ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has slated fun and educational April activities.
FITNESS AWARENESS JOG – Mondays, begins April 2, 5:30 p.m.
Calling all runners who want something out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre nature preserve on our two miles of trails while you burn off the weekend’s extra calories.
We kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a stretch, then gently jog our trails for an hour. All experience levels are welcome, so bring a friend or two! This FREE program is the best way to start off your week. Please register, wear appropriate footwear.
SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN – April 3, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Learn life-saving techniques and how to take control of a potentially dangerous situation using practical, effective tactics. Today, self-defense is more important than ever. Refuse to be a victim!
This workshop at the Nature Center is a must for women of all ages, so sign up today! Presented by the Assembly of the Martial Arts Academy. FEE: $20 (cash or check payable to AMAA, due by March 27).
For more information call Adam Rylski at 203-671-6903, Theresa at 203-506-3816, or the Nature Center.
BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS – April 8, 2 p.m.
This class is an introduction to the fascinating hobby of beekeeping.
Join Ranger Dawn to learn about beekeeping tools and equipment, how to begin a starter hive, and how to identify honey bees and what they are doing.
Our observation hive at the Nature Center is a great place to see this incredible system. For ages 14 and up. FEE: $6 per person. Please pre-register.
SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Thursdays, April 12–June 7, 3:30–5 p.m.
Calling all children 11-14 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 during our eight-week after school program. Parental permission is required. Registration began in March.
Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.
NATURE AND PLAY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS – Sundays, April 15, May 13, June 10, 2:30 p.m.
Do you have a child aged 8–12 with autism and other developmental delays? Would you like to join a group playtime that meets once a month? Gently led by Ranger Amie, we will explore ways to introduce your child to playing indoors and outdoors at the Nature Center. Activities include meeting animal friends, taking a walk or easy hike, and nature crafts. Playtime begins at 2:30 pm and ends at 4:30 pm (or however long your child would like to stay). Please arrive on time. We will meet inside at the small classroom; children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the class. FREE. Pre-registration required; group limited to 10 children with adult. Session 1 activity: Animal Tracking.
SPRING NATURE DAYS – April 16–20, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
For children ages 6-11 who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will be educational and also a chance to explore our 156 acres.
We will visit habitats such as wetlands, fields, and woodlands. Great time for amphibian searches too! TUITION: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $175 all others.
SPRING CLEANUP – April 21, 10 a.m.-noon
Bring your garden and trail tools! Scouts, youth groups, and students, this is a great community service opportunity. Help beautify our park and get ready for spring and summer. We’ll supply gloves and garbage bags. At 12:30 pm join participants of this citywide cleanup day at Pavilion 1 for lunch and refreshments.
SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Vernal Pools – April 22, 1 p.m.
Learn about local amphibians on this hike to our vernal pools. Help our ranger lift rocks and logs to find these fascinating creatures that secretly inhabit our woodland and wetlands. FREE; please pre-register.
FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, April 24–June 19, 3:30–5 p.m.
We’ll lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; you will get water and/or soil on your clothing. FREE.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – April 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Every day is Earth Day at the Nature Center! We invite you to honor Mother Earth with our Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center co-hosting this annual event.
Enjoy hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors, music and more! Join in interactive activities with Nature Center staff using our new Education Station trail. Food and snacks available from local vendors.
No park admission fee. All ages welcome; bring family and friends to celebrate Spring!
*** ONGOING WEEKLY PROGRAMS ***
Pet Loss Grief Support Group – 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; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal.
Susan Wilson has created this FREE support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Please call Susan at 1-802-379-4449 to set up an appointment.
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.
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.
Please call 203-736-1053 to register for all events.
This is a press release from the Nature Center.
