Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Programs & Events
Estuary Explorations Guided Hike at Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
Saturday, November 23, 9 a.m. – noon,
Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, Niantic
Fall foliage will be on display on this moderately strenuous hike along coastal forest which spans rocky ridge tops with stunted Pitch Pines and Bear Oaks to deep, rich soils hosting tall specimens of many species of Oaks, Hickories, Maples and Birch. Additionally, this preserve boasts a diversity of wetland types, including red maple swamps, shrub swamps, and open water vernal pools, all of which support unique plants and animals.
Session will conclude with a brown bag lunch and ecological discussion highlighting the plant and animal life encountered. Don’t forget to bring your bug spray, and binoculars! Suitable for ages 16 and up.
$15 for college students, $30 for members, $40 for non-members
Register here
*Rescheduled from October 12
Family Turkey Walk
Saturday, November 30, 9-10:30am
Jewett Preserve, Lyme
Join our yearly post-Thanksgiving walk as we discuss turkeys, Thanksgiving, and more! This relaxed hour walk will be perfect to enjoy the fall foliage. Great for families! Children 10 and under free with participating adult.
$5 for members, $10 for non-members, register here
Beavers in Connecticut
Saturday, November 30, 3 – 4:30 pm
Ames Family Preserve, Old Lyme
Whether you find them a nuisance or a wonder of nature, beavers provide important ecological services in Connecticut. Come learn about these marvelous mammals and take a hike to look for them in their natural habitat. Bring boots, the trail might be wet!
$5 for members, $10 for non-members, register here
*The RTPEC frequently uses open space and land trust properties which are otherwise available to the public without fee”
Birding Basics
Red-throated Loon. Photo by Patrick Comins
Saturday, December 7, 9 – 11 am
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
If you ask a birder in Connecticut where the best place in the state to see birds is, most will say Hammonasset Beach State Park. Jutting out into Long Island Sound, with extensive salt marshes, the park boasts an impressive number of species. Winter is great time to stop here, with sea ducks offshore and sparrows flitting about the underbrush. It’s also one of the best spots to see Snowy Owls. Bundle up and bring your binoculars as we search for these wintering species.
$5 for members, $10 for non-members, register here
Wreath Making
Saturday, December 14, 10 am – Noon
RTP Estuary Center, Old Lyme
Enjoy the season and learn how to create a wreath using natural materials! We will also learn about wintering birds, seeds, and more. Have a chance to try your hand at making bird seed ornaments and feeders! All ages welcome! We will provide all wreath materials, however please bring your own clippers. Pre-registration required, limited space available.
$10/wreath frame, register here
Budding Naturalists
Wednesday, December 18 , 10-11am – Theme: Evergreen Exploration
Wednesday, January 8 , 10-11am – Theme: A Long Winter’s Nap – Animal Hibernation
RTP Estuary Center
Start their love of nature early! Join us for this parent/caregiver and child nature class designed for children who are 3 to 5 years old. Activities will encourage discovery, explorations, and expression through stories, hands-on activities, and art. Adult is free with child participant.
$15 members; $20 non-members
For Evergreen Exploration : register here
For A Long Winter’s Nap: register here
