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
February Vacation Week 2026
Tuesday, February 17- Friday, February 20; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. *No Program on Monday, February 16
RTP Estuary Center
Join us for our February Vacation Week program, filled with hands-on nature and science exploration! Weather permitting, we’ll head outdoors for seasonal activities that spark curiosity and connect kids with the winter environment. Throughout the week, participants will enjoy exciting experiments, creative art projects, and nature games. Open to children ages 5-10. Full week and single day options available. Full week $300, and single-day sessions $90.
Register Here for the Full Week
Register Here for Single Day Options
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.
Adult Programs
Great Backyard Bird Count
Dark-eyed Junco by Brian Bennett
Webinar Via Zoom
Thursday, February 12; 6-7 p.m.
Walks
Saturday, February 14; 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
Every February, people from around the world contribute data to one of the largest community science projects in the world. It’s easy to be a part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, and you can do it anywhere you find birds! Learn how to participate in the count and what birds you can see in Connecticut in winter in our webinar, then search for birds with us at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center that weekend. The program is free, but registration is required, and space is limited.
Thursday, February 12 Webinar via Zoom; 6-7 p.m. – Register Here
Saturday, February 14, 10-11 a.m. – Register Here
Saturday, February 14, 1-2 p.m. – Register Here
Winter Bird Walks
Saturday, February 21; 9-11 a.m.
Winter may not seem like the best time to look for birds. However, as the temperature drops, many species can still be found in the state, especially along the coast. Waterfowl seek open water, larks and buntings search for food in open areas, and sparrows seek shelter in brushy areas. We’ll look for the hardy winter birds in some of the best spots in Connecticut. $13 for members; and $18 for non-members.
– The walk at Hammonasset will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and paved trails. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold temperatures is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, February 21; 9-11 a.m. at Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Register Here
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
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.
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
Ducks
Wednesday, February 11; 6-7 p.m.
Winter in Connecticut means it’s time to head to large bodies of water and look for ducks. Many species breed further north and come to the Connecticut coast to overwinter, away from the frozen ponds and lakes they spent the summer on. In this webinar, learn about this charismatic group of birds and how to identify the ones in your area. Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will discuss adaptations to life on the water, migration, Connecticut species, and the threats and conservation issues facing these birds.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
FrogWatch Training
Photo by Twan Leenders
Tuesday, February 24; 6-7:30 p.m.
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!
This program is free, registration is required.
