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.
On a school or group visit to Scarborough Marsh, students will learn about the important role a marsh plays in our ecosystem, by making observations, exploring its wildlife, and conducting investigations along the Scarborough Marsh Nature Trail. The majority of programming is held outdoors, so students should come dressed and prepared to learn outside.
Groups are encouraged to use the restroom before coming to Scarborough Marsh, as there is no indoor plumbing. A porta potty is available on site if needed.
On a visit to Scarborough Marsh, students discover the important role marshes play in our environment, and why they’re important for humans and wildlife. Upon arrival, students will be introduced to wildlife of the marsh and discuss their unique adaptations. From there, students will walk along the Scarborough Marsh Nature Trail, conducting investigations along the way to better understand the function of marshes as a wetland, and the plants and animals that thrive here.
Scarborough Marsh has its own, pre-designed and developmentally appropriate program we deliver to groups that visit the marsh. With that in mind, we are happy to customize our program to make the content relevant to your students. Please indicate on the inquiry form any topics and vocabulary that you would like for us to highlight and incorporate.
All programs aim to be sensory and inquiry based, incorporate Next Generation Science Standards, and be culturally responsive. We recognize that students have varying levels of comfort outdoors, and we want to inspire joy and respect for the environment and all wildlife.
Program Structure
Programs are typically 60 minutes long. Upon arrival, students are introduced to wildlife artifacts from our taxidermy collection, such as river otter, muskrat or sandpiper. Groups then set off down the Scarborough Marsh Nature Trail, stopping along the way to learn about various aspects of the marsh. Investigations might include measuring the depth of the grassy ground layer, dissecting algae, dipping for mummichogs, or dispersing cattail seeds.
Group Size
We can serve between 40-50 students on a field trip. Schools are welcome to come over multiple days. Students should arrive pre-assigned to a field group of 10-15 students. Each field group must have at least one adult present for the duration of the program.Together, each field group will be guided through the program by a Maine Audubon educator.
*Field groups should have no more than 4 chaperones. There is no charge for staff and chaperones. Please contact us in advance if your group requires additional chaperones.
Pricing
$57/hour/field group
$55/hour/field group, if booking multiple programs
For more information or to schedule a program, please fill our our inquiry form here.
On a visit to Scarborough Marsh, students discover the important role marshes play in our environment, and why they’re important for humans and wildlife. Upon arrival, students will be introduced to wildlife of the marsh and discuss their unique adaptations. From there, students will walk along the Scarborough Marsh trail, conducting investigations along the way to better understand the function of marshes as a wetland, and the plants and animals that thrive here.
Scarborough Marsh has its own, pre-designed and developmentally appropriate program we deliver to groups that visit the marsh. With that in mind, we are happy to customize our program to make the content relevant to your students. Please indicate on the inquiry form any topics and vocabulary that you would like for us to highlight and incorporate.
All programs aim to be inquiry based, incorporate Next Generation Science Standards, and be culturally responsive. We recognize that students have varying levels of comfort outdoors, and we want to inspire joy and respect for the environment and all wildlife.
Program Structure
Programs are typically 90-120 minutes long. Upon arrival, students are introduced to wildlife artifacts from our taxidermy collection, such as river otter, muskrat or sandpiper. Groups then set off down the Scarborough Marsh Nature Trail, stopping along the way to learn about various aspects of the marsh. Investigations might include measuring the depth of the grassy ground layer, dissecting algae, dipping for mummichogs, or dispersing cattail seeds.
Group Size
We can serve between 40-50 students on a field trip. Schools are welcome to come over multiple days. Students should arrive pre-assigned to a field group of 10-15 students. Each field group must have at least one adult present for the duration of the program. Together, each field group will be guided through the program by a Maine Audubon educator.
Pricing
$57/hour/field group
$55/hour/field group, if booking multiple programs
CLICK HERE for a printable/shareable document with information on how staff can prepare their group for a field trip to Scarborough Marsh.
Please read and distribute the Chaperone Information Sheet to your grownups.