Center slates hikes, jam-making fun in July

Nature's Child:  The Creatures of Long Island Sound

    ANSONIA - Bring your preschooler to a program for three-to five-year-olds at 10:30 a.m. July 6 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
    Join Ranger Wendy to learn about the cool creatures who share Long Island Sound with us.  Come to see and touch the Nature Center's new salt water tank residents.
Want to cuddle up to a crab or sing a song to a snail? How about checking out a live horseshoe crab and learning why you should never pick them up by the tail? Want to see a lobster, mussels and sea stars, all creatures that inhabit Long Island Sound?
Tuition is $6 per family; $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level F.A.N.C.I, members. Call 203-736-1053 to register.

Firefly Twilight Hike

Join Rangers Wendy and Martin for the Annual Firefly Twilight Hike at 7 p.m. July 6.
Every summer the nature enter twinkles after dark because so many fire­flies are attracted to its habitat.
On this evening adventure, walk through the woods and fields of the Center's 150-acre park lands. The brilliant display of a group of fireflies on a summer evening is a truly beautiful sight.
Wear long pants and sleeves and shoes for hiking. Geared for families, this hike is limited to 25 people.  Call 203-736-1053 to register for this free program.

Monthly meeting of the Friends

At 5:30 p.m. July 11 the Friends' will meet at the center. New members are always welcome. Volunteers are needed for special events, family programs, and daily work in­cluding wildlife rehabilitation, gardening, trail maintenance, and reception center duties.


Back to Basics: Rhubarb Workshop


Join Director Donna Lindgren at 10 a.m. July 14 the Ansonia Nature Center to find out how to make delicious strawberry rhubarb jam.
With the main ingredient taken from Donna's organic backyard garden, participants will roll up their sleeves, put on aprons, and create tasty homemade jam.
Tuition of $8 includes the easy recipe, all materials, and a jar to take home.  Register early for this class that is sure to fill up quickly.
Make checks payable to the Ansonia Nature Center.

Park Tots: Beach Buddies

Bring your infants and toddlers at 10:30 a.m. July 20 and join Ranger Stefanie for this monthly program that offers socialization and fun for toddlers and their caregivers.

Midsummer Wildflowers Program

Join Alison at 2 p.m. July 28 for a stroll through the park meadows in search of midsummer wildflowers. Learn to identify our native perennial flowering plants.
Please call 203- 736-1053 to register for this free program.

P.A.C.K. presents environmental entertainer

Save the date: 7 p.m. July 27 for an inter­active presentation by artist Chris Rolands. The program is perfect for those who love music and nature.
Rolands is an award-winning singer and songwriter who is touring the United States and abroad offering participatory environmental education concerts for kids and their families.
He creatively blends music, comedy and education in a fast-paced show that teaches and inspires.
The Environment Magazine honored Rolands by awarding him its first "E" award for his environmental education programs.

Call 203-736-1053 to register with Ranger Wendy for this free program.  Don't miss this outstanding musical presentation.

P.A.C.K. (Parents and Communities for Kids) is supported by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.