Did you know that the health of estuaries is critical to our health? Or that water is quickly becoming an “endangered” resource? Learn more about the importance of protecting our estuaries during Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s National Estuaries Day Celebration on September 27.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., participate in fun and educational activities and games, hear stories, and meet eight birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, owls and an eagle, during two presentations by Wingmasters. An estuary learning center will feature field guides and estuary posters, as well as information on how pollution affects estuaries like the local Long Island Sound.

On-site exhibitors will include Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s very own Animal Stranding Department, the Connecticut River Museum, Connecticut Sea Grant College Program, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Department of Environmental Protection, Nature’s Art Museum/The Dinosaur Place, Project Oceanology at Avery Point and CUSH (Clean Up Stonington Harbor).

CUSH is collaborating with Windows-on-Our-Waters, an organization dedicated to educating the public on watershed protection and preservation that will bring its Tidepool Cruiser to the aquarium during the celebration. This interactive truck, designed for kids, features a touch tank, microscope station, storm water pollution models and more.

This year’s celebration is made possible by a generous grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Activities are free with aquarium admission.