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!
Give A Gift 2025
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 experiences below:
Children’s Birthday Party
Private Bird Walk – SOLD OUT
Habitat Assessment
Event Rental Space
Click Here for more information and to purchase!
Youth and Family Programs
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration Open For Session 3!
Session 3 Dates
Tuesdays; January 6-February 24, 3:45-5:00 p.m. * no program on February 17
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 Tuesday’s Session 3
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
Adult Programs
Shorebird Walks
Saturday, January 10; 9-11 a.m.
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 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.
– The walk at Harkness will be approximately 1 mile on level sandy, rocky, and grassy terrain. Exposure to the sun and cold is possible, depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, January 19; 9-11 am at Harkness State Park, Waterford – Register Here
Owl Prowls
Photo by Tomas Koeck
January 7, 8, 15, 22, 28, 29, and February 4, 5
All walks are 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
When the sun goes down, and we’re settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day, making winter one of the best times to look and listen for these fascinating birds as they nest, seek mates, establish territory, and reveal what makes them so unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Walks will be after sunset, and exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
$15 for members/$20 for non-members. Connecticut College Arboretum Walks are free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members and $10 for non-members.
*Please Register for Only Two Walks Maximum*
– Walks at Fenwick will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
– Walks at High Hopes will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
– Walks at Clark Park will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
– Walks at the Connecticut College Arboretum will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
Wednesday, January 7 at Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook – Register Here Thursday, January 8 at High Hopes, Old Lyme – Register Here Thursday, January 15 at Clark Park, Old Saybrook – Register Here Thursday, January 22 at the Connecticut College Arboretum, New London – Register Here Wednesday, January 28 at High Hopes, Old Lyme – Register Here Thursday, January 29 at Clark Park, Old Saybrook – Register Here Wednesday, February 4 at Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook – Register Here Thursday, February 5 at the Connecticut College Arboretum, New London – Register Here
Waterfowl Walks
Saturday, January 24; 9- 11 a.m.
Saturday, January 31; 9-11 a.m.
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 Waterford will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy and dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
– The walk in East Lyme will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy, dirt, and sandy terrain. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, January 24 at Mamacoke Island, Waterford – Register Here
Saturday, January 31 at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme – Register Here
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
All About Owls
Lisa Jarosik – Screech Owl
Wednesday, January 14; 6-7 p.m.
Perhaps no other family of birds captures the imagination of birders and non-birders alike more than owls. These nocturnal birds often remain mysterious to us, with their presence revealed mainly through their calls. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over these amazing birds and how they thrive when most of the bird world is inactive. Joe will discuss adaptations to their nocturnal lifestyle, species you can see and hear in Connecticut, and threats and conservation issues.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
