Maine Audubon's naturalist-guided nature explorations introduce participants to the natural world around them. They are open to groups of all ages including school classes, community groups, families, and scout troops.

Maine Audubon's Nature Explorations are able to adapt program content to include topics of special interest or specific Maine State Learning Results content standards.

Nature Explorations Brochure 2010

Fall

Explore the Salt Marsh

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

Group size limited to 45 participants

1 1/2-hour program
$5/student; $50/group minimum

Join a Maine Audubon naturalist for this hands-on exploration of Maine's largest salt marsh. Students witness fall bird migration, study salt-marsh plants, and get a close-up look at the mummichogs and other salt-marsh creatures.

Spring

Salt marsh Explorations

Join a Maine Audubon naturalist for a hands-on exploration of Maine’s largest salt marsh. These walking and canoe programs provide an ideal opportunity to greet the return of the snowy egret, study salt-marsh plants, and get a close-up look at the mummichog, a marsh fish. The 1 1/2–hour nature explorations help students learn key ecological concepts while exploring different habitats using all their senses. Observation of plants and animals, including their adaptations and seasonal changes, are covered.

Explore the Salt Marsh

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

Group size limited to 45 participants

1 1/2-hour program

$5/student, $50/group minimum

Participants examine marsh mud, discover what lives in algae, and watch the returning birds. Walking explorations are appropriate for ages 4 and up.

Explore the Salt Marsh by Canoe

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center

Group size limited to 24 participants

1 1/2-hour program

$12/student, $120/group minimum

Participants look for seals swimming in the river, crabs crawling along the bank, and birds feeding in the mud. Canoe explorations are appropriate for grade 7 and up.

Registration

Greater Portland Area info@maineaudubon.org
(207) 781-2330, ext. 209

Greater Bangor area, and from Bucksport and Belfast to Lincoln fieldspond@maineaudubon.org
(207) 989-2591

All programs can be modified for the special interests or needs of the group.

Travel cost Assistance

The Maine Environmental Education Association offers Transportation Assistance awards to defray the cost of travel! Learn more.

Teacher Comments

“The program develops in young children lifelong appreciative attitudes towards and understandings about nature around us.” Julie Mullen,
Pond Cove Elementary School, Grade 1

"The kids loved the active involvement— looking in holes, pretending to be bees and skunks." Barbara Grant, Grade K-2

"Once again I really enjoyed my trip! Guides continue to be of great quality and enthusiasm! Thanks to all of you who keep this program going!" Wendy Day-Maynard, Grade 6

"Jim was a wonderful guide! He listened to all the children and was very caring and responsive considering the three age levels."
Gwen Hayes, K-2

"Once again our group got a lot out of our visit. Everyone did a great job interacting with the kids and encouraging them to learn about the natural world around them." Polly Wilson, Grade 7

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment is due in full on the day of your program. Schools/ organizations that cancel less than 30 days prior to the program will be billed for 50 percent of the cost. For cancellations made by Maine Audubon, no payment will be required.