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
Summer Camp Bonus Adventure Week
August 18-22; 9am-2pm
RTP Estuary Center
Looking to extend your summer fun? Then dive into a world of discovery with our Summer Camp Bonus Adventures Week! Whether you’re a budding environmentalist or simply love exploring the wonders of nature, this extended camp week is perfect for you! Each day will include nature hikes, hands-on experiments, art projects, and more! Enjoy the flexibility to register for just one day or an entire week of discovery. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today! Let’s explore, learn, and grow together! For ages 5-10. Per day cost $60; Week cost $300
Register Here
Adult Programs
Project Limulus
Project Limulus is a regional program organized by Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The objective of this program is to better understand the distribution, movement, longevity, and mortality of horseshoe crabs in Long Island Sound. Horseshoe crabs are a near-threatened species, and overharvesting has led to a dramatic decline in the Long Island Sound. Participants can attend a virtual training session via Zoom to discuss the biology of horseshoe crabs, as well as the protocol for counting and tagging at the beach. A separate day will be dedicated to the beach event, participants meet at Hammonasset to take part in tagging and monitoring horseshoe crabs. Virtual session is free to attend. Field session is Members: $9; Non-members: $12.
Click this link to register for the Project Limulus Virtual Training and Info Session
on Thursday, June 5th at 6 p.m.!
Click this link to register for the Beach Event at Hammonasset on Tuesday, June 17 from 10 am – noon! Registration is required
Summer Bird Walks
Photo by Frank Mantlik.
After the rush of spring migration, birds start the important task of breeding. Summer can be a quieter time as birds are nesting, but there are still many interesting species and behaviors to see. Join us as we search for breeding birds and late migrants in some of the best spots in southeastern Connecticut.
– The walk at Falls River will be approximately 1 mile on mostly level dirt terrain, with one slightly steeper section. No restrooms on site.
– The walk at Pratt Cove will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on mostly level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
– The walk at Pond Meadow will be approximately 1 mile on mostly level dirt terrain, with one slightly steeper section. No restrooms on site.
Thursday, June 12; 9-11 am at Falls River Preserve, Essex – Register Here
Saturday, June 21, 9-11 am at Pratt Cove, Deep River – Register Here
Thursday, June 26, 9-11 am at Pond Meadow Preserve, Essex – Register Here
Webinars via Zoom
Webinars will Return in September!
CT River Lecture Series 2025
Stay tuned for the continuation of our CT River Lecture Series this fall!
The Most Important Fish in the Sea with Jacob Steinberg
Thursday, October 23; 5-6 pm
Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme
Atmospheric CO2 and the Global-to-Regional Climate with John Jasper
Wednesday, November 19; 5-6 pm
Old Lyme Town Hall
Click Here to learn more about our speakers & their topics
A Penguin Affair
Save the date for our 10th anniversary!
Friday, September 12; 5:30-8 pm
RTP Estuary Center
100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
Click Here to learn more about the event and our sponsors
