will be fun exploring and learning through play. We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, exploring, singing, games, reading, and making crafts. Every class is outside!!!! TUITION: $40 per four-week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center).

FALL TERM JUNIOR RANGERS -Thursdays, Sept. 13–Nov. 1, 3:30–5 p.m.
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 eight-week after-school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.

MAKE YOUR OWN NATURAL DYE – Sept. 22, 2 p.m. Learn how to make your own dye with natural materials. We’ll go out on the land to find and harvest berries from pokeweed plant. 
Each person will go home with some dye and some wool yarn to dye! 
FEE: $10 per person. Adults and children 9 years and up. Please call to register.

BIRDS ON THE MOVE – Sept. 29, 8 a.m.Join Ranger Jess for this informative program. She will concentrate on the end-of-summer journeys taken by our “flying friends” to faraway places each year. Find out who’s going and who’s staying put! FREE.

***  ONGOING PROGRAMS  ***  

Pet Loss Grief Support Session – By appointment

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one, but limited options for when we lose an animal. This FREE support session is for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Please call Susan Wilson at 1-802-379-4449 for an appointment.

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.

Monday Night Trail Run – Mondays, July 9, 16; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 10, 17, 24; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend’s extra calories. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week. Please register and wear appropriate footwear.

Family Organic Gardening Program – Tuesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28; Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25; 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!

Karate Club – Tuesdays, 5–5:45 p.m.This summer and after-school program at the Nature Center is for children 6-12 years old (Karate Kids), and 3-5 years old (Little Dragons). Students will engage in martial arts techniques and activities while learning skills such as discipline, focus, self-control, and confidence. They can earn higher-ranking belts as their participation continues. Summer classes will be held outside. TUITION per 5-week session: $40 (cash or check payable to AMAA), which includes a Karate Club T-shirt and white belt. 

For more information call Chief Instructor Adam Rylski, 203-671-6903 or Theresa, 203-506-3816, or the Nature Center, 203-736-1053.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays starting Sept. 4, 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.

Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body – Thursdays starting Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m.Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner Pam Mellitz will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise. The 90-minute classes require a mat or thick towel; dress for easy movement. Class is limited to 12 students. $7 per class. Please call Pam to register at 203-888-4124.

Creature Features – Saturdays, noonCome 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.

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***  THINGS TO COME  (Fall 2018)  ***

Autumn Fest  • Wreath Workshop • Fall Foliage Hike • Nature and Play for Children with Autism

The Nature Center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This is a press release from the Nature Center.

Seymour offering variety of Fall fitness activities, bus trips

Ansonia Nature Center schedules winter activities

ANSONIA - Take a hike, learn karate, make crafts, and more in January at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Building closed except for hike, 10 a.m. Jan. 1 - Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center.

Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk while you learn a little natural history trivia along the way.

Free, but please register in advance.
Inclement weather cancels.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal.

Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. While these sessions are free, donations are accepted.

KARATE CLUB – 5-5:45 p.m.Tuesdays, Jan. 10 - Feb. 7.
In this dynamic and energetic after-school program at the Nature Center for children in grades K-6, students will engage in various martial arts techniques and activities while learning important skills such as discipline, focus, self-control, and confidence. They will have the opportunity to earn higher-ranking belts as their participation continues.
Tuition: $45 per five-week session (cash or check payable to AMAA), which includes a Karate Club T-shirt and white belt.

For more information call Chief Instructor Adam Rylski at 203-671-6903 or 203-931-1979, or the Ansonia Nature Center, 203-736-1053.

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY – 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Our seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner, Pam Mellitz, will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise. The full 1.5 hour classes require a mat or thick towel; dress for easy movement. Class is limited to 12 students. $7 per class. Please call Pam to register, 203-888-4124.

21ST ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – noon–4 p.m. Jan. 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Jan. 16.
Join the Nature Center at the Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. The Peabody will once again offer world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages, in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people.

BACK TO BASICS: Natural Lip Balms – 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21.
Soothe your lips with your own homemade lip balm! Join Ranger Dawn and learn how to make lip balm with natural ingredients such as beeswax and essential oils in this easy and fun workshop.
Take home a sample! Materials fee: $10 per person. Please register in advance; space is limited.

GRANDMOTHER TURTLE: An Iroquois Tale – 2 p.m. Jan. 22.
Storyteller Leslie Elias will tell the Iroquois creation myth, a story of sky people and water animals and how the earth came to rest on Grandmother Turtle’s back.
During this workshop, children will create a mask and perform the creation myth for their families. Materials fee: $10 per person.

FIELD TRIP: Behind the Scenes at the Peabody Museum – 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan 24. From Anthropology to Zoology, the 13 million objects and specimens in the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History’s collections represent a world-class record of the history of the Earth and its cultures. Less than one percent is on display in the public galleries!
In this tour a guide will take you to visit two different curatorial divisions; you’ll learn how the collections are stored and organized, and have the opportunity to glimpse some hidden treasures that rarely see the light of day! Tours are not open to children under 12.
Register in advance; space is limited. $15 per person.

All participants will meet at the museum at 2:45 p.m.

SPECIAL EDITION OF PLAYGROUND MOUSE – 2 p.m. Jan. 28. A true story from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center told by Ranger Amie Ziner. Come hear the adventure of Playground Mouse, who was found at our beloved old playground.

This is the fun story of a local mouse growing, meeting some friends, and his release back into the great outdoors. We will create a Playground Mouse of your own to take home and care for. Donate $10 and you will receive a copy of the adventures of Playground Mouse. All donations will help feed the animals at the Nature Center.


*** ONGOING PROGRAMS ***

Sundays: Guided Hikes, 1 p.m.

Thursdays: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, 6:30 p.m.—call Pam, 203-888-4124.

Saturdays: Creature Features, noon

*** THINGS TO COME (Spring 2017) Hidden Landscapes Celebration • Family Organic Garden • Nature Explorers • Spring Junior Rangers

Please check www.ansonianaturecenter.org for updates.

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