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!
CT River Lecture Series 2026
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, educator, or curious community member, this series offers a deeper understanding of the Connecticut River as a dynamic, living system: one that connects us all.
Discover the living mosaic of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound Watersheds through the CT River Lecture Series that traces biodiversity from mountain headwaters to the sea. This program brings together scientists, conservationists, and storytellers to explore the remarkable species shaped by—and shaping—New England’s largest river system.
Click Here to learn more about our speakers and their topics!
Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m. at Old Lyme Town Hall
Register Here
Blackfish (Tautog): From Reef to Table
Thursday, March 19, 5 p.m. at Lyme Art Association
Register Here
New England’s Great White Sharks and Growing Seal Populations
Thursday, April 2, 5 p.m. at Old Lyme Town Hall
Register Here
Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m. at Old Lyme First Congregational Church, Old Lyme
Register Here
Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology, and Conservation Needs
Thursday, October 29, 5 p.m. at Lyme Art Association
Register Here
Where the Birds Are, and How Do We Protect Them: Results from the CT Bird Atlas
Wednesday, November 18, 5 p.m. at Old Lyme Town Hall
Register Here
Youth and Family Programs
The Science of Self-Care
Friday, March 6; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, March 7; 3-5 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Learn how to make natural skincare products at the RTP Estuary Center! Use fresh and dried herbs, essential oils, and all-natural ingredients to make your own skincare products and custom scents! This is a drop-off program open to ages 8-13. $30/person
Register Here For Friday, March 6
Register Here for Saturday, March 7
Each child must have the following forms to participate:
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Session 4
Tuesdays, March 3 – April 21 (*no afterschool April 14)
3:45 – 5 p.m.
The RTP Estuary Center’s afterschool program allows participants to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences through STEAM-based activities. Participants will learn how to use various types of scientific equipment and design and conduct experiments based on different weekly and seasonally themed topics, while also incorporating crafts and games. Themes will reflect the seasonal change found in nature. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a snack and a water bottle. Open to Grade K-4. The cost for all seven weeks is $90 for members and $100 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.
Family Shorebird Walks
Saturday, March 14; 1:30-3 pm
Harkness State Park, Waterford
Spring is a great time to see shorebirds along the Connecticut coast, as many of our migratory species head back north. We’ll look and listen to these charismatic birds and enjoy some of our most beautiful coastal parks. The walk is suitable for ages 5 and up. $10 members; $15 non-members; $5 for children ages 12 and under.
– The walk at Harkness will be approximately .5-1 mile on level grassy, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Adult Programs
Eagle Watch
Saturday, February 28; 9-11 am
North Cove, Essex
Winter along the Connecticut River is a great time to see Bald Eagles as they head from frozen inland waters to the open waters along the coast. We’ll search the shores of North Cove for eagles and other winter residents. $ 13 members; $18 non-members.
– There will be minimal walking on level, paved, and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
Waterfowl Walks
Saturday, February 28; 1-3 pm
As the temperature starts to drop in Connecticut, we begin to see the winter return of many of our waterfowl species. These ducks and geese breed further north, and when their inland bodies of water start to freeze, they head south to winter along the coast. Join us as we search for these charismatic birds along the coast of Connecticut. $13 for members; $18 for non-members. Mamacoke Island Walk is free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members and $10 for non-members. Exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather.
– The walk in Old Lyme will be approximately 1 mile out and back on level sandy and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
Saturday, February 28 at Griswold Point, Old Lyme – Register Here
Woodcock Walks
Wednesday March 4; 6-7 pm
Wednesday, March 11; 6-7 pm
Pleasant Valley Preserve, Lyme
In late winter, as the sun sets over open grassy and brushy areas in Connecticut, you can often hear the characteristic “peent” of one of the states most interesting shorebirds, the American Woodcock. Join us as we look and listen for these charismatic shorebirds, as well as other early spring migrants that might be out and about. $5 for members/$10 for non-members.
– The walk will be approximately .5 – 1 mile on mostly level dirt trails with a slightly steeper section at the beginning. No restrooms on site.
Wednesday, March 4 – Register Here
Wednesday, March 11 – Register Here
Workshops
Planting For Birds
Photo by Peter Vertefeuille
Spring Session – Saturday, March 14; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Summer Session – Saturday, June 13; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fall Session – Saturday, September 12; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Winter Session – Saturday, December 12; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
While habitat loss poses challenges for birds and wildlife worldwide, creating backyard habitats offers a solution! In this four-part series, participants will learn about ways to improve backyard habitats throughout different seasons. Each program will focus on the seasonal needs of birds and specific ways to support them, using examples from the sanctuary grounds of the RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme. Each session will include an indoor presentation and an outdoor exploration of the sanctuary grounds and gardens, accompanied by handouts that list the plants mentioned for each session.
Click here to learn about each session!
$20 for members/$25 for non-members for individual sessions
$75 for members/$95 for non-members for all four sessions
Register Here for All Four Sessions
Register Here for a Single Session
Webinars via Zoom
FrogWatch Training
Photo by Twan Leenders
Tuesday, February 24; 6-7:30 p.m. – Zoom
Tuesday, March 17; 6:30-8 pm – Field Portion, Lyme
This program is in collaboration with the Mystic Aquarium
FrogWatch USA is a community science program designed to monitor frog and toad populations through their calls. Volunteers are trained to identify local frog and toad vocalizations and submit their data from their listening sessions. By participating in the program, volunteers help scientists monitor amphibian populations and the health of the ecosystem they inhabit. Learn how to be FrogWatch participant and contribute valuable data in your own area!
If you’d like to learn how to do FrogWatch in the field join us for a night walk to listen for frogs at a vernal pool in Lyme! The walk will be approximately half a mile on mostly level dirt trails with a slightly steeper section at the beginning. No restrooms on site.
This program is free, registration is required.
Register Here for Zoom Link, Tuesday February 24
Register Here for Field Portion, Tuesday March 17
Eagles & Osprey Webinar
Photo by Lisa Jarosik
Wednesday, March 18; 6-7 pm
There are perhaps no two birds more characteristic of the Connecticut coast than the Bald Eagle and the Osprey, two of our most well-loved and well-known raptor species. Years ago, they were seldom seen, their population having declined sharply before making a strong recovery. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will discuss what makes these two birds so special, including their breeding and nesting behaviors, diet and feeding strategies, and their conservation history.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
