Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center Marks 1,000 Volunteers Hours in 2006 Season

SCARBOROUGH, Maine, October 26, 2006

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center enjoyed a record-breaking 1,000-plus volunteer hours in its 2006 season, which began Saturday, May 27 and ended Sunday, October 15.

Drug-store clerks, professors, nurses, students, and a mason and computer programmer were among the 44 volunteers who led tours, worked in the store, created exhibits and displays, and helped maintain the facility this summer.

“We couldn’t operate without our volunteers,” said Linda Woodard, director of the center. “Besides much-needed help, they provide a variety of background and expertise that invigorates the staff and other volunteers.”

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is closed until Memorial Day weekend 2007, but visitors are welcome to stop by the center to pick up a trail guide or scavenger hunt guide to explore the marsh on their own.

Community members can also stay involved with the center by:

Bringing gifts to be wrapped by center staff and volunteers at Border’s by the Maine Mall in South Portland from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 17.

Giving friends and family gift certificates for a Full Moon Canoe Tour in 2007 (call [207] 781-2330, ext. 201, for more information).

Donating the following items on the center’s “wish list”: flag pole, kayaks and paddles, 16” canoes, canoe paddles, canoe cushions, canoe seats, walkie-talkies, children’s books about marshes or oceans, DVD player, or art supplies.

Located on Pine Point Road, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center provides a variety of guided and self-guided walks and canoe tours as well as interactive exhibits, a nature trail, canoe rentals and a Maine Audubon Nature Store. An aquarium and mounted birds and mammals exhibits are also featured at the center. All guided programs are led by trained naturalists.

Owned and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the 3,100 acre estuary known as Scarborough Marsh is the largest salt marsh in the state, comprising tidal marsh, salt creeks, freshwater marsh and uplands. The marsh is particularly important for wildlife as a resting, breeding and feeding ground.

For more information on Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, call (207) 781-2330, ext 213.

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