The end of April, to me, marks the unofficial start of the season for us at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. The spring cleanup, held around Earth Day, is an annual event that brings community together, rain or shine, to help pick up trash and prepare the center for the upcoming season.
This year, the cleanup brought together more than 60 volunteers to pick up trash from Route 1 to Pine Point Road down to the Fisherman’s Co-op. Fishing lures were found, cans were Clynk-ed, and everyone was happy to enjoy a sunny, spring day at the marsh.
I want to give all my gratitude to the individuals, families, and organizations who gave their time, enthusiasm, and resources. Thank you to Scarborough Land Trust, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Town of Scarborough for all their support with the annual event. We collected around 50 bags of trash in just one morning!
As spring migration starts to ramp up in May, the marsh becomes a well-visited spot for birds and birders alike. Many migratory birds stop in and around the marsh to rest and find food along their journey. Great and Snowy Egrets can be seen around pools of water called salt pannes waiting patiently for their next meal, Glossy Ibis are searching through the mud with their long, curved bills, and Red-Winged Blackbirds are singing in full chorus this time of year.
If you’re looking to go birding around at Scarborough Marsh, our weekly Wednesday morning bird walks start on May 13. The walks are free to attend and the group meets at the nature center at 8 am before traveling to other areas of the marsh.
Spring also marks the time when schools begin to take field trips, mid-May to mid-June, to the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. For many students, a field trip to Scarborough Marsh is a highlight of the year for them. Students get to discover how plants, animals, birds, and insects adapt in an ever-changing environment like a salt marsh.
Learn more about upcoming programs and events happening this summer at the Scarborough Marsh on our events page here.
Curious about volunteer opportunities at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center or other locations? Visit our volunteer page here.
