Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy Ripley is dedicated to protecting waterfowl and wetland habitats through research and education.
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05/22/2026

This Emperor goose can be seen settling back onto her nest after an egg check with our aviculturists, while the male stands guard nearby to protect both her and the nest.

These routine checks help us ensure eggs are fertile and healthy, giving each one the best chance for success. Some hens, like the one pictured here, are also exceptional nesters and will incubate eggs from failed nests as if they were their own.

With more than 50 active nests currently at the Conservancy, nesting season is keeping our team busy!

It’s opening weekend! Our first visitation day of the season is this Friday, May 1st and the weekend closes off with our...
04/29/2026

It’s opening weekend! Our first visitation day of the season is this Friday, May 1st and the weekend closes off with our Annual Duck Day!

Duck Day 2026- Sunday, May 3rd | 10am-3pm
$10 per person | Kids under 12 & members are FREE!
https://onecau.se/ripleyduckday

Watch programs from Riverside Reptiles and Skyhunters in Flight

Win prizes from:
Bass Pro Shops, CT Audubon Society, Mystic Aquarium, SHU's Discovery Science Center, CT Science Center, Stonybrook Golf, Thorncrest Farm, Litchfield Candy Company, Toast & Co., The Silly Sprout & Marketplace Tavern

Learn from:
Litchfield Land Trust, Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, Sharon Audubon Center, CT DEEP, Marvelwood School Purple Martin Program, Washington Montessori School, CT Woodcarver- Paul Edward’s, Robin McCahill- Puppets & Author John Himmelman!

A big thank you to our other wonderful sponsors Ace Hardware of Litchfield & Dowling Toyota of Litchfield!

We can’t wait to see you this weekend!

Happy Earth Day!We hope that today you take time to observe the diversity that surrounds us in nature, and appreciate th...
04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day!

We hope that today you take time to observe the diversity that surrounds us in nature, and appreciate the importance of preserving that.

Species are disappearing at an alarming rate - 61% of the worlds bird species are currently declining.

You can make a difference. Help spread the word, support the cause, and stand with Ripley in preserving the genetics of rare and endangered species for generations to come.

Thanks to all of you, we have raised almost $6,000 so far for Give Local 2026 and we have 9 hours left to keep this momentum going! This Earth Day, we welcome you to join us in ensuring a diverse and beautiful planet filled with the most amazing bird species!
Give where you live. Protect what you love.
https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/ripley-waterfowl-conservancy

04/21/2026

This is your 2026 Give Local “Call” to action! Over the next 36 hours we will be raising funds for our flock!

When you support Ripley, you are helping to ensure a future for species on the brink of extinction. Help us make the difference for endangered wildlife!

https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/ripley-waterfowl-conservancy

Connecticut Community Foundation



Give Local starts TOMORROW! Tuesday April 21st at 7am you can help support Ripley through this 36-hour online campaign! ...
04/20/2026

Give Local starts TOMORROW! Tuesday April 21st at 7am you can help support Ripley through this 36-hour online campaign!

We could not carry out this work without our amazing community of supporters, every donation makes a difference for rare and endangered species!

In the recent Connecticut Community Foundation annual report, Ripley was featured in their “Dare to Thrive” series. We are always excited to share our work with those who will listen and we are thankful for all Connecticut Community Foundation does for so many local non-profits.

Check out our Give Local page here: https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/ripley-waterfowl-conservancy - share our link with friends to spread the word and help make an impact for these rare and endangered species!

04/18/2026

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With less than 3 weeks until our opening weekend and 1 week until Give Local, we invite you to join Ripley in many ways!...
04/14/2026

With less than 3 weeks until our opening weekend and 1 week until Give Local, we invite you to join Ripley in many ways!

🦆DUCK DAY- Sunday, May 3rd | 10am-3pm - Join us for our annual Duck Day! Tour the Conservancy, visit with amazing local conservation organizations, experience incredible species up close during programs, and win prizes during the Duck Derby! Free for members and kids under 12!
https://onecau.se/_c6dt51

🎉GIVE LOCAL - Tuesday, April 21st-Wednesday, April 22nd - Help support Ripley during this annual giving day hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation ! We have 36 hours to raise funds that will help us support our flock of rare and endangered waterfowl through our amazing community! “ Let’s Give Back, Give Together and Give More!”
https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/ripley-waterfowl-conservancy

We can’t wait to see you soon!

This past week we had students from Wamogo FFA's Natural Resource program join us at the Conservancy. From cleaning and ...
04/01/2026

This past week we had students from Wamogo FFA's Natural Resource program join us at the Conservancy.

From cleaning and replacing Wood duck boxes to assisting with our pre-nesting season checks on the Emperor goose flock, students gained hands-on experience and were able to learn more about our field of work.

Experiences like these are always a highlight for our team. Many of us found our passion for this work at the high school level so it is always rewarding to work with these students and teach them about the field of Aviculture. Thank you for joining us Wamogo FFA!

Tucked safely away under the watchful eye of this Nēnē pair are some of our first eggs of the season. A welcome sight th...
03/26/2026

Tucked safely away under the watchful eye of this Nēnē pair are some of our first eggs of the season. A welcome sight that launches us into our nesting season here at Ripley!

From now through September, our aviculturists will be closely monitoring nests and hatchlings across our 500+ bird flock - our busiest (and favorite!) time of year.

As a conservation breeding facility, every egg and each hatchling plays a vital role in our mission to preserve the genetics of rare and endangered waterfowl. We look forward to what this nesting season will bring and sharing our season with you as we go!

With the rise in temperature today it has us thinking spring, but we know winter is not over yet!We are almost half way ...
03/04/2026

With the rise in temperature today it has us thinking spring, but we know winter is not over yet!

We are almost half way to our goal for our new water circulation system! Donate here (onecau.se/ripleywaterfowl) to support and keep our flock happy and healthy all year-round!

Address

55 Duck Pond Road, PO Box 30
Litchfield, CT
06759

Opening Hours

Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+18605672062

Website

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