Upcoming programs for adults, families and children at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Pine Point Road, include:
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.
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.
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.
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 the marsh’s 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 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.
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. All levels welcome. Bring water, yoga mat and small towel.
Wednesday, 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.
Saturday, 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.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
Members: $11/adult, $9/child.
Nonmembers: $12/adult, $10/child.
For children
Nature Art
Children ages 7-10 will 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, Aug. 5, 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available)
Tiny Tot Tour
Introduces wee folk 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.
Wednesday, 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).
Cat Tales
Preschoolers ages 3-5 enjoy 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, Aug, 13, 1:30-3 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
Children ages 8-11 have a treasure hunt in the marsh to collect shells, driftwood, rocks, plant materials, and more, which they’ll then incorporate into pottery.
Thursday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
$5/member, $7/nonmember (family discounts available).
Good Night Nature
Bring your 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 PJs. Adults must accompany children.
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$9/member child, $14/nonmember child.
Registration is required for all the above programs. Call 883-5100.
Weekly programs
No registration necessary.
Canoe Tours
Discover the wildlife and plants of Scarborough Marsh while paddling the Dunstan River. See snowy egrets catching fish along the river’s edge to mummichogs swimming in the water as a guide points out numerous marsh plants. 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. Tours start at the Audubon center and then 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. Participants will 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).
Canoe Rentals
Discover the meandering Dunstan River on a self-guided exploration of the salt marsh. The center provides the canoe, map and guidebook, as well as life preservers and paddles.
Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Per hour: $13/member and for Maine residents on Sundays, $15/nonmember. Half day: $50.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is open daily, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Labor Day; and open weekends in September.
Audubon marsh programs in full swing
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