City-Wide Tag Sale

Ansonia Nature Center Offers Facebook Programs

Something's Fishy in Ansonia

Ring in the New Year with a Hike!

ANSONIA - Ring in the New Year with an invigorating hike at the Ansonia Nature Center!

The New Year's Day Hike will be held Monday, January 1, 2018 at 10am, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia. Contact a Nature Center representative at (203) 736-1053 to pre-register.

This event is FREE for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page)

Hikes, Creepy Crawlies, Fall Adventures On Tap at Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature Center has listed the following events for October:

 

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 10 am

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 – Sat. Oct. 7, 2 pm

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 – Sat. Oct. 14, 1 pm

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 – Sat. Oct. 21, 11 am–4 pm

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 – Sat. Oct. 28, 12 pm

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 – Sun. Oct. 29, 1 pm

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.

Nature Center Offers Summer Programs

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

 

BUTTERFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES – Aug. 6, 1 p.m.

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at the park on our guided hike. Explore the Redwing Pond and our meadows for these beautiful six-legged, four-winged insects. 

The guide will show you our native butterfly gardens and teach you the benefits of native plants to our Connecticut butterflies and dragonflies. 

FREE. Registration required. 

FULL STURGEON MOON HIKE – Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.

The Native American fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. Join our staff on a hike in our meadows to watch as this reddish moon rises. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Number of participants is limited, please pre-register. 
FEE: $3 per person. Wear appropriate footwear. 

MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION FOR BEGINNERS – Aug. 12, 10 a.m.

Join a foraging family who hunt, photograph, identify, and love to eat the fungi in New England for a discussion and walk at the Ansonia Nature Center. 
We will dispel common myths, learn how to safely identify mushrooms with visual clues and guidebooks, and discuss mycophagy, the cooking and eating of wild mushrooms. 
After the lecture we’ll walk the property to search for wild fungi and put our newly learned skills to the test.
FEE: $5. Registration required.

ROCKS IN SPACE: Perseid Meteor Showers – Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

Come to Ansonia’s darkest location for some unusual night sky viewing with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society.  In addition to a chance to see the annual meteor showers, there will be a short talk about meteorites. 
You and your family will get to view and touch meteorites from around the world. This night will be the peak of the showers! 
No need to bring anything except for warm clothing and a chair. Telescopes and binoculars are not necessary. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
FREE. Registration required.

TURTLE TALK – Aug. 26, 1 p.m.

Anthony Pierlioni is Senior Director of the TurtleRoom, an online radio show dedicated to these fascinating reptiles and the people who love them. 
He’ll share his knowledge and some turtle species with us.

He is a member of the Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group, New York Turtle & Tortoise Society, and New England Herpetological Society, as well as the online sites TurtleForum.com, TortoiseBoard.com, and TortoiseForum.org, where he can be found as Anthony P. 

You can contact him at anthony@theturtleroom.com. 
Registration required.

CATTAIL MAT WEAVING – Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join Ranger Dan for a two-part series on cattails. Week 1 we will begin to collectively work on a mat made from the cattail reeds, and week 2 we will add the finishing touches to our mat. Learn how Native Americans from the Eastern Woodlands would use these reeds! 
Pack a bag lunch, and be prepared for swampy conditions. 
This program is for adults only. FEE: $6 per person covers both weeks. Please call to register.

ONGOING WEEKLY PROGRAMS

CREATURE FEATURE – Saturday at noon
Have you always wanted to pet a dove or hold a bearded dragon?  Here’s your chance!  Come meet the Nature Center’s Resident Animals every Saturday at noon!

GUIDED HIKE- Sundays at 1 p.m.

Have you ever wondered where the owls nest or where the deer sleep?  Join an Ansonia Nature Center Park Ranger on a Guided Hike every Sunday!

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays in August and September, 5:30-6:30 pm

This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is 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. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  
Please register and wear appropriate footwear. 

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, August through November

ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. 
FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce! 

 

Please call 203-736-1053 to register for all programs.

(This is a press release from the nature center)

Townwide Tag Sale Coming to Ansonia

Ansonia Nature Center Announces July Programs/Events

JULY 2017, Calendar of Events, Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER NATURE DAYS!!!

 Mon. July 31–Fri. Aug. 4, Mon. Aug. 7–Fri. Aug. 11 (FULL), Mon. Aug. 14–Fri. Aug. 18, 9 am–3 pm.                 
For children from 5 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will be not only educational but also a chance to explore the 156 acres the park offers. We explore a variety of the park’s habitats. A great choice for a fun late-summer experience!
TUITION: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and FANCI members), $175 all others. 

CREATURES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND –Thurs. July 6, 11 amThis is a great weekday family program to learn all about the creatures of Long Island Sound. We will explore the Nature Center’s salt water tank and learn how to identify and hold common critters you will find at New England’s local beaches this summer. FEE: $6 per person.

DEEP FAMILY FISHING CLASS – Sat. July 8, 9 am–2 pmThe Nature Center is sponsoring this CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.A.R.E. Program class. The topics covered by the 2-hour classroom instruction are • Connecticut Waters • Fish Identification • How & Where Fish Live • Fishing Tackle & Techniques • Fishing Laws& Regulations • How to Tie a Strong Knot • How to Clean & Cook Your Catch • Sportsmanship & Safety • How to Cast The instruction will be immediately followed by fishing with the instructors in Redwing Pond. All equipment will be provided. Adults over the age of 16 must have a fishing license to participate in the fishing event. This FREE program, taught by Certified DEEP C.A.R.E. Instructors, is open to everyone 7 years old and up; children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. To pre-register or for more information call the Chief Instructor, Dave Connelly, at 203-231-0946.

MOONSHINE AND FIREFLY HIKE – Sun. July 9, 8 pmFollow the Nature Center’s ranger along our wooded paths looking for glowworms in the leaf litter under the light of the moon.  We’ll end the hike with a show by beetles in the Lampyridae family, better known as lightning bugs and fireflies. FEE: $3 per person. Wear shoes for hiking.

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays starting July 10, 5:30-6:30 pmThis is a call to all of the runners who want something that is 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. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  Please register.

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15; Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

CHRIS ROWLANDS: Puppeteer and Singer – Fri. July 28, 7 pmChris Rowlands is an award-winning singer and songwriter who offers an interactive kid-friendly presentation for those who love music and nature.  Chris brings animals to life through song, dance, puppets, and colorful props, to teach children about animals and their habitats.
Don’t miss this FREE musical program!

 

Please call to register for all programs 203-736-1053.

 

(This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center)

Ansonia Nature Center Announces Spring Programs

 

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, May 3 and 10,  10 am – 11:30am

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session 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: $40 per 4-week session.  Please call to register 203 736-1053

 

 

ADVENTURES IN EDIBLE PLANT FORAGING – Sat. May 6, 10 am

Karen Monger is the author of the 3 Foragers blog, which she runs with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Gillian. Come join their family in discovering edible plants and harvesting them together in the park. Their mission is to impart their knowledge of wild edible plants to others. After the walk, try a wild food “sampler” made by the staff of the Nature Center.
FEE: $5.  Please call to register 203 736-1053

 

 

CARTOONING THE NATURAL WORLD – Sun. May 7 & 21, 10 am

Ranger Amie Ziner, our artist in residence, will teach four classes in cartooning nature! We will use on site materials, stuffed specimens, and live animal observation to complete four cartoons with a plant and animal in each one. Improve your drawing accuracy and realism for fun, for story illustration, and for expressing yourself using pictures—a picture is worth a thousand words! For ages 10 to adult. Limited space. FEE: $5 per class.  Please call to register 203 736-1053

 

 

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: History Hike – Sun. May 7, 1 pm

Hike to the Nature Center’s historic sites with Ranger Dan. Discover old roads, stone walls, and even some secret treasures he’s found during his exploring. Enjoy the day off with your family on this Sunday hike. FREE. Please call to register 203 736-1053

 

 

EARLY MORNING BIRDING – Sat. May 13, 9 am

Join Ranger Jessica for our early morning birding. Find the birds living in or moving through our parklands to nest farther north. This is a prime time for birders to come and spot some of our magnificent migratory birds. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Dress for walking outdoors. We will start with a quick introduction to birds. FREE.  Please call to register 203 736-1053

 

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesday, May 10, 10 am – 11:30am

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session 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: $40 per 4-week session

Please call to register 203 736-1053

Ansonia Nature Center Announces Spring Programs

KARATE CLUB – Tuesdays, 5-week sessions beginning Mar. 28, May 2, June 7, 5–5:45 pm (Karate Kids); 5:45–6:15 pm (Little Dragons)

This dynamic and energetic after-school program at the Nature Center has classes for children 6-12 years old (Karate Kids), and 3-5 years old (Little Dragons). Students will engage in various martial arts techniques and activities while learning important skills such as discipline, focus, self-control, and confidence. They will have the opportunity to earn higher-ranking belts as their participation continues. TUITION per 5-week session: $45 for Karate Kids, $40 for Little Dragons (cash or check payable to AMAA), which includes a Karate Club T-shirt and white belt. For more information please call Chief Instructor Adam Rylski at 203-671-6903 or 203-931-1979, or the Ansonia Nature Center at 203-736-1053.

 

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY – Thursdays, 6:30 pm

Our seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner, Pam Mellitz, will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise. 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.

 

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS – Sun. Apr. 2, 2 pm

Have you ever thought about being a beekeeper? Ranger Dawn will teach you about beekeeping tools and equipment, how to begin a starter hive, and how to identify honeybees and what they are doing. Our observation hive at the Nature Center is a great place to see this incredible system. FREE.

 

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm

This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is 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. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  Please register and wear appropriate footwear.

 

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Thursdays. Apr. 6–June 1, 3:30–5 pm

Calling all kids 11 to 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 in our 8-week after school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.

 

SPRING CLEANUP – Sat., Apr. 8, 10 am – 12 pm

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 the gloves.

 

ANSONIA COMMUNITY ORGANIC GARDENERS – Sun. Apr. 9, 10 am

Have you always wanted to grow your vegetables but don’t have enough property or sun in your yard for a garden? No worries; the Nature Center has plenty of fertile spots in full sun just for you. Sign up for your own garden plot with ACOG President Pat Evans. We will meet at the visitor center and walk to the organic gardens.

 

SPRING NATURE DAYS – Mon.–Wed. Apr. 10–12, 9:30 am–3 pm

For children from 5 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will not only be educational but also a chance to explore our 156 acres. We will visit a variety of habitats such as the park’s wetlands, fields, and woodlands. Great time of the year for amphibian searches too! TUITION: $90 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $105 all others. (While you’re here for Spring Break, why not register for Summer Nature Days? See the notice at the end of the Calendar!)

 

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Tuesdays, Apr. 11, May 9, June 13, 2 pm and 6 pm

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. Grief support and grief counseling will benefit the human left behind. FREE, but donations are accepted. Please contact Susan Wilson at 802-379-4449 for arrangements to meet at the Nature Center.

 

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Apr. 19, 26, May 3, 10, 10 am

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session 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: $40 per 4-week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center).

 

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, April 18–June 27, 3:30–5 pm

ANC will lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and/or soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

 

FULL PINK MOON HIKE – Sat. Apr. 22, 7 pm

This full moon heralded the appearance of the moss pink, or wild phlox—one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon. Enjoy the sounds of spring with our Nature Center guides as we lead you around our wetlands to spot some spring amphibians by the light of the moon. For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult).  FEE: $1.00.

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SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Vernal Pools – Sun. Apr. 23, 1 pm

Learn about our local amphibians during our Sunday hike to the Nature Center’s vernal pools. These fascinating creatures secretly inhabit our woodland and wetlands. Help our ranger lift rocks and logs to find these slippery creatures beneath.  FREE.

 

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – Sat. Apr. 29, 10 am – 4 pm

We invite everyone to join us to honor Mother Earth. At this annual event enjoy plantings, hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors and a special guest. This year storyteller Leslie Elias will create masks for $5 with families and then perform the Iroquois creation myth. This story is of sky people and water animals and how the earth came to rest on Grandmother Turtle’s back. You can also hear an Audubon biologist present the 2016 Bird Habitat Assessment findings for the Nature Center property (see more information in the calendar entry below). Food and snacks available from local vendors and the Nature Center bake sale. No park admission fee. All ages welcome.

 

AUDUBON BIRD HABITAT ASSESSMENT – Sat. Apr. 29, 11:15 am

Audubon Connecticut’s Forest Bird Initiative focuses its conservation efforts on priority species, giving us an opportunity to keep these species common before they become threatened or endangered. Properties like the Nature Center can be critical parts of large forested landscapes that provide high-quality habitat for breeding birds. Come to hear recommendations for protecting and improving habitat at the Nature Center by Corrie O’Keefe, Audubon biologist. She will present the park’s 2016 Bird Habitat Assessment findings. This is a great program for volunteers and scouts who are looking for conservation projects.  

 

Town Wide Tag Sale Coming July 30

Naugy River Bash in Ansonia

Seymour's Bungay School students stay busy in April

Talent show, Earth Day planting among activities 

Fifth graders perform in Bungay's talent show. / Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Bungay Elementary School fourth and fifth graders recently performed a talent show.

Principal Mary Sue Feige and Assistant Principal John Gentile helped to make the show a success by coordinating and hosting the event.

There was a variety of amazing acts such as dancing, singing, karate, magic acts, instruments, gymnastics, and even a hula hooper.
Over 350 parents, friends, and relatives showed up to watch the talents of these young performers. The process started back in January when the Talent Show co-chairs, Caitlin Iannucci and Nicole Francisco held auditions. From then on, students came to school early for rehearsals with the help of an outstanding talent show committee made up of Bungay faculty members.
It ended with a flash mob performed by faculty and staff. The Talent Show was a huge success and a memory that the students will have forever.

Diabetes walk raises $3,301

Bungay Elementary School’s annual Diabetes walk took place April 26 on school grounds.
The entire student body and faculty walked around the baseball field several times, while raising money to help those less fortunate.
The weather was wonderful and the children had loads of fun walking for this very worthwhile cause which raised $3,301 for the American Diabetes Association.

Battle of the Books

On April 10 and April 11 Bungay School hosted its second annual Battle of the Books organized by Carrie Stepeck, Library Media Specialist. 
The competition tested the students’ knowledge of a preselected list of texts including Nutmeg Books. 
All competitors proved themselves remarkably prepared and knowledgeable. We are incredibly proud of all of the students involved in this exciting, educational program and hope their desire to read continues in the future.

At the end of two riveting competitions, champions were established. Mrs. Yoxall’s third grade class and Mrs. Sabatini’s fifth grade class were victorious. All of Bungay School is proud of their accomplishment.

Students take part in tree planting at nature center. / Contributed photo

Annual tree planting

On April 28 more than 30 Bungay students and their families made their way to the Ansonia Nature Center to take part in what has become an annual tree-planting activity.
For the past six years, Michael Milia, a fifth grade teacher, has organized the annual Earth Day event along with Alison Rubelmann, Assistant Director of the Ansonia Nature Center.
This year Kelley Garofalo, also a teacher at Bungay, joined in the ceremony.
The festivities began with a ceremony in which the students played various drums, sang, and even danced.  They were then led to the main building to watch a video documentary of a student community gardening project right here in Connecticut.
After the video, the students and their families planted dozens of White Pine seedlings behind the Redwing Pond House Preschool.
The nature center offered a full day of activities including nature walks, hikes, natural history lectures, music, and craft programs offered to participants. All of the activities were free of charge to the general public. 

This post is taken from a press release from Bungay School.

A note from the Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Nature Center will be open Monday morning so the staff can tend to the resident animals, according to a note posted this evening on Facebook. 

The weather will determine the length that the center will remain open tomorrow. We wish all our friends a safe couple of days as we all get through this storm.

Preschoolers to learn about Native Americans

ANSONIA - "Nature's Child: The First Americans" is the topic of a preschool program at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

The program is for three to five-year olds accompanied by an adult.

Join a nature center ranger to find out what it was like for the Indians before people from across the ocean decided to emigrate.

The program will include a short hike and story. Children will make a Native American-related craft to take home.

Tuition is $6 ($4 for family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members and Ansonia residents.)
Call 203-736-1053 to register in advance.

Program at library to benefit Ansonia Nature Center

Mountain lions to be featured in Derby Neck Library presentation

The Mountain Lion, Felis concolor, also known as Cougar, Puma and Panther, was once a resident of the northeast, but was extirpated from Connecticut long ago. Now, they may be back!

The Mountain Lion's primary food source is Deer and the Whitetail Deer population has increased to record levels in recent years in our state. Biologists believe that a plentiful food source will inevitably attract predators to take advantage of the abundance of prey species.

A narrated slide presentation suitable for adults and older students will be provided by Bill Betty, a  Rhode Island resident, who has had close encounters with Mountain Lions near his home. Betty has studied the Mountain Lion's kill sites and movements throughout southern New England for many years.

A donation of $10 to the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. (FANCI) will benefit the Ansonia Nature Center 's wild Animal Ambassador program.

The Mountain Lion program will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby. 
For information or to make a reservation call the nature center, 203-736-1053.

The above is taken from a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.

Nature center to show documentary film

ANSONIA - Audubon Connecticut and the Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society will sponsor the second in a series of natural history documentaries, “Tapped,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.
The film is about the bottled water industry’s effect on people and nature.

The nature center will supply the popcorn. To register for this free program call 203-736-1053.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

Ansonia Nature Center plans Autumnfest

Event will feature 'haunted trail,' hay bale maze

ANSONIA - Pumpkin carving, horse-drawn wagon rides and a hay bale maze will be some of the highlights of an annual fall fest sponsored by the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Center, 10 Deerfield Road. Admission is free.

This year, visitors will once again get a chance to enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides provided by Maple View Farm in Orange.
As the horses clip-clop over hill and meadow, riders will learn the history of the park and perhaps hear a scary story or two.

Visitors may follow a "haunted trail" created by the Junior Rangers and try to make their way through a hay bale maze.

Carve a pumpkin, and visit the nature center store where the youngest family members will be able to decorate a pumpkin with no carving or scissors provided.

Learn about the animals associated with All Hallows Eve, through a program on bats, owls, and tarantulas.

The Friends will hold a tag sale and a bake sale, featuring homemade apple and pumpkin goodies to take home.

Enjoy fresh-squeezed apple cider and cinnamon doughnuts. Ranger Marty Wigglesworth is planning to hold his popular doughnut-eating contest.  

All proceeds from the celebration will benefit the center's educational programs and wildlife rehabilitation.

This information was provided by the nature center.

Nature center to offer yoga classes

ANSONIA - Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center will hold a monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
New members are always welcome, and volunteers are needed to help with the Center's special events, family programs, wildlife rehabilitation, trail maintenance, and reception center duties.

Yoga classes to start
After a long hot summer, take time for some healthy and relaxing exercise at the Ansonia Nature Center with seasoned Hatha Yoga practitioner and instructor, Pamela Mellitz.
Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and continue for seven weeks.  Enrollment is limited; call early for additional information and to register.

Edible insects topic of nature center program

ANSONIA -  The Ansonia Nature Center will host Jim Turecek for a special program on insects at 2 p.m. Saturday.

A professional fly fisherman who has worked as a guide, instructor, lecturer and fly fishing theoretician for over 30 years, Jim is usually at the Nature Center to talk about fishing. However, this time his presentation will deal with culinary art and instruction as he amazes his audience with his gusto for well-prepared arthropods.

Are they pests or a source of protein? You may never look at your garden variety pests in the same way again!

Join Nature Center staff and Friends for this unique program. Call 203-736-1053 to register. 
Tuition is $2 and includes recipes and samples.
The Nature Center is at 10 Deerfield Road.