Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center

Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center Once an active dairy farm, the 156-acre Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center landscape encompasses mature woodlands, old fields, and several types of wetland.
(203)

Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship that connects our communities to the natural world of the Lower Naugatuck River Valley, and balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation. This includes a two-acre pond, streams, and a hardwood swamp. In 1977, the Schumacher Pavilion was constructed of Connecticut stone, and houses several exhibits, providing space for our "amba

ssadors. The unique visitor center is also the hub of the park with classrooms, a nature store, a small history library, and office space. Ansonia Nature Center is open year-round, except for major holidays. Building hours vary with the season and due to staff availability.

Learn the basics of geocaching and explore ANC trails in search of hidden caches with Ranger DawnJoin Ranger Dawn for an...
05/30/2026

Learn the basics of geocaching and explore ANC trails in search of hidden caches with Ranger Dawn

Join Ranger Dawn for an introduction to a fun and thrilling activity called Geocaching. Learn the terminology, how to log caches, and a brief history of this interactive “game.” The Nature Center has several located on its property. Be prepared to go on a hike to find some of the hidden surprises. Once you learn how easy this family-friendly activity is, you can go outside and explore the many places in nature where these have been placed for your enjoyment.

Join Ranger Dawn for an introduction to a fun and thrilling activity called Geocaching. Learn the terminology, how to log caches, and a brief history of this interactive “game.” The Nature Center has several located on its property. Be prepared to go on a hike to find some of the hidden surprises. Once you learn how easy this family-friendly activity is, you can go outside and explore the many places in nature where these have been placed for your enjoyment. Click to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-geocaching-adventure-tickets-1988180295785?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Jennifer Molden and her crew from Aquarion Water Company spent their work day volunteering at the ANC. The morning start...
04/29/2026

Jennifer Molden and her crew from Aquarion Water Company spent their work day volunteering at the ANC. The morning started by managing invasive vegetation with Ranger Maria and the Conservation Corps, and their day finished with planting three more sugar maple trees 🌳 The City of Ansonia thanks you for giving back during your Earth Day volunteer project.

“I’m so humbled and honored. I knew that I found my happy place 11-years-ago when Ali and Wendy believed in me, and I ea...
04/28/2026

“I’m so humbled and honored. I knew that I found my happy place 11-years-ago when Ali and Wendy believed in me, and I earned the title of Ranger Dan. I promise to keep the same momentum going for our Jewel of Ansonia, and continue to deliver quality programming that teaches others to make a positive ecological impact. I will do so by working alongside the most talented staff a leader can ever ask for, and with the wonderful support that the community has shown the ANC over the last 50 years.”

Mayor Frank Tyszka congratulates Daniel Bosques, our new Ansonia Nature Center Director. Dan brings energy, expertise, and a deep love for the outdoors—exactly what the Nature Center needs as it continues to expand programs and welcome more families.

Excited for what’s ahead under his leadership.

Geocachers Lend a Hand at Ansonia Nature Center CleanupANSONIA —Sunday morning, members of CT Geocachers traded treasure...
04/27/2026

Geocachers Lend a Hand at Ansonia Nature Center Cleanup
ANSONIA —Sunday morning, members of CT Geocachers traded treasure hunting for trash collecting at the Ansonia Nature Center during a Cache In Trash Out (CITO) event held April 26.
The one-hour cleanup brought together outdoor enthusiasts from across the region with a shared goal: to give back to the natural spaces they enjoy. Participants gathered at 9 a.m., equipped with gloves, bags, and plenty of enthusiasm, before heading out along the trails to remove litter and invasive plants.
The event was organized with the support and permission of the Ansonia Nature Center, with special thanks extended to Rangers Dan, Dawn, Evelyn, and Maria for their assistance. Volunteers worked throughout the park, filling bags with trash and tackling patches of invasive species such as garlic mustard—an effort that helps protect native plants and wildlife.
Beyond the environmental impact, the event also served as a social gathering for the geocaching community. Attendees reconnected with friends, met new faces, and shared stories from the trail. Many participants noted the strong turnout and the rewarding feeling of making a visible difference in a place they value.
Cache In Trash Out events are part of an international initiative within the geocaching community that encourages people to care for and protect the outdoors. By combining outdoor recreation with volunteerism, these events help ensure that parks and natural areas remain clean and accessible for all.
For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors—whether searching for hidden geocaches or simply walking the trails—the message was clear: every little bit helps keep the world clean.

Happy Earth Day! We celebrated this past Saturday with a very well attended event! Here are a few pictures from our even...
04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! We celebrated this past Saturday with a very well attended event! Here are a few pictures from our event! Our baby animal petting zoo was a big draw and all the proceeds went to the animal shelter along with donations of food and supplies. Our opening ceremony by Ranger Jeremy was also wonderful! Thank you to all who attended and remember to do something today and everyday that helps our great Earth!!! 🌎🍃🌳🌱

During Earth Day Celebration, Doug Peterson and Jack Swatt from the American Chestnut Association led a crew of voluntee...
04/21/2026

During Earth Day Celebration, Doug Peterson and Jack Swatt from the American Chestnut Association led a crew of volunteers and planted three more American chestnut trees near the two Chestnut trees they planted last year. We now have a total of FIVE non-hybrid American chestnut trees on the ANC property that came from blight-resilient specimens! Being part of nature is so exciting!

DEEP Service Forester David Beers is seen here with Acting Director Daniel Bosques and Ranger Maria (and her daughter Wi...
04/20/2026

DEEP Service Forester David Beers is seen here with Acting Director Daniel Bosques and Ranger Maria (and her daughter Willow). Today’s walk is part of DEEP’s generosity of writing a Stewardship Plan for the Ansonia Nature Center. This necessary step would make us eligiable for an even larger opportunity of grant funding for the City of Ansonia. This groundwork for a “Resilient Forest Grant” provides crucial forest management for our beautiful 156 acre nature preserve.

Vendor Spotlight: Sally's Crafts will be on hand with her handmade sports pillows, aprons and other great accessories!
04/17/2026

Vendor Spotlight: Sally's Crafts will be on hand with her handmade sports pillows, aprons and other great accessories!

Address

10 Deerfield Lane
Ansonia, CT
06401

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+1 203-736-1053

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center:

Share