ANSONIA -The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has announced its January schedule of activities.
NEW YEAR DAY’S HIKE – Jan. 1, 9 a.m.
Join a Nature Center naturalist, who will ring in the New Year by leading an invigorating hike along our woodland
trails. If we have snow cover, we may even break out the snowshoes! Free. Please pre-register.
FIBER ARTS GROUP – Tuesdays starting Jan. 5, 5:30–7:30 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 – Classes begin
Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Set the stage for a healthy new year with Pam Mellitz, our seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner. 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 at 203-888-4124.
NATURE’S CHILD: Winterizing for Wildlife – Jan. 8, 10 a.m.
Help to make life easier for our native wild animals this winter by making feeders for the wildlife in your backyards and in our nature preserve. The Nature Center will provide all you need.
Tuition: $6 per child ($4 for family- level FANCI members and Ansonia residents).
Adults come for free. Pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.
ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES –
Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; Mar. 12, 26, 2 p.m.
Did the fox get the grapes? Make a big book of Aesop’s Fables, and find out! Children’s book illustrator, ANC Ranger Amie Ziner will guide you through illustrating a series of six stories, using the Nature Center’s real animal specimens. Easy step-by-step instruction will help you create six acrylic paintings, featuring animals, nature, and a lesson in each story!
Attend all six classes to complete the book, or just one class for a single fable. Appropriate for people with some painting experience, ages 10 to adult, who are able to follow the instruction with some supervision.
At the end of each two-hour class you will have a page for your book, including the text of the story.
The story for Week 1 is “The Fox and the Grapes.”
Materials fee: Individual lessons $20 each; all six lessons $100 (save $20!). The fee includes: acrylic paint, an acrylic painting board, two brushes, a water container, paper towels, and a pencil.
PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Sundays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 13, 11 a.m.
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. Join us for these free sessions.
HEATHER’S KORNER SEWING CLASSES: Sewing a String Bag (Class 1) – Jan. 10, 2 p.m.
These sewing classes are for children 7–10 years old accompanied by an adult. In today’s class, each child will sew a string bag. In future classes, each student will sew a fox pillow (Feb. 7) and an owl pincushion (March 6).
Fee: $15 per class. Materials are included. Please pre-register, as space is limited.
THE NAUGATUCK RIVER: THE MOVIE – Jan. 15, 7 p.m.
This Naugatuck River Revival Group movie shows our river like never before. You will see it from its beginning in Torrington to its tide waters, where it meets the Housatonic River, and view what it is like in, over and under the river.
The Naugatuck River, suitable for both children and adults, is a glimpse into a planned documentary called The Last Refuge and features the wildlife and people who use the river.
You will see songbirds bathing and get close to eagles, owls, and salmon. You will meet two ancient creatures: lamprey and elvers (baby eels). Trapped at the Kinneytown Dam in Seymour, these elvers traveled thousands of miles from the Sargasso Sea to grow to lengths of over three feet.
If they survive they will stay in the Naugatuck for the next 20-30 years before returning to the Sargasso to breed. Come close to one of the oldest predators on Earth: the peregrine falcon.
Watch volunteers struggle to clean the river. See unique views of the new $6.4 million Tingue Dam Bypass. “We want to bring the river to the community,” Sondra Harman, Executive Director of the NRRG, said. “We want to show people that the river is beautiful.”
NEW YEAR DAY’S HIKE – Jan. 1, 9 a.m.
Join a Nature Center naturalist, who will ring in the New Year by leading an invigorating hike along our woodland
trails. If we have snow cover, we may even break out the snowshoes! Free. Please pre-register.
FIBER ARTS GROUP – Tuesdays starting Jan. 5, 5:30–7:30 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 – Classes begin
Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Set the stage for a healthy new year with Pam Mellitz, our seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner. 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 at 203-888-4124.
NATURE’S CHILD: Winterizing for Wildlife – Jan. 8, 10 a.m.
Help to make life easier for our native wild animals this winter by making feeders for the wildlife in your backyards and in our nature preserve. The Nature Center will provide all you need.
Tuition: $6 per child ($4 for family- level FANCI members and Ansonia residents).
Adults come for free. Pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.
ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES –
Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; Mar. 12, 26, 2 p.m.
Did the fox get the grapes? Make a big book of Aesop’s Fables, and find out! Children’s book illustrator, ANC Ranger Amie Ziner will guide you through illustrating a series of six stories, using the Nature Center’s real animal specimens. Easy step-by-step instruction will help you create six acrylic paintings, featuring animals, nature, and a lesson in each story!
Attend all six classes to complete the book, or just one class for a single fable. Appropriate for people with some painting experience, ages 10 to adult, who are able to follow the instruction with some supervision.
At the end of each two-hour class you will have a page for your book, including the text of the story.
The story for Week 1 is “The Fox and the Grapes.”
Materials fee: Individual lessons $20 each; all six lessons $100 (save $20!). The fee includes: acrylic paint, an acrylic painting board, two brushes, a water container, paper towels, and a pencil.
PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Sundays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 13, 11 a.m.
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. Join us for these free sessions.
HEATHER’S KORNER SEWING CLASSES: Sewing a String Bag (Class 1) – Jan. 10, 2 p.m.
These sewing classes are for children 7–10 years old accompanied by an adult. In today’s class, each child will sew a string bag. In future classes, each student will sew a fox pillow (Feb. 7) and an owl pincushion (March 6).
Fee: $15 per class. Materials are included. Please pre-register, as space is limited.
THE NAUGATUCK RIVER: THE MOVIE – Jan. 15, 7 p.m.
This Naugatuck River Revival Group movie shows our river like never before. You will see it from its beginning in Torrington to its tide waters, where it meets the Housatonic River, and view what it is like in, over and under the river.
The Naugatuck River, suitable for both children and adults, is a glimpse into a planned documentary called The Last Refuge and features the wildlife and people who use the river.
You will see songbirds bathing and get close to eagles, owls, and salmon. You will meet two ancient creatures: lamprey and elvers (baby eels). Trapped at the Kinneytown Dam in Seymour, these elvers traveled thousands of miles from the Sargasso Sea to grow to lengths of over three feet.
If they survive they will stay in the Naugatuck for the next 20-30 years before returning to the Sargasso to breed. Come close to one of the oldest predators on Earth: the peregrine falcon.
Watch volunteers struggle to clean the river. See unique views of the new $6.4 million Tingue Dam Bypass. “We want to bring the river to the community,” Sondra Harman, Executive Director of the NRRG, said. “We want to show people that the river is beautiful.”
CREATURE FEATURES: How Animals Move – Jan. 16, 12, noon
Join Ranger Jess to learn how rabbits hop, snakes slither, and birds fly. Enjoy our weekly Creature Feature with the added silliness of mimicry. Free.
20TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – Jan. 17, noon–4 p.m.; Jan. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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. This year the Peabody will also be holding a food drive to benefit the New Haven Community Soup Kitchen and Christian Community Action.
ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – Jan. 23, 2 p.m.
See Jan. 9 listing for program description. The story for Week 2 is “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
DEEP ICE FISHING – Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.
The Nature Center is offering a free ice fishing class, taught by certified instructors from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education. These experienced fishermen volunteer to share their experience and expertise with anyone wanting to learn. The classroom instruction covers the basics of equipment, safety, dress, rules and regulations, and species identification.
Participants will then have two opportunities to practice what they learned in class: First, a state-wide ice fishing derby held in Coventry, Jan. 30, in which all equipment, bait, and instruction are provided free of charge; second, a “No Child Left Inside” fishing event at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington on the following Saturday, Feb. 6.
STITCHING MITTENS – Jan. 31, 2 p.m.
Create a pair of mittens, and keep your phalanges from freezing this winter! Join Ranger Dan in making good use of scrap wool, and stitch yourself a pair of winter mittens. Materials fee: $5. Pre-registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult who can assist in the construction.
To register or for more information call 203-736-1053.
This is a press release from the nature center.
Join Ranger Jess to learn how rabbits hop, snakes slither, and birds fly. Enjoy our weekly Creature Feature with the added silliness of mimicry. Free.
20TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – Jan. 17, noon–4 p.m.; Jan. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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. This year the Peabody will also be holding a food drive to benefit the New Haven Community Soup Kitchen and Christian Community Action.
ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – Jan. 23, 2 p.m.
See Jan. 9 listing for program description. The story for Week 2 is “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
DEEP ICE FISHING – Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.
The Nature Center is offering a free ice fishing class, taught by certified instructors from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education. These experienced fishermen volunteer to share their experience and expertise with anyone wanting to learn. The classroom instruction covers the basics of equipment, safety, dress, rules and regulations, and species identification.
Participants will then have two opportunities to practice what they learned in class: First, a state-wide ice fishing derby held in Coventry, Jan. 30, in which all equipment, bait, and instruction are provided free of charge; second, a “No Child Left Inside” fishing event at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington on the following Saturday, Feb. 6.
STITCHING MITTENS – Jan. 31, 2 p.m.
Create a pair of mittens, and keep your phalanges from freezing this winter! Join Ranger Dan in making good use of scrap wool, and stitch yourself a pair of winter mittens. Materials fee: $5. Pre-registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult who can assist in the construction.
To register or for more information call 203-736-1053.
This is a press release from the nature center.
