RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS

Scarborough Marsh Phragmites Salinity Study by Steven Pinette and Anthony DeVecchis
In early 2020, Friends of Scarborough Marsh (FOSM) approved funding for field research to
characterize the salinity of groundwater and shallow soil porewater in several areas of the
Scarborough Marsh where extensive Phragmites stands dominate the marsh vegetation and
where stormwater conveyance structures such as ditches, culverts and pipes discharge runoff
onto the marsh fringe and the high-marsh plain. Based on findings from this study, strategies to manage Phragmites might include diversion of stormwater runoff with plans by FOSM to explore with the town of Scarborough.
In early 2020, Friends of Scarborough Marsh (FOSM) approved funding for field research to
characterize the salinity of groundwater and shallow soil porewater in several areas of the
Scarborough Marsh where extensive Phragmites stands dominate the marsh vegetation and
where stormwater conveyance structures such as ditches, culverts and pipes discharge runoff
onto the marsh fringe and the high-marsh plain. Based on findings from this study, strategies to manage Phragmites might include diversion of stormwater runoff with plans by FOSM to explore with the town of Scarborough.
FRIENDS OF SCARBOROUGH MARSH WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM REPORT
This collection effort for the Maine DEP's Volunteer River Monitoring Program (VRMP) summarizes three years of monitoring by volunteers with Friends of the Scarborough Marsh at eight different sites throughout the Scarborough Marsh Watershed. |

Soil salinity and the occurrence of invasive Phragmites australis in Scarborough Marsh by Anthony DeVecchis and Dr. Joseph K Staples
Previous research suggests that decreased soil salinity may be an important factor in the spread of the invasive plant Phragmites australis in tidal marshes. In this research, University of Southern Maine student Anthony DeVecchis analyzed salinity, temperature, and moisture in the upper tidal reaches of Scarborough Marsh. These data, when combined with plant community dynamics, suggest a correlation between decreased soil salinity and the presence of the invasive species of Phragmites australis. Ongoing research by FOSM suggests that these low-salinity zones are associated with areas receiving concentrated stormwater discharge from roads, parking lots, and residential and commercial development. Results from this research, coupled with ongoing research by FOSM, will be used to guide future research and management strategies related to invasive plants in the Scarborough Marsh and similar coastal ecosystems systems.
digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/thinking-matters-symposium/2021/oral-presentations/11/
Previous research suggests that decreased soil salinity may be an important factor in the spread of the invasive plant Phragmites australis in tidal marshes. In this research, University of Southern Maine student Anthony DeVecchis analyzed salinity, temperature, and moisture in the upper tidal reaches of Scarborough Marsh. These data, when combined with plant community dynamics, suggest a correlation between decreased soil salinity and the presence of the invasive species of Phragmites australis. Ongoing research by FOSM suggests that these low-salinity zones are associated with areas receiving concentrated stormwater discharge from roads, parking lots, and residential and commercial development. Results from this research, coupled with ongoing research by FOSM, will be used to guide future research and management strategies related to invasive plants in the Scarborough Marsh and similar coastal ecosystems systems.
digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/thinking-matters-symposium/2021/oral-presentations/11/

FINAL PHRAGMITES REPORT by Normandeau for FOSM
In 2019 FOSM worked with partners to develop a strategy and secure funding for implementing the report recommendations. Learn more about fighting Phragmites, an invasive weed, and what the results of months of testing have provided us by clicking the file below! Thank you to our consultant Normandeau Associates, Inc for conducting this work.
In 2019 FOSM worked with partners to develop a strategy and secure funding for implementing the report recommendations. Learn more about fighting Phragmites, an invasive weed, and what the results of months of testing have provided us by clicking the file below! Thank you to our consultant Normandeau Associates, Inc for conducting this work.

STREAM CROSSING SURVEY OF THE SCARBOROUGH MARSH WATERSHED
This survey was conducted by Friends of Scarborough Marsh board member and president Steve Pinette in 2017. The compiled data from this report will be used by the Friends of Scarborough Marsh to help guide future efforts related to safeguarding and improving the ecologic health of the Marsh.
This survey was conducted by Friends of Scarborough Marsh board member and president Steve Pinette in 2017. The compiled data from this report will be used by the Friends of Scarborough Marsh to help guide future efforts related to safeguarding and improving the ecologic health of the Marsh.
ADAPTATION TO SEA LEVEL RISE REPORT - A REGIONAL APPROACH IN SACO BAY MAINE: PREPARED BY FOSM BOARD MEMBER PETER SLOVINSKY
Peter Slovinsky is a marine geologist with Maine Geological Survey for Maine Department of Conservation and board member of the Friends of Scarborough Marsh. This report was sponsored by NOAA and Maine Coastal Program and with project partners Maine Department of Conservation Geological Survey and Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission
Peter Slovinsky is a marine geologist with Maine Geological Survey for Maine Department of Conservation and board member of the Friends of Scarborough Marsh. This report was sponsored by NOAA and Maine Coastal Program and with project partners Maine Department of Conservation Geological Survey and Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission

MILL BROOK WATER QUALITY STUDY Friends of Scarborough Marsh
The Friends of the Scarborough Marsh (FOSM) has completed an eight month water quality study of Mill Brook, a tributary of the Nonesuch River. The project, focusing on a 1.7 mile stretch of the creek running from Sawyer Road, under US Rte 1 to the Eastern Trail, aimed to identify constraints the town faces in improving water quality to levels that would permit reopening clam flats for harvest. Overall, water quality was good, with one major exception: coliform bacteria rated as poor at all four sampling sites during every month except January, 2012.
The Friends of the Scarborough Marsh (FOSM) has completed an eight month water quality study of Mill Brook, a tributary of the Nonesuch River. The project, focusing on a 1.7 mile stretch of the creek running from Sawyer Road, under US Rte 1 to the Eastern Trail, aimed to identify constraints the town faces in improving water quality to levels that would permit reopening clam flats for harvest. Overall, water quality was good, with one major exception: coliform bacteria rated as poor at all four sampling sites during every month except January, 2012.
Scarborough Marsh Salt Marsh Restoration Monitoring Projects: Tetra Tech 2014 report presentation
Centuries of human activity resulted in restriction of tidal flow, fragmentation of marshlands, habitat loss and the spread of invasive plants, especially phragmites. Friends of Scarborough Marsh has been the catalyst behind more than 10 successful restoration projects that have improved natural tidal flow. Tetratech was contracted by USFWS and FOSM in 2001 to develop monitoring protocols for restoration work performed at Scarborough Marsh sites: Seavey Landing, Cascade Brook, Mill Brook and the Nonesuch River. Presentation by Sarah Watts.
Centuries of human activity resulted in restriction of tidal flow, fragmentation of marshlands, habitat loss and the spread of invasive plants, especially phragmites. Friends of Scarborough Marsh has been the catalyst behind more than 10 successful restoration projects that have improved natural tidal flow. Tetratech was contracted by USFWS and FOSM in 2001 to develop monitoring protocols for restoration work performed at Scarborough Marsh sites: Seavey Landing, Cascade Brook, Mill Brook and the Nonesuch River. Presentation by Sarah Watts.

06/2010 MILLBROOK SALT MARSH YEAR 5 POST-RESTORATION MONITORING & PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT
Prepared by Tetratech for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
Restoration work was directed to remove man-made features that altered normal drainage of the marsh and affected plant-life and phragmites invasion. After salt marsh restoration work FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study.
Prepared by Tetratech for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
Restoration work was directed to remove man-made features that altered normal drainage of the marsh and affected plant-life and phragmites invasion. After salt marsh restoration work FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study.

2010 NONESUCH RIVER SALT MARSH YEAR 5 POST-RESTORATION MONITORING & PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT
Prepared by Tetratech for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After salt marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh, FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study.
Prepared by Tetratech for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After salt marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh, FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study.

May 2010 LIBBY RIVER SALT MARSH YEAR THIRD YEAR POST-RESTORATION MONITORING & PROJECT REPORT
Prepared by Normandeau Associates for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After salt marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh, FOSM implemented a monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study through year three.
Prepared by Normandeau Associates for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After salt marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh, FOSM implemented a monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study through year three.

February 2009 CASCADE BROOK SALT MARSH YEAR 5 POST-RESTORATION MONITORING & PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT
Prepared by Tetratech for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh, FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this Cascade Brook study.
Prepared by Tetratech for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh, FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this Cascade Brook study.

January 2007 SEAVEY LANDING SALT MARSH YEAR 5 POST-RESTORATION MONITORING & PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT
Prepared by Tetratech (formerly Northern Ecological Associates) for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study on the Seavey Landing area.
Prepared by Tetratech (formerly Northern Ecological Associates) for USFW Service Gulf of Maine Program and the Friends of Scarborough Marsh
After marsh restoration work to correct man-made drainage alterations to the marsh FOSM implemented a 5-year monitoring program sampling hydrology, vegetation. This report covers findings from this study on the Seavey Landing area.
Spring 2006 Friends of Scarborough Marsh Research Newsletter


Protection and Restoration Strategy for the Scarborough Marsh Watershed
Prepared for Friends of Scarborough Marsh in 2002 by Normandeau Associates, Inc. and Terence J. Dewan & Associates.
Prepared for Friends of Scarborough Marsh in 2002 by Normandeau Associates, Inc. and Terence J. Dewan & Associates.

Scarborough Marsh: Historical Impacts, Current Conditions, and Restoration Potential
This is the report that started it all!
In response to the publication of Maine Audubon's report in 1999, a small group of concerned citizens and representatives from partner groups took the first steps to form the Friends of Scarborough Marsh.
This is the report that started it all!
In response to the publication of Maine Audubon's report in 1999, a small group of concerned citizens and representatives from partner groups took the first steps to form the Friends of Scarborough Marsh.