Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Programs & Events
Looking to schedule one of our interactive webinar programs exclusively for your group?
All webinar programs can also be provided in person!
Family Programs
February Vacation Week
Tuesday, February 21-Friday February 24
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 required. Program is for ages 6 – 11. Each child should bring a water bottle and a snack and lunch. Registration is required. $285/child
*Please note that there is no program on Monday, February 20*
Register Here
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration for our Winter Sessions are Open!
Session 2:
Eco-Adventures – Tuesdays, February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4
Art and Science – Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5
The RTP Estuary Center’s afterschool program allows participants the opportunity to participate in hands-on, inquiry based learning experiences through STEM 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. Themes will reflect the seasonal change found in nature. Each program will run for 6 weeks, meeting once a week from 3:45-5:00 pm. Participants are encourages to dress for the weather and bring a snack and water bottle. Cost is $70 per 6 week program for members; $85 for non-members
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.
Eco-Adventures – Open to Grades 2-4 (Click here for more information)
Art and Science – Open to Grades 1-3 (Click here for more information)
Click Here to Register
Adult Programs
Winter Bird Walks
Evening Grosbeak (Male)
January-February
9-11 am*
While many things are dormant in winter, there are still plenty of bird species to see out and about during the colder months, including some of our most charismatic species. We’ll bundle up and search for these hardy birds at some of the best birding spots in southern CT.
$10 members/walk
$15 non-members/walk
Saturday, February 11 at Hammonasset State Park, Madison – AT CAPACITY
* Saturday, February 25 at Harkness State Park, Waterford 8-10 am* –AT CAPACITY
Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
Saturday, February 18; 9-10 am
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
Every February, people from around the world contribute data in one of the largest citizen science projects in the world. It’s easy to participate in 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 own backyard all weekend! Program is free, but registration is required and space is limited.
Owl Prowls
January-February 2023
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Old Lyme
When the sun goes down and we’re settling in for the evening, owls are just getting started with 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 for these incredible birds and learn what makes them so unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Appropriate for ages 10 and up.
$10 for members, $15 for non-members
Wednesday, February 1 – PROGRAM AT CAPACITY
Wednesday, February 8 – Register here
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.
Owl Prowls at Connecticut College Arboretum
Connecticut College Arboretum, New London
Thursday, February 9; 5:30 pm
Thursday, February 16; 5:30 pm
When most of us are heading to bed, many owl species are just starting their day. These incredible birds have unique adaptations for hunting at night, and are loved and admired by birders and non-birders alike. Late winter is one of the best times to see and hear these birds, as they start defending territory and finding mates. Join CT Audubon Society’s Joe Attwater as we search the Connecticut College Arboretum for these mysterious birds.
Free for members; $10 for non-members
Register here for Thursday, February 9
Register here for Thursday, February 16
Webinars via Zoom
Owls Webinar
Photo by Tomas Koeck
Wednesday, February 15; 6 pm
As most of us are getting ready for bed owls are just getting started with their days. These fascinating birds capture the attention of birders and non-birders alike, and have some of the most unique adaptations of any group of birds. In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over how these birds have adapted to life in darkness, and which ones you can see in CT. Joe will discuss:
- Adaptions to lifestyle
- Species of CT, US, and the world
- Threats & conservation
FrogWatch Training
Gray Tree Frog (Twan Leenders)
Tuesday, February 28; 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Did you know that 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 90 minute virtual training there will be an optional virtual tour of Mystic Aquarium’s Frogs! exhibit. Program is free; Registration required.
