Grant to fund security system at nature center

    ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center recently received a $5,000 grant from the Valley Community Foundation.
    The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center Inc. is an all volunteer organization. it was incorporated in 1991 to support the staff, programs, and vision of the Ansonia Nature Center.
    In addition to grants, membership dues enable the organization to facilitate a variety of outdoor activities designed to bring the community closer to its natural surroundings
    For information, visit www.ansnaturecenter.org
    The staff and volunteers of the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center will use the funding to purchase a security system for Picnic Pavilion #2 and the Redwing Pond House outdoor area. They will also purchase restorative landscaping around the new picnic pavilion, which includes replacing burnt vegetation, trees, and a walkway from the Redwing Pond House to the rebuilt picnic pavilion.
    The pavilion was vandalized Sept. 2. A fire was set and the pavilion and three picnic tables were burned to the ground along with trees and vegetation surrounding the structure.
    The city plans to rebuild the picnic pavilion and the grant will be used to purchase a camera security system that will serve as a deterrent to vandals in this area.