
Protecting the Critical Edge
Of significant concern for the future is the protection of the first 250' - 500' of upland known as the 'critical edge' of the marsh. The effects of upland fringe fragmentation and habitat loss due to development, and polluted run off linger and compromise the biological vitality of the marsh.
The long-term health of the Scarborough Marsh depends upon protecting significant vegetated buffers that filter water flowing into the marsh, and provide critical habitat for the many species that depend upon this fragile gem. The Scarborough Marsh is a resource to treasure.
Today much of this upland edge around Scarborough Marsh is undeveloped, but also unprotected. Friends of Scarborough Marsh and its partners, including the Scarborough Land Trust and Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, are working to conserve the remaining unfragmented critical edge. Highlights in land conservation include the Gervais Acquisition (2009), the Jannelle Acquisition (2014), the Maier Property (2015) and the Blue Point Preserve (2019) Click to view a map of conserved lands in Scarborough.
Of significant concern for the future is the protection of the first 250' - 500' of upland known as the 'critical edge' of the marsh. The effects of upland fringe fragmentation and habitat loss due to development, and polluted run off linger and compromise the biological vitality of the marsh.
The long-term health of the Scarborough Marsh depends upon protecting significant vegetated buffers that filter water flowing into the marsh, and provide critical habitat for the many species that depend upon this fragile gem. The Scarborough Marsh is a resource to treasure.
Today much of this upland edge around Scarborough Marsh is undeveloped, but also unprotected. Friends of Scarborough Marsh and its partners, including the Scarborough Land Trust and Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, are working to conserve the remaining unfragmented critical edge. Highlights in land conservation include the Gervais Acquisition (2009), the Jannelle Acquisition (2014), the Maier Property (2015) and the Blue Point Preserve (2019) Click to view a map of conserved lands in Scarborough.