Scarborough Rotary installs interpretative signs along marsh nature trail

According to a May 19 news release, the Rotary Club of Scarborough was awarded a $4,000 grant from Rotary District 7780 in August 2022 for an interpretive nature walk and improvements to an important Scarborough Marsh nature trail just across from the Scarborough March Nature Center at 92 Pine Point Road. The work was completed on May 10.

Rotary Club of Scarborough was awarded a $4,000 grant from Rotary District 7780 in August 2022 for an interpretive nature walk and improvements to a Scarborough Marsh nature trail. Courtesy photo

The interpretive nature walk introduces visitors and students to marsh ecology and its importance through a series of interpretive signs posted along the trail. Thirteen signs were installed along the trail, including a location sign, a sign containing detailed marsh information, and a series of 11 weatherproof interpretive signs along the trail. The 11 signs guide visitors along the trail while telling a story of the marsh using Kimberley Ridley’s book, “The Secret Bay,” to point out various features as they walk .

Scarborough Rotary worked with the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center (Maine Audubon), Friends of Scarborough Marsh, Maine Department of Inland, Fisheries and Wildlife (marsh land holders), and the town of Scarborough on the project.

Many regional schools use the Scarborough Marsh Nature Center for field trips in the spring and fall to learn about the marsh ecosystem by exploring it. The trail and signage will help educators teach the environmental significance and conservation of the Scarborough Marsh for years to come.

According to the the Rotary Club, “Scarborough Marsh is Maine’s largest salt marsh with 3,100 acres. It is a classroom for school children, a laboratory for biologists, prime territory for fishermen and hunters, and a fascinating, everchanging world for naturalists, especially birders. “We hope everyone will visit this new interpretative nature trail. Scarborough Rotary is excited to use this grant to help sustain and improve our community.”