The Conservancy is closed for the season - but not to our members! See our flock in their peak plumage as the males look to attract partners for the upcoming breeding season. Learn about the complex and wide array of courtship rituals and mating behaviors that our waterfowl display, each distinct and specific to an individual species.

It’s Mother’s Day! Take your mom on a behind-the-scenes tour of our waterfowl breeding program and our Rearing Barn, which is closed to the public. Meet and observe our newly hatched ducklings, goslings and cygnets. Learn about how we manage and prioritize the breeding of our rare and endangered flock, how our aviculturists monitor duckling development, and the inner workings of an egg.

Rain or shine, join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the Conservancy's water sustainability efforts and learn how it directly supports the health and vitality of our rare and endangered waterfowl species. Clean, flowing water isn’t just important—it’s essential for successful breeding, natural behavior, and overall avian wellbeing.

Discover how we manage our water resources and conserve nearly 2 million gallons of water a year, benefiting both our birds and the environment. From thoughtfully designed ponds to plant-powered filtration systems featuring native Connecticut flora, you’ll learn how we capture, clean, and recycle water and get a first-hand glimpse of our future water renewal projects. 

Explore the Ripley wetlands and swamp with our land experts. Learn what constitutes a wetland and the critical habitats ours provide to the wild, native birds and other wildlife that rely on them for survival. Wetland loss has been accelerating in the United States. Learn what Ripley is doing to restore and enhance our wetlands in Litchfield and how you can help.