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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 2025
Atmospheric CO2 and the Global-to-Regional Climate with John Jasper
Wednesday, November 19; 5-6 pm
Old Lyme Town Hall
Highly studied, much debated, yet skepticism persists in the general population about the reality and causes of changes in climatic activity. Focusing on the last century, Dr. Jasper will give clarity to the effects on the health of our Southeastern Connecticut coastal environments.
Click Here to learn more about our speakers!
Youth and Family Programs
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration Open For Session 2!
Session 2 Dates
Tuesdays; Oct 28-Dec 16 3:45-5:00 p.m. * no program on Nov 4
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.
Register Here for Tuesdays Session 2
Adult Programs
Fall Bird Walks
Thursday, November 6; 9-11 am
Tuesday, November 18; 9-11 am
Fall is an exciting time for birding in Connecticut, as many birds migrate through the state on their way south to their wintering grounds, and many of our winter species start arriving for the season. We’ll look for fall migrants and winter residents in some of the best spots in southern Connecticut. $13 for members/$18 for non-members.
– The walk at Hartman Park will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on mostly level dirt trails. Portable toilet on site.
– The walk at Hammonasset will be approximately 1.5 miles on level dirt and grassy trails. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Thursday, November 6; 9-11 am at Hartman Park, Lyme – Register Here
Tuesday, November 18; 9-11 am at Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Register Here
Waterfowl Walks
Saturday, November 8; 9-11 am
Tuesday, November 11; 9-11 am
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 at the mouth of the Connecticut River and in the Long Island Sound. $13 for members; $18 for non-members.
– The walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level paved, grass, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. No restrooms on site.
– The walk in East Lyme will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, November 8; 9-11 am at Fenwick, Old Saybrook – Register Here
Tuesday, November 11; 9-11 am at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme – Register Here
RTP Estuary Center Bird Walks
Wednesday, November 12; 9-10 am
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
Join us as we tour our 5-acre sanctuary along the Lieutenant River, looking for fall migrants and the last summer residents. Registration is required.
– Walks will be approximately .5 mile on level grassy terrain—restrooms on site.
$5 members; $10 non-members
Register Here
Shorebird Walks
Saturday, November 15; 9-11 am
Saturday, December 20; 1-3 pm
Most of North America’s shorebird species winter in South & Central America, heading north to breed in the high Arctic, but some spend the winter here in Connecticut. Some of these birds breed in Connecticut, while others start their southbound journey in 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.
– The walk at Harkness will be approximately 1 mile on level dirt, grass, and sandy terrain. Exposure to the sun and cold is possible, depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
– The walk at Griswold Point will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level sandy, rocky, and grassy terrain. Exposure to the sun and cold is possible, depending on the weather. No restrooms on site.
Saturday, November 15; 9-11 am at Harkness State Park, Waterford – Register Here
Saturday, December 20; 1-3 pm at Griswold Point, Old Lyme – Register Here
Winter Wreath-Making Workshop
Saturday, December 6; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Enjoy the season and learn how to create a winter wreath using natural materials! Then stick around to enjoy a guided bird walk on our sanctuary. Wreath making is suitable for ages 8 and up. $25 for a wire frame plus materials; $20 for materials only, and bring your own 12″ or smaller frame.
Please bring your own garden gloves and hand clippers
Register Here
Planting For Birds
Photo by Peter Vertefeuille
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.
$20 for members/$25 for non-members for individual sessions
$75 for members/$95 for non-members for all four sessions
Click here to learn about each session!
Winter Session – Saturday, December 13; 10 am – noon
Spring Session – Saturday, March 14; 10 am – noon
Summer Session – Saturday, June 13; 10 am – noon
Fall Session – Saturday, September 12; 10 am – noon
Register Here for All Four Sessions
Register Here for a Single Session
Webinars via Zoom
Rare Birds of CT
Wednesday, November 12; 6-7 pm
When birders are out birding at their local hotspot, town park, or state park, aside from the expected species, they are constantly on the lookout for a “rarity”. What makes these birds rare, and how did they get here? In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over how these birds end up in Connecticut and which species have been recorded in the state. Joe will discuss what makes a bird “rare”, factors that cause vagrancy, and which species are considered rare in Connecticut.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
All About Feathers
Wednesday, December 10; 6-7 pm
When we think of birds, one of the first things to come to mind is feathers. Feathers are unique to birds, and their purposes and diversity play key roles in the lives of our avian friends. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over why feathers are so important to birds and how they came to be. Joe will discuss the evolution of feathers, their structure and functions, and showcase some of the spectacular plumage of birds in Connecticut and beyond.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
