Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Programs & Events
Looking to schedule one of our interactive programs exclusively for your group?
Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday at the RTP Estuary Center!
Youth/Family Programs
Fall Ecology Walk
Saturday, November 23; 9-11 am
Honey Hill Preserve, Lyme
Fall is here! Join teacher-naturalist Morgan Allen on an ecology walk open to all ages around the Honey Hill Preserve in Lyme. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Free for children 10 and under; $13 for members; $18 for non-members
– Walk will be an approximately 1 mile loop on mostly level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
Little Naturalists
Wednesdays 9:30-10:30am
RTP Estuary Center
Join us for this parent/caregiver and child nature class designed for children who are 3 to 5 years old. Activities will encourage discovery, explorations, and expression through stories, hands-on activities, and art. Series fee $85 members; $105 non-members. Single program fee $15 members; non-members $18
Session Dates:
Nov 6, 13, 20, Dec 4, 11,18 * Note no program on Nov 27
Register Here for Single Sessions
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration Open For Sessions 2
Tuesdays or Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m.
The RTP Estuary Center’s afterschool program allows participants the opportunity to participate in hands-on, inquiry based learning experiences through STEAM based activities. Participants will learn how to use various types of scientific equipment and design, conduct experiments based on different weekly, seasonally-based topics while still leaving room for crafts and games. Themes will reflect the seasonal change found in nature. Each session will run for 6 weeks, meeting once a week from 3:45-5:00 pm. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a snack and water bottle. Open to Grade K-4. Cost for either Tuesday or Wednesday program for all 6 weeks is $75 for members and $90 for non-members Contact Heather at hkordula@ctaudubon.org for questions. Click Here for required registration paperwork
Busing is provided ONLY for Mile Creek Elementary and Lyme Consolidated students from school to the RTP Estuary Center for drop-off. Parent/Guardian must pick-up from RTP Estuary Center.
Session 3:
Register Here for Session 3 Tuesdays
Tuesday dates: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11
Register Here for Session 3 Wednesdays
Wednesday dates: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12
Session 4:
Register Here for Session 4 Tuesdays
Tuesday dates: Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1
Register Here for Session 4 Wednesdays
Wednesday dates: Feb 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2
Family Ecology Days
Saturday, January 25
Saturday, February 8
9:30-11:30 am
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
All ages are invited to participate in a morning of ecology exploration with the RTP Estuary Center! Participate in seasonal activities around our sanctuary. Seasonal activities may include: searching for birds with binoculars, animal tracking, science experiments and more! Cost $ 25 per family/member $35 non-member
Register Here for Saturday, January 25
Register Here for Saturday, February 8
Adult Programs
Winter Wreath Making Workshop and Winter Bird Walks
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – Noon
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
Enjoy the season and learn how to create a winter wreath using natural materials! We will provide all wreath making materials, however please bring your own clippers and gloves. Wreath making is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Additionally, we will be running bird walks at 10am and 11 am on our sanctuary.
Pre-registration required, limited space available. $25/individual (includes one wreath frame and materials) $20/individual with your own wreath frame.
Shorebird Walks
Saturday, December 7; 2-4 pm
Most of North America’s shorebird species winter in South & Central America, heading north to breed in the high Arctic. Some of these birds breed in CT, while others start their southbound journey in mid-late summer. Join us as we look for many of our shorebird species at some of the best spots around southeastern Connecticut and learn how you can help these charismatic birds. $13 for members; $18 for non-members.
– Walk in Waterford will be an approximately 1 mile walk on level dirt and grassy terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and heat possible depending on weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, December 7 at Harkness Park, Waterford; 2-4 pm – Register here
Winter Bird Walk
Saturday, December 14; 8-10 am
Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme
When the temperatures start to drop in CT a whole new crowd of birds shows up in the state. Join us as we search for sparrows, sea ducks, eagles, and other wintering bird species in the diverse habitats of Ferry Landing State Park in Old Lyme! $13 for members; $18 for non-members.
– Walk will be approximately 1 mile on level dirt, paved, and wooden surfaces. Exposure to wind, sun, and heat/cold possible depending on weather. Portable toilet on site.
Webinars via Zoom
Larks, Longspurs, & Pipits Webinar
Photo by Christina Cole.
Wednesday, December 11; 6-7 pm
If you’ve ever walked across open habitat in CT in the winter, chances are you’ve flushed up small songbirds feeding from the ground. Numerous small songbirds spend the winter in these seemingly harsh environments, having bred in the far north. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over these interesting families of birds and which ones you can expect to see this winter in CT. Joe will discuess:
– Similarities among the families
– Species found here in CT
– Threats & Conservation
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
Give a Gift 2024
Think outside the box this year and Give a Gift that is unique and memorable!
Surprise your friends and family this holiday season with one of our engaging and interactive experiences listed below.
Private Bird Walk
Give the gift of a Private bird walk and choose 5 friends to join you! Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater, will identify which birds you can see (and hear) during that time of year. Walks can take place on your property or an offsite location to be agreed upon after purchase. Bird walks are two hours in length. Two walks are available. Each walk is $90 with a limit of 6 participants. Programs must take place before October 31, 2025 and will be scheduled after purchase.
Children’s Program
Looking for a fun way to spend a few hours with your friends? The join us at the RTP Estuary Center for a fun nature-based program for your child and their friends! We provide a fun-filled,
90-minute, nature-based program which includes exploration, experiments and art, for your child and up to 14 guests, (appropriate for ages 5 and up). Choose between Naturalist Adventures or All About Birds!
Program cost is $265. Two programs are available. Programs are available on Saturdays: 12:30 to 2 p.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Other days and times may be available. Please contact hkordula@ctaudubon.org. Program can be held either indoors or outdoors. Programs must take place before October 31, 2025 and will be scheduled after purchase.
RTP Estuary Center Event Space Rental
Event Space Rental cost is $1,000. Rental includes one onsite staff member and use of either the Eleanor P. Robinson Environmental Education Building or the Kelsey Family Children’s Innovation and Discovery Center and the sanctuary grounds for three hours plus one hour of set up and one hour of breakdown time. Event space rental must take place before October 31, 2025 and will be scheduled after purchase.
REITER: NATURE WALK PHOTO SESSI
