Paddling to the Heart of the Marsh

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center offers canoe rentals and tours

SCARBOROUGH, Maine, July 9, 2008—Scarborough Marsh is a dynamic environment with a range of wildlife and scenic opportunities that changes from sunrise to evening and from high tide to low. This summer, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center offers a number of chances to experience these wonders as they unfold all around you—by canoe. Whether morning or night, or with a naturalist guide or on your own, these explorations are fun, informative and memorable for all ages.

Full Moon Canoe Tours

See the full moon like never before—sparkling off the waters of Scarborough Marsh as the night herons prowl. Drink in the moonlight, listen to night sounds and watch for harbor seal and muskrat plying the waters of this vast expanse of wildlife-rich habitat.

July 15, 16, 17; August 14, 15, 16, 8-9:30 p.m., and September 13, 14, 7-8:30 p.m.

Maine Audubon members: $11/adult, $9/child

Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Sunset Canoe Tours

As dusk approaches, listen to the creatures of the marsh settling in for the evening, or setting out on their nightly forays. Paddling quietly through the marsh offers the chance to watch herons, ducks, and shorebirds returning to their roosting spots for the night.

Tuesday, July 29, and Saturday, August 23, 7-8:30 p.m.

Maine Audubon members: $11/adult, $9/child

Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Early Morning Canoe Tour

Explore the marsh as it comes alive with the sounds and sights of birds and other marsh creatures. See the rising sun reflecting off the dew on the grass as flocks of sandpipers scurry along the bank. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome.

Saturday, August 2, 6:30-8 a.m.

Maine Audubon members: $11/adult, $9/child

Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Canoe Rentals

Discover the meandering Dunstan River on your self-guided exploration of the salt marsh. We provide the canoe, map, and guidebook as well as life preservers and paddles.

Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Per hour: $13/Maine Audubon member and for Maine residents on Sundays, $15/nonmember

Half day: $50

Canoe Tours

Discover the wildlife and plants of Scarborough Marsh as you paddle the Dunstan River. See snowy egrets catching fish along the river’s edge and mummichogs swimming in the water as a guide shows you numerous marsh plants—you may even get a taste of one. Suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers.

Daily, 10-11:30 a.m.; additional Sunday tour, 1-2:30 p.m.

Maine Audubon members: $10/adult, $8/child

Nonmembers: $11/adult, $9/child

(Deduct $1.50 per person if providing your own canoe.)

Private Tours

Have your next group outing on the marsh. Private canoe tours can be arranged for family reunions, company outings, community groups or other get-togethers. There is a 10-person minimum. Call (207) 883-5100 for pricing and more information.

Volunteers needed

Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center needs volunteers ages 14 and up this summer to help with canoe rentals, nature walks and other projects. Volunteers able to lift canoes in and out of the water are especially needed.

SCARBOROUGH MARSH AUDUBON CENTER provides a variety of guided and self-guided walks and canoe tours as well as exhibits, a nature trail, canoe rentals and a Maine Audubon Nature Store. An aquarium, mounted birds and mammals, and interactive exhibits are also featured at the center. All guided programs are led by trained naturalists.

The center is located on Pine Point Road in Scarborough and is open daily, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Labor Day and weekends through September. Please call (207) 883-5100 for more information or to register for programs.

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.

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine's wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation, and action. With a 160-year history, Maine Audubon today is affiliated with Audubon’s national organization and has seven local chapters in the state. Support for Maine Audubon comes from 11,000 member households and donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations.

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