For many, Labor Day Weekend signifies the transition into the fall season. Schools are starting back up, sunny days at the beach give way to cooler mornings, and for us at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, that means the end of the summer season, but one that ended with some of our busiest days of the year!
The weekend brought sunny skies and warm temperatures which meant canoes and kayaks paddled along the Dunstan River all day long. Kids and adults alike crafted their own animal puppets and made seed balls filled with native aster, goldenrod, and milkweed seeds. Many folks stopped by to check out our used book sale as well!
Over the course of the summer, we saw more than 1,500 visitors from all over the United States and the world! Forty-six of the 50 states were represented as well as 16 countries, with visitors traveling as far as Australia and New Zealand. About 255 participants attended specialty canoe tours and 80 adults and children attended education programs at the center.
I want to thank the team of 80+ seasonal staff and volunteers who dedicated their time and energy throughout the summer to support the center in numerous ways. One of my greatest joys of working at the center is getting to connect and collaborate with folks who care deeply about protecting Maine wildlife and special habitats like the Scarborough Marsh.
If you’re still looking to explore Scarborough Marsh throughout September, the Wednesday morning bird walks will continue through September 30. The group meets at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center at 8 am before traveling to birding hotspots around the marsh.
For anyone interested in volunteer opportunities at the center, Maine Audubon will be hosting its annual Fall Cleanup at the center. Sponsored by Back Cove Financial, this popular annual volunteer event will be held at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Saturday, October 3 from 9 am to 12 pm. We encourage all individuals, families, and business groups to join us to pick up trash around the Scarborough Marsh and prepare the center for the winter. Treats and refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you then and again in the summer of 2027!
