Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Programs & Events
Looking to schedule one of our interactive programs exclusively for your group?
All programs can also be provided in person or virtually via Zoom
Connecticut River Lecture Series Fall 2023
As Mother Nature lays her colorful blanket of Autumn leaves in preparation for the cold months ahead, The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center is once again introducing three important speakers and topics to our friends and neighbors. We invite you to join us in person for the Fall 2023 Connecticut River Lecture Series where we will focus on winged species. From where to find birds across the State, to the only flying mammal, and culminating with an exotic bird of the tropics, we are On the Wing this Fall.
Click here to learn more about the series and our speakers.
Birding in Connecticut with Frank Gallo
Thursday, October 5; 5 pm
Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme
Register here
All About Bats with Laura Cisneros, Ph.D
Thursday, October 26; 5 pm
Old Lyme Town Hall, Old Lyme
Register here
Quetzals: The Icons of the Cloud Forest with Alan F. Poole, Ph.D
Thursday, November 2; 5 pm
Essex Meadows, Essex
Register here
Youth Programs
RTP Estuary Center Afterschool Adventures Program
Registration is Open for the Fall!
Session 1 Dates
Tuesdays (Grades K -2): Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
Wednesdays (Grades 3-5): Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Session 2 Dates
Tuesdays (Grades K -2): Oct 31, Nov 14, 28, Dec 5, 12,19* 6 weeks
Wednesdays (Grades 3-5): Nov 1,8 15, 29, Dec 6, 13, 20
The RTP Estuary Center’s afterschool program allows participants the opportunity to participate in hands-on, inquiry based learning experiences through STEAM based activities. Participants will learn how to use various types of scientific equipment and design, conduct experiments based on different weekly, seasonally-based topics while still leaving room for crafts and games. Themes will reflect the seasonal change found in nature. Tuesdays program is for grades K-2 and Wednesdays are for grades 3-5. Each program will run for 7 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. Cost is $85 per 7 week program for members; $100 for non-members. * 6 week program is $75 for members and $90 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.
Tuesdays Session 1 – Register here
Wednesdays Session 1 – Register here
Tuesdays Session 2 – Register here
Wednesdays Session 2 – Register here
Halloween Parade at the RTPEC
Saturday, October 28, 3:30-4:30 pm
RTP Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
Join us for a family Halloween Spooktacular at the RTP Estuary Center! Create Halloween decorations, get hands on with some spooky science, and participate in the costume parade! Come dressed in your Halloween costume, and bring your holiday spirit. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Program is free. Registration required.
Suggested donation $10
Adult Programs
Swallow Paddles
Photo courtesy of Jody Dole.
Thursdays, September 21 & 28; 5:30 pm
Old Lyme
Every September near the mouth of the Connecticut River, one of the most spectacular shows in the avian world takes place. 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 own 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
Thursday, September 21 – Register here
Thursday, September 28 – Register here
Fall Bird Walks
September & October
As summer winds down and cooler weather starts to approach, many of our migratory birds are making their southbound journies to their wintering grounds in the southern US, and Central & South America. We’ll search for warblers, vireos, thrushes and more in some of the best birding spots in southeastern CT. $13 for members/$18 for non-members.
Saturday, September 23, 9-11 am at Salt Meadow Park, Madison – Cancelled due to weather
Thursday, October 12, 5-7 pm at Pleasant Valley Preserve, Lyme – Register here
Saturday, October 14, 9-11 am at Avery Farm, Groton – Register here
Saturday, October 28, 9-11 am at Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme – Register here
Rocks & River Birds
Saturday, October 14; 2-4 pm
Mamacoke Island, Waterford
Designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, Mamacoke Island and the surrounding bodies of water, are home to a diverse array of bird species. Located on the Thames River, this natural area within the Connecticut College Arboretum also offers a stunning geological experience, as cliffs rise dramatically from the center of the island, and numerous geological features can be seen throughout. Join CT Audubon’s Joe Attwater as we explore the unique history of this important bird habitat, and search for birds on the river.
Free for members/$10 for non-members
Register here
Webinars via Zoom
Falcons Webinar
Wednesday, October 11; 6 PM
You’re watching a small flock of shorebirds on the beach and suddenly a raptor shoots by at an incredible speed and is gone just as quickly, scattering all birds in the area. Chances are it was one of our falcons, a group of birds well known for their extreme speed. In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over this amazing group of birds and how they live such high-speed lives. Joe will discuss:
- Adaptations to lifestyle
- Breeding & nesting behaviors
- Threats & conservation
- Species found in CT
The World is Your Oyster
Thank you all for celebrating with us at the Roger Tory Peterson Center Estuary Center’s 7th Annual Benefit on Friday, September 9! Your support helps us expand the science-based environmental education, research, and advocacy programs of the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.
Check out some of the amazing photos from the night!
