Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

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2008 Programs & Events

The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center will open for school programs the first week of May 2008.  The Nature Center will open to the public for weekends on May 24, 2008 and seven days a week on June 14.

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center offers a a variety of guided and self-guided walks and canoe tours in addition to exhibits, a nature store, and canoe rentals.

All guided programs are led by trained naturalists. Walking and canoe tours and specially-designed programs are available for groups at a discounted price.

Maine Audubon requires that all paddlers wear personal floatation devices; these will be provided for anyone who does not bring their own.

Please check back frequently to learn about new programs and other updates. Prices subject to change.

CANOE AND KAYAK RENTALS

Rent a canoe or kayak, and we'll also provide a map and nature guide.  You'll be all set to take a self-guided tour of the meandering Dunstan River to explore the unique habitat of the salt marsh.

At least one person in your group must be 18 years or older, and children must be at least 4 years old. Dogs are not permitted in the canoes.

Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Per hour: $13/member, $13/for Maine residents on Sundays, $15/nonmember
Half day: $50

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Canoe Tours

Registration is not required.

Discover the wildlife and plants of Scarborough Marsh as you paddle the Dunstan River. Gliding through the marsh, you will be exposed to its many inhabitants, from the snowy egret catching fish along the edge of the river to the mummichogs swimming in the water. A trained naturalist will show you the numerous marsh plants and even give you a taste of an edible one. This tour is suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers.

Daily 10-11:30 a.m., additional Sunday tour 1-2:30 p.m.
Members: $10/adult, $8/child (12 and under)
Nonmembers: $11/adult, $9/child

Family Nature Walk: Mummichogs and Marsh Muck

Registration is not required.

Explore the marsh for plants and animals through discovery-oriented, fun-filled activities that use all five senses. Participants will touch the marsh fish, the mummichog, look for the many migrating and resident birds, and look through algae to discover the minute creatures living there. This program is for “children” of all ages.

Wednesdays
10:30 a.m.-noon
$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available)

Early Morning Birding

Registration is not required.

The best birding is often early morning when birds are busy feeding. Look and listen for snowy egret, glossy ibis, herons, willet, sparrows and more. We start our tours at the nature center and carpool to birding "hotspots" in the immediate area. Birders of all levels and abilities are welcome to join.

Wednesdays starting June 25,

7-8:30 a.m.
$3/member, $5/nonmember, volunteers free

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Paddlers of all abilities welcome on all tours.

Annual Snowy Egret 5K Walk/Run

Start the summer off on the right foot by taking part in the annual Snowy Egret 5K Run/Walk to benefit Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. The race starts at the center on Route 9 then follows the Eastern Trail to Peterson Field. A 1K Fun Run for kids will start and end at the Pine Point end of the Eastern Trail. Get the whole family involved! Sponsored by the Chiropractic Family Wellness Center.

For more information click here.

Monday, May 26, 2008

8:30 a.m. Kids' Fun Run

9 a.m. 5K Run/Walk

Full Moon Canoe Tours
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. Watch for black-crowned night heron along the bank or snowy egret flying back to a nearby island for the evening. We may even see a harbor seal or a muskrat playing in the water.

June 17,18; July 16,17,18; August 14,15,16;
8-9:30 p.m. (arrive no later than 7:30)

September 13,14
7-8:30 p.m. (arrive no later than 6:30)
Members: $11/adult, $9/child (12 and under)
Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Snowy Egret Day
Registration necessary for plant walk only. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

In junction with the 350th Anniversary celebration of Scarborough we will have a a full day of family fun, including a bird walk, photography instruction, clam digging demonstration, canoe tours, history and nature walks, a used-book sale, art and nature craft-making sessions for all ages, and more.

Events will take place at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center and several other locations around the marsh. There will be programs for children as well as displays and information about the marsh's unique ecosystem.

        Saturday, July 12

        Free admission

Nature Walk: Edible and Medicinal Plants
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Revive the lost art of foraging by learning to recognize common wild plants. Naturalist Gary Roberts will point out these plants and tell participants about their many uses. A list of edible and medicinal plants will be provided.

Saturday, July 26 and August 23

2-3:30 p.m.
$7/member, $9/nonmember

Sunset Canoe Tour
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

This sunset paddle provides a unique opportunity to observe herons, ducks and shorebirds as they return to their roosting spots for the night. As dusk approaches, listen to the creatures of the marsh prepare to settle in for the evening, or set out on their nightly forays.

Tueaday, July 29 and Saturday August 23
7-8:30 p.m.
Members: $11/adult, $9/child (12 and under)
Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

 

Early Morning Canoe Tour
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Explore the marsh at this magical time of day when it's coming alive with the sounds and sights of birds and other marsh creatures. See the sun, low over the marsh, reflecting off the dew on the grass as flocks of sandpipers scurry along the bank probing in the mud. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome.

Saturday, August 2
6:30-8 a.m.
Members: $11/adult, $9/child (12 and under)
Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

 

Basket Making

Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Join basket-maker Stella Walsh and make a Penobscot tote basket with Shaker handles.  The class will be held on the back deck of the Audubon Center, providing great views of the marsh and migrating birds. All supplies are included; just bring a lunch.

Saturday, August 16

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

$35/member, $40/nonmember

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Nature Art
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Through various art forms we will discover some of the secrets of the marsh. Children ages 7-10 explore the marsh, and then participate in a craft activity. All sessions offer different activities. Register for one, two, three or all four.

Tuesdays, July 8, 22 and August 5, 19
10:30 a.m.-noon
$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available)

 

Good Night Nature

Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Ages 3-6 with parent/guardian

Visit Scarborough Marsh in the evening to listen to a bedtime story. Snacks and activities will accompany the program. Don’t forget to wear your PJs! Adults must accompany children.

        Tusedays, Juy 20 and Auugust 19

        6:30-7:30 p.m.

        $9/member child, $13.50/nonmember child

Interpreting the Salt Marsh Through Pottery
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

This program designed for children ages 8-11 will begin with a treasure hunt of the marsh. We’ll search for natural artifacts such as shells, grass and flowers, and then incorporate the treasures into the pottery we make.

Thursdays, July 17 and August 14
10:30 a.m.-noon
$7/member, $9/nonmember (family discounts available)

Tiny Tot Tour
Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Introduce your wee folk ages 3-5 to the unique marsh habitat through interactive, hands-on activities. They will experience the marsh firsthand, looking through algae for small critters, jumping on the mud and feeling the marsh fish, the mummichog. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesdays, July 17 and August 14
10:30 a.m.-noon
$5/member and one child, $7/nonmember and one child. Each additional child is $3/member, $4/nonmember.

Cat Tales

Registration necessary. Call (207) 781-2330 ext. 213

Bring your preschoolers ages 3-5 for a fun and exciting morning of stories, nature exploration and activities. This program includes story time and a craft activity related to the marsh or nearby ocean.

Wednesdays, July 23 and August 13

1:30 - 3 p.m
$5/member and one child, $7/nonmember and one child. Each additional child is $3/member, $4/nonmember.

Group Nature Explorations

Walking and canoe tours and specially designed programs are available for groups at a discounted price. Open to groups of all ages including school classes, community groups, families, and scout troops, all guided programs are led by trained naturalists and introduce participants to the environment around them.

Teachers receive a packet including pre- and post-trip activities, natural history information, and resources. More