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 or Wednesdays 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 either Tuesday or Wednesday program 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: Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1
Register Here for Session 4 Wednesdays
Wednesday dates: March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2
Little Naturalists
Next session begins on January 15
Wednesdays 9:30-10:30am
RTP Estuary Center
Join us for this parent/caregiver and child nature class designed for children 3 to 5 years old. Activities will encourage discovery, exploration, and expression through stories, hands-on activities, and art. Single program fee $15 members; non-members $18
Session Dates:
January 29, February 5, 12, 19
Register Here for Session 3 – Single Sessions
Family Ecology Days
Saturday, January 25
Saturday, February 8
9:30-11:30 am
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
All ages are invited to participate in a morning of ecology exploration with the RTP Estuary Center! Participate in seasonal activities around our sanctuary. Seasonal activities may include: searching for birds with binoculars, animal tracking, science experiments and more! Cost $ 25 per family/member $35 non-member
Register Here for Saturday, January 25
Register Here for Saturday, February 8
February Vacation Week 2025
Tuesday, February 18-Friday February 21
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Explore the natural world of winter with the RTP Estuary Center! Outdoor explorations, hands-on science experiments, games, and creative activities are in store! Winter attire is required. Program is for ages 5 – 11. Each child should bring a water bottle, snack, and lunch. Registration is required. $295/child for the full week or $90/child per day *Please note that there is no program on Monday, February 17*
Click Here to Register for the Full Week
Click Here to Register for Single Day program Tuesday February 18-Friday, February 21
The Science of Self-Care
Wednesday, February 26; 3:45-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 1; 3-6 p.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Learn how to make natural skincare products at the RTP Estuary Center! Bring a friend for a fun, low-key afternoon using fresh and dried herbs, essential oils, and all-natural ingredients to make your own beauty products and skincare! Wednesday’s program will include making your own lip balm and Saturday’s program will include creating your own custom steam and face mask. This is a drop-off program open to ages 7-12. $20/person for Wednesday program and $30/person for Saturday program.
Busing provided from Mile Creek Elementary and Lyme Consolidated for Wednesday program ONLY
Register Here for Wednesday, February 26
Register Here for Saturday, March 1
Each child must have the following forms to participate:
Adult Programs
Owl Prowls
Photo by Tomas Koeck.
January & February
All walks are from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
When the sun goes down and we’re settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We’ll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Walks will be after sunset, exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. $15 for members/$20 for non-members. Connecticut College Arboretum Walks are free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members/$10 for non-members.
*Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls*
– Walk in Old Lyme will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on mostly level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site
– Walk in Lyme will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on mostly level dirt terrain, with a slightly steeper section. No restrooms on site.
– Walk at the Connecticut College Arboretum will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
Thursday, January 23 in Old Lyme – Program at Capacity
Tuesday, January 28 in Lyme – Program at Capacity
Thursday, January 30 in New London – Program at Capacity
Thursday, February 13 in New London – Program at Capacity
The RTPEC frequently uses open space and land trust properties that are open to the public without fee. Open space permits our use of these properties and receives no part of any fee collected by the RTPEC.
Shorebird Walks
Saturday, January 25; 1-3 pm
Saturday, February 8; 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 southbound journey in mid-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.
– Walk in East Lyme will be an approximately 1-mile walk on level dirt and sandy terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
– Walk in Old Lyme will be an approximately 1 mile out and back on level sandy and dirt terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, January 25 at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme; 1-3 pm – Program at Capacity
Saturday, February 8 at Griswold Point, Old Lyme; 1-3 pm – Register Here
Winter Bird Walks
Saturday, February 1; 9-11 am
Turtle Creek Preserve, Old Saybrook
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.
Walk will be an approximately 1-1.5 mile loop on relatively level dirt trails. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold temperatures is possible depending on the weather. No restrooms on site.
Eagle Watch
Thursday, February 6; 9-11 am
Saturday, March 1; 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.
Thursday, February 6 – Register Here
Saturday, March 1 – Register Here
Great Backyard Bird Count Walks
Photo by Brian Bennett
Friday, February 14; 9-10 am
Saturday, February 15; 1-2 pm
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 search for birds with us at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, then take that knowledge and count birds in your backyard all weekend! Program is free, but registration is required and space is limited.
Friday, February 14 – Register Here
Saturday, February 15 – Register Here
Webinars via Zoom
Finches Webinar
Wednesday, February 12; 6-7 pm
If you have backyard feeders, chances are you have seen one of Connecticut’s charismatic finch species feeding from them. This family of songbirds includes some of the most well-known and unique species. In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will explore what makes these birds so special and which ones you can expect to see at your feeders. Joe will discuss:
- Breeding & nesting behaviors
- Migration
- Connecticut species
- How to attract finches to your yard
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
FrogWatch USA Training Workshop
Gray Treefrog by Stefan Martin
Tuesday, February 25; 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Did you know you can help monitor frog and toad populations in your area in just 10 minutes a week? Become a certified FrogWatch USA volunteer during our 90-minute training program, where you’ll learn how to identify frogs and toads by call and how to collect and submit valuable population data to a national survey. Volunteers only need to attend one workshop and successfully pass the amphibian assessment. Following the virtual training there will be an optional virtual tour of Mystic Aquarium’s Frogs! exhibit. Program is free; Registration required.
