Make a wreath, celebrate winter solstice, more at Ansonia Nature Center

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

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 7, 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. Please bring your own hand clippers. 

MATERIALS FEE: $15. Call 203-736-1053 to register.

NEEDLE FELTING FOR BEGINNERS – Dec. 7, 2 p.m. 

Join in this fun class and learn the art of needle felting. With just one barbed needle you can create some wonderful 3D animals. All supplies will be provided. 
MATERIALS FEE: $15. Class size is limited to 12; please register in advance. Ages 12 and up.

STICKS AND STONES PLAYTIME – Dec. 14, 2 p.m.

Get the little ones out of the house for some simple outdoor play so mom or dad can catch up on holiday preparations. Children will construct little cairns or towers by stacking stones and build small log cabins and teepees using sticks. Afterwards warm up with a hot cocoa. FREE family program. Ages 6 and under. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) Please register.

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION – Dec. 21, 2–4:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 marks the Winter Solstice: the start of winter, and the longest night and shortest day of the year. 

Learn about the journey of the Earth around the Sun, which makes the seasons change. 
Join us to celebrate the slow return of the light. We will gather for a relaxed afternoon around the fire at Picnic Pavilion 1. Make a craft, have some cider, and drum in the coming of longer days from 4-4:30 p.m. as the sun sets.

Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event; children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.  
FEE: $6 per person. Please dress for the outdoors.

*  *  * ONGOING PROGRAMS *  *  *  

Creature Features  – Saturdays, noon  

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.

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

Learn about birds, take a hike, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun and educational programs in November.

A PASSION FOR BIRDS WITH HENRY LAPPEN  – Nov. 2, 2 p.m.

This unique interpretive program for families helps people understand and connect with birds and other wildlife. 
Using masks, comedy, and loads of audience participation, artist Henry Lappen explores how and why birds have adapted to their environment. 
He explains the science while demonstrating how the birds move and act. 
Participants get to try on the masks and soar as eagles, stalk as herons, and swim as puffins. 

FEE: $6 per person; please call to register. For all ages.

FALL FOLIAGE HIKE - Nov. 3, 1 p.m.

Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna. Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike. FREE. Please register.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 10–11:30 a.m.

Join us for this four-week pre-school/toddler program for children ages 2-5 with their adult explorer. 
Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes, which 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 and conversation. 

TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks. Class is limited to 10 children. Please call to register.

WESTERN CT ORIENTEERING CLUB EVENT -Nov. 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Come try the fun and adventurous sport of orienteering at this event hosted by the Western CT Orienteering Club. 
Using a map and compass, navigate to locations marked on a detailed map of the Nature Center. 
Courses suitable for beginners through advanced participants with free training provided. Start any time from 10 am to noon and finish by 2 pm. 
FEE: $10 for individuals, $15 for families. 
For more information, see wcocorienteering.org or email wrdewitt@snet.net.

DECEMBER 2019

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 7, 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. Please bring your own hand clippers. MATERIALS FEE: $15. Please call to register.

NEEDLE FELTING FOR BEGINNERS – Dec. 7, 2 p.m.

Join in this fun class and learn the art of needle felting. With just one barbed needle you can create some wonderful 3D animals. All supplies will be provided. 
MATERIALS FEE: $15. Class size is limited to 12, so please register in advance. Ages 12 and up.

          *** 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 – 1 p.m.

Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! 

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.

For information and to register, call 203-736-1053.


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

Make wreath, learn firecraft, count birds at Ansonia Nature Center

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

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 2, 10 a.m.

Space is limited to 20 wreaths SO PLEASE CALL SOON TO REGISTER.
Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. 
Enjoy warm mulled cider and a cookie too! 

Wreath frames and wire will be provided. Please bring your own hand clippers.
MATERIALS FEE: $15. Call 203 736-1053 to register.

PRINCIPLES OF FIRECRAFT – Dec. 9, 1 p.m.

Basic firecraft principles are very important to know. Whether or not you’re the family camp-out fire starter, knowing how fire works is paramount to safety. 
Join Ranger Dan in learning about wood-gathering, fire safety, and fire starting with only one match! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the outdoors. 
FREE. Please call to register 203-736-1053

CROCHET 101 – Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Join Ranger Jess to learn the skill of crochet. She will teach you the basics so you can create a snowman. It’s a great time of the year to create unique gifts for family and friends! MATERIALS FEE: $7. Please call to register.

118TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT – Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m.

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 will stop at the Nature Center for their lunch at 12:30. 
Be ready to join members of the club to look and listen along the park’s trails. For adults only. 
FREE. Please call to register.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Jan. 1, 2018, 10 a.m.

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. Please call to register. Inclement weather cancels.


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

Learn to make soap, take a hike, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center has scheduled a variety of fun activities in November and December.

FULL BEAVER MOON HIKE – Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.

This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. 
Another interpretation suggests the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon. 
Join the Nature Center guides as we lead you around our park by the light of the moon. For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain. FEE: $1. Please call to register.

FIELD TRIP: Rowanwood Farm in Newtown – Nov. 5, meet at farm at 1:45 p.m.; tour starts 2 p.m.

During our visit, participants learn firsthand about the animals that live on Rowanwood Farm. 
Everyone has an opportunity to interact up close and personal with these amazing creatures. At the same time, we share the animals’ history, characteristics and care. Topics include where llamas come from, how they are sheared, what they eat, and many other interesting particulars that participants learn about our animals. 
FEE: $10 per person; must pre-pay by Nov. 1. Go to www.rowanwoodfarm.com for directions.

BACK TO BASICS: Soap Making – Nov. 11, 1 p.m.

This two-hour class will provide the basic skills you’ll need to make wonderful soaps! Attendees will learn basic safety and traditional techniques required for this time-honored craft which makes great gifts—or soaps to keep for your own use. Soap samples and recipes will be provided. Bring a small container for your take-home samples. Instructor is Dawn Sotir. FEE: $10 per person. Please call to register.

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Woodlore – Nov. 12, 1 p.m.

Join Ranger Jess to learn how to identify trees by their bark and branches. Hear stories of how people have used wood over the years for many different things. Discover how magical trees really are!  FREE. Please call to register.

TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL: Nature Connection – Nov. 18, 1 p.m.

Join Two Coyotes Wilderness School naturalist Karianna Rosenberg and embark on nature connection games where you will become the cougar, the tracker and the tracked!  Hone in on your awareness and stealth as we lead games for all ages outside in the crisp fall air.  Karianna has a deep respect for nature and a passion to help others discover their personal connection to the Earth. Great program for families and scout groups.  
FEE: $5 per person. Please call to register.

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: History Hike: How These Trails Came to Be – Nov. 19, 1 p.m.

Learn from Ranger Dan how ancient people utilized their tracking skills and followed animal signs. Gain a long list perspective on who created the trails we walk and the roads we drive today. 
FREE. Please call to register.

DECEMBER PROGRAMS

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 2, 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. Please bring your own hand clippers.. MATERIALS FEE: $15. Please call to register. 

PRINCIPLES OF FIRECRAFT – Dec. 9, 1 p.m. 

Basic firecraft principles are very important to know. Whether or not you’re the family camp-out fire starter, knowing how fire works is paramount to safety. Join Ranger Dan in learning about wood-gathering, fire safety, and fire starting with only one match! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the outdoors. FREE. Please call to register. 

***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 – 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 – 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For all the runners who want something 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. This FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  Please register and wear appropriate footwear.

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.

For information on all programs call 203-736-1053. 

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center,10 Deerfield Road. 

Make a bittersweet vine wreath, take a hike, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has a variety of programs scheduled in October.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Oct. 4, 11, 10 a.m.

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session, which began in September, 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: $20 to join us for these 2 weeks, space permitting  (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center). Please call to register.

BITTERSWEET WREATHS – Oct. 7, 2 p.m.

Bring your own clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led by Ranger Dawn. When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. FEE: $5. Please call to register.

ROPE MAKING: The Ancient Way – Oct. 14, 1 p.m.

A beginner’s chance to learn a skill practiced long ago.  Learn which native plants have been used to make rope.  Children must be accompanied by an adult who will assist in creating a sample to take home. FEE: $6 per person. Please call to register.

AUTUMN FESTIVAL – Oct. 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Celebrate this wonderful season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)! Take a ride through our community gardens and fields in our horse-drawn story wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales! Learn about bats, spiders, and owls! Have some fresh apple cider and baked goods. Visit the Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors. You can try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, and make some original crafts. All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center. RAIN or SHINE. No park admission fee. Call us for more information at 203-736-1053. 

CREEPY CRAWLIES – Oct. 28, noon

Hold a real life tarantula, hear a cockroach hiss, and learn all about insects. Arthropods are fascinating creatures! Join us for this special Creature Feature family program. FREE. Please call to register.

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Fall Foliage – Oct. 29, 1 p.m.

Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna. Wear appropriate shoes.


This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center.