Snowy Egret Day August 16 Features Activities for Kids and Adults

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center offers canoe rentals and tours

SCARBOROUGH, Maine, August 8, 2008—On Saturday, August 16, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center will hold the annual celebration of its mascot bird, the snowy egret, as well as other wildlife with free nature activities for children and adults.

“Snowy Egret Day has always been a fun way for people to get out and enjoy all that Scarborough Marsh has to offer,” said Linda Woodard, center director.

Snowy Egret Day activities include:

Bird walk: 7 a.m., free
Canoe tour: 10 a.m., free

Basket making: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., small fee; call (207) 883-5100 to reserve a spot

Ongoing from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be a used-book sale, nature craft-making sessions and more, including special programs for children as well as displays and information about the marsh’s unique ecosystem.

There is no entrance fee, but donations are accepted. For details on Snowy Egret Day activities, call (207) 883-5100.

Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Labor Day and weekends in September, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Route 9/Pine Point Road 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. 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.

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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