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!
Coming up!
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
CT River Lecture Series 2025
The Most Important Fish in the Sea with Jacob Steinberg
Thursday, October 23; 5-6 pm
Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme
Menhaden is a keystone species, serving as a vital food source for various fish, marine mammals, and birds. Filmmaker Jacob Steinberg will present his current work, a film illustrating the critical importance of menhaden.
Atmospheric CO2 and the Global-to-Regional Climate with John Jasper
Wednesday, November 19; 5-6 pm
Old Lyme Town Hall
Highly studied, much debated, yet skepticism persists in the general population about the reality and causes of changes in climatic activity. Focusing on the last century, Dr. Jasper will give clarity to the effects on the health of our Southeastern Connecticut coastal environments.
Click Here to learn more about our speakers!
Youth and Family Programs
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration Open For Sessions 1 and 2!
Session 1 Dates
Tuesdays; Sept 9- Oct 21 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Thursdays; Sept 11-Oct 23 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Session 2 Dates
Tuesdays; Oct 28-Dec 16 3:45-5:00 p.m. * no program on Nov 4
Thursdays; Oct 30- Dec 18 3:45-5:00 p.m. * no program on Nov 27
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 Tuesdays Session 1
Register Here for Thursdays Session 1
Register Here for Tuesdays Session 2
Register Here for Thursdays Session 2
Family Shorebird Walks
Saturday, September 20; 9:30-11 am
Saturday, October 4; 9:30-11 am
Spring is a great time to see shorebirds along the Connecticut 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.
– 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. Portable toilet on site.
– The walk at Rocky Neck will be an approximately 1-mile loop on level dirt, grass, and sandy terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, September 20, 9:30-11 am at Barn Island, Stonington – Register Here
Saturday, October 4, 9:30-11 am at Rocky Neck, East Lyme – Register Here
Adult Programs
Shorebird Walks
Most of North America’s shorebird species winter in South & Central America, heading north to breed in the high Arctic. 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 Barn Island will be approximately 1.5 miles out and back on level dirt terrain. Exposure to the sun and heat is possible, depending on the weather. Portable toilet on site.
– The walk at 4-Mile River will involve little to no walking, mostly stationary birding on dirt and grassy terrain. Exposure to the sun and heat is possible, depending on the weather. Portable toilet on site.
– The walk at Griswold Point will be approximately 1-1.5 miles out and back on level sandy and rocky terrain. Exposure to the sun and heat is possible, depending on the weather. No restrooms on site.
– The walk at Bluff Point will be approximately 2.5 miles out and back on level dirt terrain. Exposure to the sun and heat is possible, depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.
Saturday, August 23, 1-3 pm at Barn Island WMA, Stonington – Register Here
Tuesday, September 16, 9-11 am at 4-Mile River Boat Launch, Old Lyme – Register Here
Saturday, September 27, 9-11 am at Griswold Point, Old Lyme – Register Here
Saturday, October 18, 9-11 am at Bluff Point, Groton – Register Here
Swallow Paddles
Photo courtesy of Jody Dole.
September 9, 16, 25; 5:30-7:30 pm
Old Lyme
Every September, near the mouth of the Connecticut River, one of the most spectacular shows in the avian world unfolds. Hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows gather right at sunset to roost in the reeds, preparing for the southbound journey in migration. The best way to see it is from a boat on the river, where you’ll be surrounded by swallows flying over the water. We’ll launch a kayak or canoe and paddle to the roosting site. Each participant must provide their kayak or canoe and PFD. Participants are also encouraged to bring a headlamp or light for their canoe/kayak. Limited to 10 participants. Participants must be ages 18 and up. $25 for members/$35 for non-members
Tuesday, September 9 – Register Here
Tuesday, September 16 – Register Here
Thursday, September 25 – Register Here
Guided Paddles
Wednesday, September 10; 9-11 am
Join us as we explore some of southeastern Connecticut’s most scenic waterways by boat! Enjoy birds, wildlife, and fun on the water! Each participant must bring their own kayak/canoe and PFD. Sunscreen, bug spray, and binoculars are encouraged. 10 people maximum. $25 members; $30 non-members
Thursday, September 10 at Smith Neck Road, Old Lyme – Register Here
Webinars via Zoom
Swallows
Wednesday, September 17; 6-7 pm
Few sights are as incredible to watch as the mid-air acrobatics of a swallow feeding over water or an open field. These aerial insectivores are among the most beloved and widespread birds in the world. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will discuss this charismatic group of birds and how they have adapted to feeding and living on the wing. Joe will discuss behaviors and adaptations, species found in Connecticut and, threats and conservation issues.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required
