RTPEC March Update

The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (RTPEC) board and staff have launched several advocacy and education initiatives. Our most pressing concern involves the recent controversy regarding the creation of a new “bypass” or rail segment for the proposed high-speed rail line through Connecticut. The Connecticut Audubon Society took a firm stand opposing the proposed route. While we support improved, safe and reliable rail service and integrated mass transit, RTPEC board leadership and staff helped to identify significant environmental impacts from the construction of a tunnel under the Connecticut River Estuary, most of which has yet to be studied. The RTPEC Science Advisory Board members assisted us by providing data from their research on the estuary.  These scientists are an invaluable resource to the RTPEC and to our community.

On the education front, we are making enormous progress in reaching children in the school systems of our region.  RTPEC teachers have introduced a science-based, environmental education program into local schools that meet STEM and Next Generation Science Standards for 2017/2018. In the fall of 2016 alone, the Connecticut Audubon signature Science in Nature program has already benefited over 200 school children in the Lower Connecticut River Valley.

Public outreach has included environmental programs in regional libraries and free, weekend bird walks for the public.

Our RTPEC Connecticut River Lecture Series will roll out in May. Look for the invitation link on our website and join us for what we expect will be another informative series.  We are especially pleased this year to partner with our friends across the river at the Connecticut River Museum.