Just south of Portland in the middle of quickly developing Scarborough is the largest saltwater marsh in Maine. Because of its proximity to a densely populated and heavily traveled area, the marsh is in constant need of protection and help from the people who live and work around it.

The 3,100 acres of protected marshland contain about 2,700 acres of salt marsh, five tidal rivers, many small streams, a few sections of coastal fresh water marsh and mud flats. Inside of all that live 27 endangered, threatened or rare bird species, and all of coastal Southern Maine’s threatened plants and animals.

This is what the Friends of Scarborough Marsh, the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Nature Center and Scarborough Land Trust continually work to protect. The latest effort to raise community awareness about the marsh and the need to protect and preserve it is Scarborough Marsh Day, which will be held Aug. 12.

For the early risers, events will kick off with a 6 to 8 a.m. marsh photography workshop. Throughout the day until noon, various volunteers will give guided canoe tours through the marsh, lead birding expeditions, dig clams and explain why the marsh is a vital part of Maine’s coast.

Linda Woodard, director of the Nature Center, will lead a birding expedition along the Eastern Trail, though she said they will wander where the birds take them.

“What’s going to be fun is that migration is in full swing,” said Woodard, who hopes to see large groups of herons preparing to fly off. Other birds that should be out include sand pipers and egrets, though there are bound to be many more, she added.

The Nature Center, located on Pine Point Road, will have programs running from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. At the center, there will be a book sale, crafts for kids and a wild flower walk.

“This is something for adults and kids alike,” said Laurene Swaney, president of the Scarborough Land Trust. “You can pick and choose what events to go to.”

Swaney will be giving a tour of the Libby River Farm, the first piece of land the Trust ever purchased. When the land was slated for development, the Trust worked to keep it valuable open space.

“This day is a way for people to see what’s really on the ground,” said Swaney. “It’s so folks can see what goes on out there and get them connected to their back yard.”

Swaney’s hope is that by getting people out into the marsh, they will see why it’s so important to protect. As opposed to the fundraisers the Land Trust and Friends of Scarborough Marsh usually hold, this is a way to physically introduce people to the marsh and all of the living things it supports.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has designated the marsh as an essential fish habitat. It’s also a vital place for a huge variety of birds, shellfish and plant life. The local groups presenting Marsh Day work hard to make sure restoration projects help restore proper water levels and keep out invasive species that threaten to push out the natural ones.

C.D. Armstrong, who is with the Friends of Scarborough Marsh, will be helping with the discussion on the various restoration efforts he’s helped organize.

“We want people to realize how valuable the marsh is,” said Armstrong. “A very small fraction of people who enjoy the marsh actually help to preserve it.”

A benefit of the day, said Armstrong, would be finding new people interested in the marsh.

“We want people to say to themselves, ‘you know what, it’s time to get involved,'” he said.

Swaney agrees, and hopes that the day of fun and education will raise awareness of all of the marsh’s unique features and important roles in the greater Maine eco system.

At noon, the final activity of the day will be a bring your own food picnic at the Bayley’s campground with a performance by the Maine Hysterical Society.

The Hysterical Society is a variety comedy act that includes Maine humor, “wicked good” juggling and other skits, performances and songs. Parking will be available at Bayley’s in the morning and a shuttle will stop at different event locations up and down Pine Point Road. For more information and a schedule of events, go to www.scarboroughmaine.com/marsh.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has designated the Scarborough Marsh as an essential fish habitat.In an effort to raise community awareness about the Scarborough Marsh, the Friends of Scarborough Marsh, the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Nature Center and Scarborough Land Trust will be holding Scarborough Marsh Day on Aug. 12. Activities begin at 6 a.m. and run through noon.

Copy the Story Link