scarborough marsh audubon center

Took my daughter here for a program and we both learned an enormous amount about the marsh. Very outdated building, I often fear that it will be flooded during bad storms but that's to be expected due to it's location. This is a must see place for nature lovers.

This was a physically easy and emotionally satisfying way to spend a few hours away from the commotion of the city. It's only about 30 min from Portland proper, but you feel worlds away. We shared a canoe and paddled the glassy water following a meandering "river" inside the marsh. Dozens of white egrets, sandpipers, and other birds were quite lively in the estuary, even at midday. Bring sunscreen and a hat and/or wear long sleeves/pants -- there no shade except for clouds. This was a lot of fun and we saw young and old alike enjoying it. Great family experience, and a romantic one for a couple. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

The people who run the center and the young woman who lead our program were courteous and very welcoming. The nature walk and talk were the right length if time for the age group and the activity (incorporating things the children found on the walk into clay sculptures they made themselves) was great!we are sure to come back and do more!

If you like nature and want a chnge from the paved roads and beach life, try this. Very peaceful out on the marsh.

Quiet, peaceful and relaxing while appreciating nature in its glory. Sunrise and sunsets are just breathtaking. The animals and mammals are always full of surprises. Now you see them, now you don't. It's just an amazing place to visit.

Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough Marsh Nature Center: 3,100 acre estuary is the largest salt marsh in the state, comprising of tidal marsh, salt creeks, freshwater marsh, and uplands. Very nice for nature lovers.

Center is open seasonally, and closes after Labor Day. Restrooms close, too. But -- if you are prepared, you are in for amazing, up close views of birds you may never have seen before -- or only seen at a distance. We saw at least a dozen species in under 20 minutes while standing in the shade -- and no bugs. Frequent seashore birders will understand how unusual that is. Add in the fact that I got a life bird in that short period of time and you begin to understand birders' ecstasy. Since you can get quite close to the birds here, it's great for children -- but they need to understand they need to be quiet and stay still so they don't scare the birds. There are numerous stopping places along Pine Point Rd, including an Eastern Trail that takes you out over and through the marshland. Entrance is approx. 1/2 mile down the road from the nature center. Parking is sufficient at both places.Kayak rentals available seasonally, but you can see a lot from dry land -- and don't risk your camera if you stand on the trail.

Wonderful place to take a walk or rent a canoe and paddle the marsh. Friendly staff and lots of stuff for kids to do.

This is a real canoeing experience but on the gentle marsh so a good choice for going out with kids. There is also a nature center with lots of activities for kids, and a very friendly volunteer staff who engaged the kids and were eager to help. A fun time.

Looks like a rundown shack, but it is clean and full of interesting things. Kids can touch everything and will learn lots of interesting facts. Adults can do anything from just wander around observing the marsh to renting a canoe for a moonlight tour.

Saw a lot of locals biking, jogging, and walking. A sanctuary for birds and expansive view of marsh lands. A different side of Maine's natural beauty.

On a crisp day bright with fall colors, this proves to be a great place for nature photography. The Center is on ME 9 north of Pine Point Beach. Parking is a dirt lot. The estuary on which the Center sits is Maine’s largest. Its 3,100 or so acres embrace 2,700 acres of salt marsh, five tidal rivers, several smaller streams, some coastal freshwater marsh, tidal flats, and about 200 acres of upland habitat. The Center itself features trails, exhibits, a nature store, and canoe rentals. Cheerful Center volunteers are helpful with options and directions. Guided walks and canoe tours are available. In season, canoe rentals are $30 for two hours. I opted for the Center’s self-guided nature trail. There's a detailed brochure for it. The trail has 11 stations, mostly east of ME 9. Use caution if you cross the highway. No bicycles or off-road vehicles can use the trail. The trail's natural history displays are informative. Seabirds and shorebirds are abundant, but even the sea grasses make intriguing studies. Nearby is the Eastern Trail, part of a growing coastal network; it permits bicycling and bisects the marsh. Bring the entire family to this Center; it’s a wonderful way to discover and connect with Nature!

My teenage son wanted to do some canoeing or kayaking while we were at Old orchard beach for a long weekend. So I asked the condo manager for a recommended place to go that is good for both teenagers and young kids. My sister in-law was with us and she has a 6 and 8 year old. The manager recommended the Scarborough Audubon Center. The center is located right on the salt marsh and has a small store and some displays of the local animals that you can see in the marsh. We decided to rennet 2 canoes with 3 people each. The price was $16 per hour which is really reasonable. You can stay as long as you want. They supply the life vest and the assistant showed us how to paddle and steer. They also have a guided tour in which one of the naturalists goes out as a guide. But we decided to just do our own. The location of the center is about mid marsh so they recommend that you go against the tide on the out leg and have the tide and current help you on the way back. You can do what you want but we followed their recommendation. We had a lot of fun and wished we had time to stay longer. The staff was very helpful and we will definitely do it again. I know there are other places to go but this was easy and reasonably priced compared to some of the other ones. One note is that if you have your own canoe or kayak you can launch them from the center.

Grab a canoe and take the kids out for a ride, you will be making memories. It was $16 bucks for an hour....the marshes are quite impressive like a maze. I would take both sunblock and repellant, and wear hats with visors, and sunglasses.

One of the best places to view a classic salt marsh - up close and personal. Whether you take a hike or rent a canoe you are sure to enjoy your visit. The folks at the Center are also excellent, full of enthusiasm and advice. Must see if you are in the area.Try to check the tides. And if you are lucky look for a moonlight canoe trip!Free to visit, canoes for rent or bring your own. Several tours - some free, some for $.