History: The Scarborough Marsh has been an important part of the community since the days when the Sokokis Native Americans fished, clammed, trapped, and hunted in the marsh. Once Europeans moved into the area they also used the marsh for salt and summer pasture. In more recent times, the marsh was in danger of being developed and lost. It took the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife twenty years to acquire the marsh. In 1972 in partnership with Maine Audubon, an old clam shack became the nature center.
Wildlife Species: Waterfowl is abundant including egrets, osprey, ducks, and herons. Birds of prey such as hawks and bald eagles may also be viewed. Wildlife that live in the salt marsh include mink, seals. and muskrats.
Recreational Activities: Walking, kayaking, canoeing birdwatching, biking, and wildlife observation.
Trails: Scarborough Marsh Nature Trail is .3 miles of easy to moderate walking. Eleven stations along the way provide information about what you are actually seeing. The Eastern Trail from Saco to Scarborough traverses the Scarborough Marsh and allows leashed dogs.
On-Site Amenities: Canoe and kayak rentals, nature store, exhibits, guided or self-guided tours.
Season: The Visitor Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The first two weeks of June are weekends only, and then it is open every day. It is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Boat and kayak rentals are on the same schedule as the Visitor Center. The trail is open year-round.
Fees: Entrance is free but rentals for canoes and kayaks have fees, $22/hour; $30/1.5 hours; $38/2 hours with a $50 maximum.
Directions & Parking: From US Route 1 in Scarborough, turn east onto ME Route 9 Drive 0.8 miles on the left to the Audubon Center. Parking is unpaved and could become flooded at high tide. The trail begins on the opposite side of ME Route 9.
