The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Pine Point Road in Scarborough offers a variety of summer programs that allow visitors to explore Scarborough Marsh and learn about the plants and animals that are a part of the marsh ecosystem.

The center offers custom tours and daily canoe rentals from 9:30 a.m.-4p.m. For more information or to register, call 883-5100.

350th Anniversary of Scarborough

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center joins Scarborough in celebrating the town’s 350th anniversary with bird and marsh ecology walks. We will also have exhibits and programs at the 350th “village” in town.

Bird walk: Saturday, July 12, 7 a.m.

Marsh ecology walk: Sunday, July 13, 7 a.m.

Introduction to Canoeing

Join Master Maine Guide George Libby to learn basic canoe strokes, safety techniques, canoeing equipment, and how to plan a canoe trip.

Participants receive classroom instruction and experience on the river.

Sunday, July 13

9 a.m.-noon

$20/member, $25/nonmember

Full Moon Canoe Tours

Experience the sights and sounds of Maine’s largest salt marsh under the full moon. Watch for black-crowned night herons stalking the bank for prey, listen to strange night sounds, and maybe catch sight of a harbor seal or a muskrat plying the waters of this vast expanse of wildlife-rich habitat.

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

Members: $11/adult, $9/child

Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Butterfly Survey

Join Maine Butterfly Survey monitors as they identify butterflies for a new statewide monitoring project. You’ll go to various spots in the marsh to look for these winged insects and then watch as they’re caught, identified, photographed, and released.

Saturday, July 19

1-3 p.m.

Free (donations accepted)

Yoga: Restoring and Maintaining Balance

With a holistic approach, this class enhances the connection of body, mind, and spirit through a mix of yoga postures, breathing, and meditation. We will focus on reducing stress, and increasing strength, balance, and flexibility, while connecting with the peaceful surroundings of nature. All levels welcome. Please bring water, yoga mat, and small towel.

Wednesdays, July 23, and Aug. 20

5:30-6:30 p.m.

$9/member, $11/nonmember

Nature Walk: Edible and Medicinal Marsh Plants

Revive the lost art of foraging by learning to recognize common wild plants. Naturalist Gary Roberts will point out species, telling you about their many uses. A list of edible and medicinal plants will be provided.

Saturdays, July 26, and Aug. 23

2-3:30 p.m.

$7/member, $9/nonmember

Sunset Canoe Tours

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

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

Members: $11/adult, $9/child

Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Early Morning Canoe Tour

Explore the marsh while 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 probing in the mud. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome.

Saturday, Aug. 2

6:30-8 a.m.

Members: $11/adult, $9/child

Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child

Snowy Egret Day

Experience a day of family fun, including a bird walk, canoe tours, used book sale, basket making, full-moon canoe tour and more. There will be special programs for children as well as displays and information about our unique ecosystem.

Saturday, Aug. 16

7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free (fee for some tours)

Basket Making

Join basket-maker Stella Walsh to make a Penobscot tote basket with Shaker handles. Held on the back deck of Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, the class will have a stunning backdrop of the marsh and migrating birds. All supplies included; just bring a lunch.

Saturday, Aug. 16

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

$35/member, $40/nonmember

Weekly Programs

No registration necessary.

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 to mummichogs swimming in the water as a guide shows you numerous marsh plants and even 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.

Members: $10/adult, $8/child

Nonmembers: $11/adult, $9/child

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

Early Morning Birding

The best birding is often early morning when birds are busy feeding. Look and listen for snowy egrets, glossy ibis, herons, willets, sparrows, and more. We start our tours at the Audubon center and carpool to birding hot spots in the immediate area. Birders of all levels are welcome to join.

Wednesdays

7-8:30 a.m.

$3/member, $5/nonmember

Family Nature Walk: Mummichogs and Marsh Muck

Explore the marsh for plants and animals through discovery-oriented, fun-filled activities that require all five senses. You’ll touch a mummichog (marsh fish), watch many migrating and resident birds, and explore algae to discover the minute creatures living there. For “children” of all ages.

Wednesdays

10:30 a.m.-noon

$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available)

For Children

(Advance registration necessary)

Nature Art

Drop off children ages 7-10 so they can discover some of the secrets of the marsh through various art forms. They’ll explore the marsh and then participate in a craft activity. Each session offers a different activity.

Tuesdays, July 8, 22, and Aug. 5, 19

10:30 a.m.-noon

$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available)

Tiny Tot Tour

Introduce children ages 3-5 to the unique world of the salt marsh through interactive, hands-on activities. They’ll experience the marsh firsthand, looking through algae for small critters, jumping on the mud, and touching a marsh fish, the mummichog.

Children must be accompanied by an adult Wednesdays, July 16, and Aug. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

$5/member and one child, $7/nonmember and one child (each additional child $3/member, $4/nonmember)

Interpreting the Salt Marsh through Pottery

Drop off children ages 8-11 for a treasure hunt in the marsh to collect shells, driftwood, rocks, plant materials, and more – which they’ll then incorporate into pottery.

Thursdays, July 17, and Aug. 14

10:30 a.m.-noon

$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available)

Cat Tales

Bring preschoolers ages 3-5 for a fun and exciting morning of stories, nature exploration, and activities. The program includes story time and a craft activity related to the marsh or nearby ocean.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 23, and Aug. 13

1:30-3 p.m.

$5/member and one child, $7/nonmember and one child (each additional child $3/member, $4/nonmember)

Good Night Nature

Bring children ages 3-6 to Scarborough Marsh for the evening to listen to a nature story. Snacks and activities will accompany the program. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas. Adults must accompany children.

Tuesdays, July 29, and Aug. 19

6:30-7:30 p.m.

$9/member child, $14/nonmember child