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
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration Open For Session 4
Tuesdays 3:45-5:00 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, seasonally-based topics while 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 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 4:
Register Here for Session 4 Tuesdays
Tuesday dates: March 25, April 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6
April Vacation Week
Monday, April 14- Friday, April 18
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Explore with us this spring at the RTP Estuary Center! Outdoor explorations, hands-on science experiments, games, and creative activities are in store! Outdoor attire is required. The program is for ages 5 – 11. Each child should bring a water bottle, a snack, and lunch. Registration is required. The fee is $375/child for the full week or $80/child per individual day.
Click Here to Register for the Full Week
Click Here to Register for a Single Day program
Each child must have the following forms to participate:
Family Shorebird Walks
Saturday, April 5; 9:30-11 am
Spring is a great time to see shorebirds along the CT 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.
– Walk at Harkness will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets are on site.
Saturday April 5 at Harkness State Park, Waterford; 9:30-11 am – Register Here
Family Day at the RTP Estuary Center
Saturday, April 26; 1-5 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Join us for an afternoon of family fun along the banks of the Lieutenant River! Enjoy games, science and nature activities, art, and more. At 3 p.m. we will welcome the local band Sunny Train! The Lion’s Club will be on-site, providing food for the afternoon.
Cost: $10/ Family
Registration is recommended. All ages are welcome!
Adult Programs
Shorebird Walks
Saturday, March 22; 9-11 am
Saturday, March 29; 1-3 pm
Saturday, April 12; 9-11 am
Saturday, April 12; 1-3 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 winter in CT, while others started their northbound journey in early spring. 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 Fort Trumbull will be approximately .5-1 mile on level paved and grassy terrain. Depending on the weather, exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible. There are no restrooms on site.
– The walk at Barn Island will be approximately 1-1.5 miles out and back on level dirt terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible, depending on the weather. There are no restrooms on site.
– The walk at Four Mile River will entail little to no walking, mostly stationary viewing. Exposure to wind, sun, and heat/cold is possible, depending on the weather. There are no restrooms on site.
– The walk at Seaside will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy and dirt terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and heat/cold is possible, depending on the weather. There are portable toilets on site.
Saturday, March 22 at Fort Trumbull, New London; 9-11 am – Register Here
Saturday, March 29 at Barn Island, Stonington; 1-3 pm – Register Here
Saturday, April 12 at Four Mile River Boat Launch, Old Lyme; 9-11 am – Register Here
Saturday, April 12 at Seaside State Park, Waterford; 1-3 pm – Register Here
Spring Bird Walk
Saturday, March 29: 9-11 am
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Walking the Cedar Island and Meg’s Point trails, we will search for land and water birds in a variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, salt marshes, and woods. With spring migration just starting, we are likely to record an excellent species list and are likely to encounter a few that are uncommon or rare in Connecticut. $13 for members/$18 for non-members.
Program at Capacity
Webinars via Zoom
Shorebirds Webinar
Wednesday, April 23; 6-7 pm
Shorebirds are some of the champions of the bird world when it comes to migration. Most species that can be seen in Connecticut breed in the far north in the Arctic, and they pass through the state on their way north, stopping along our coastline and wetlands. In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will review this incredible group of birds and which ones you can expect to see in Connecticut. Joe will discuss:
- Breeding & nesting behaviors
- Shorebird migration
- Threats & Conservation
- Shorebird families & which species are in CT
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
