February Vacation Camp

February 21 - 24, 2012
Trowbridge Environmental Center - East Rock Park

• Ice Skating
• Swimming
• Nature Hikes
• Bowling
• Games

In this Issue:

• February Vacation Camp
• Skating Lessons - Walker Rink
• Ranger Programs
• Adventure Programs
• Birder's Notes - East Shore Park
• Adventure Hike - Wadsworth Falls

Space is limited, available to the first 24 participants who register: 12 - 8 to 10 year olds and 12 - 11 to 13 year olds
Fee: $65 per participant. Fee covers all activities

For more information contact: Hershey Hatton at 203-946-8088 or email hhatton@newhavenct.net
Visit the Parks Website for more info and to download the Registration Form.

Walker Ice Skating Rink

Ralph E. Walker Ice Rink located at 1080 State Street in New Haven.

CardioSkate™ offers a 50 minute workout that will elevate your heart rate and tone muscle through interval training on the ice. Participant must know who to skate forward, stop and feel comfortable on the ice. Gloves are required for all skaters and light dumbbells (3-5lbs.) are optional. Members of the Elm City Skating Club meet for group lessons every Saturday.

WeSkate™ members of the Elm City Skating Club - New Haven meet for group lessons at the Ralph E. Walker Ice Rink. Students will be grouped by age and skill level, although some classes may be combined. Each class consists of a 30 minute lesson and 20 minute practice session.

Lil’ Elm Skating Club - Your tot (3 - 5yrs.) can learn to skate! Classes consists of a 20 minute group lesson and 30 minute practice / on-ice games. Members of the Elm City Skating Club meet for group lessons every Wednesday at Walker Ice Rink from 3:30pm - 4:20pm. All skaters must wear gloves, helmet and loose fit clothing.

For more information, schedules and stick times for adults, visit the Walker Rink webpage.

Birders Notes for January 2012

East Shore Park’s "Magic Hedge"

Along the Northern boarders of East Shore Park, lined by pines trees, shrubs and the sewage treatment plant chain fence, lies an area now known as the "Magic Hedge". This site has become one of Connecticut’s best late fall birding hotspots, due to the availability of flying insects that are kept alive well into the fall by treated sewage pools. The insects provided a food source to lingering warblers providing some interesting finds for birders over the past few years.

So far over 13 species of warblers have been spotted at this unique site in the month of November. Other sightings include other insect eaters like species of Swallows and Flycatchers.Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, Black-capped Chickadees, plus assorted sparrows can also be found among the pines row. A variety of Hawks can be seen hunting the fields and hedges along with an occasional Bald Eagle terrorizing the gulls and wintering ducks out on New Haven Harbor.

The extreme west end of the park offers an excellent view of the harbor for gulls, wintering ducks and loons.This fall, one of New Haven‘s most interesting sightings was an immature Brown Pelican that was blown north here by Hurricane Irene. It spent over a month in our area feeding on bait fish or chasing gulls in order to steal their catch. I encourage all to get outside and take walk through this fine park to enjoy the viewing opportunities found there.

Submitted by Ranger Daniel Barvir, East Rock Park, 203-946-6086

January 2012 Adventure Programs

Saturday, January 7
Full Moon Hike at East Rock Park 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Open to participants ages 10+ (ages 10-16 must accompanied by an adult) Enjoy East Rock Park by moonlight. Limited number of flashlights/headlamps will be available.

Saturday, January 14
Animal Tracking at Edgewood Ranger Station 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM/ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Follow tracks and find signs of animals in the park. Ages 3+

Wednesday, January 18
Ice Fishing Clinic at Barnard Nature Center 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Learn about this fun winter sport in the warm confines of the Nature Center. People who participate can also partake in the Ice Fishing Derby held in Coventry, CT on January 28, 2012. Please call Ranger Harry to register or for more information; (203) 691-3539

Thursday, January 19
Kayak Rescue Clinic at Wilbur Cross Pool 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Practice two-person and solo kayak rescue in the warm confines of a swimming pool. We cover wet exits, assisted re-entry, re-entry using a paddle float and the fundamentals that will help you learn to Eskimo roll. Boats and all safety gear are provided. Ages 12+ (Ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult) $35 for New Haven Residents/$50 for non-residents

Saturday, January 21
Hot Chocolate Hike at West Rock Nature Center 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Tie on your hiking books, bundle up the children and enjoy a winter hike followed by hot chocolate with marshmallows in front of the fire. Winter is a great time to look for birds, deer, other non-hibernating animals and animal tracks. Ages 3+

To register or for more information please call 203-946-6559 or email Ranger Joe at jmilone@newhavenct.net

January Park Ranger Public Programs

Trowbridge Environmental Center at East Rock Programs
Staff: Dan Barvir and Wray Williams, Park Rangers

Registration for programs is requested by the Park Ranger Staff for planning purposes. Contact us at 946-6086 for directions, more information, and to register for these programs. Parks monthly program calendar is available on the Parks website at: www.cityofnewhaven/Parks

The Trowbridge Environmental Center is located on the corner of Cold Spring & Orange Streets, opposite Wilbur Cross High School.

Barnard Nature Center Programs
Staff: Terry McCool and Harry Coyle, Park Rangers

Pre-registration for programs is requested by the Park Ranger Staff for planning purposes. Contact us at (203) 691-3539 directions, more information, and to register for these programs. The ranger program calendar is available on the web at: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks/

The Barnard Nature Center is located on the corner Route 34 and Ella T Grasso Boulevard. The park entrance is located on Route 34

Adventure Hike

Public van trip to Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middlefield, CT during Christmas Break 2011.