Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Connecticut Audubon Society

At the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, we dedicate ourselves to future generations through experiential education and conservation of our land, waters, and the species that inhabit them.

We believe that learning should be joyful. We are always focusing on innovating and believe in the programs we provide. We have high-quality standards and that will continue. We hope to launch new research programs based around the NERR, further expand our reach and develop meaningful partnerships as collaboration is a cornerstone of RTP Estuary Center. We have big goals and dreams and are grateful for your continued support! 

The RTP Estuary Center is named for internationally and locally renowned artist, scientific illustrator, environmental educator, and conservation advocate Roger Tory Peterson.

Grade Levels:   PreK-Grade 8

Programming Offered:

• In-person events/field trips

• Classroom visits & outreach

• Virtual programs

Curriculum Connections & Themes:

• Our Science in Nature program offers the following themes all connected to NGSS per grade level: 

  • • • • Weather and Climate

        • Soils and Erosion

        • Animal and Plant Adaptations 

        • Ecosystems

Days:   Sanctuary: Dawn to dusk every day

Main Building: Mon-Fri   9 am to 4 pm

Location:  RTP Estuary Center

100 Lyme Street

Old Lyme, CT 06371

What to Expect:   Educators can come visit our grounds which include a storyboard walk, pollinator garden and ongoing newly installed bird garden. There are also of course many birds that can be seen on our property!

Call in advance to schedule a tour and overview of student programming Monday-Friday

Accessibility Notes: There are no trails around the sanctuary and the ground is a little bit uneven in certain places.