By Andrew Mackie, Scarborough Land Trust
Photo: “Snowy Thrills” by Katy Ryan, 2025 Marsh Madness Winner – Living in Nature category (cropped)
Marsh Madness
Scarborough Land Trust’s Marsh Madness Photo Contest invites professional and amateur photographers to submit their best shots capturing the beauty of Scarborough Marsh and the Land Trust’s protected preserves. This annual contest celebrates Scarborough’s unique natural landscapes while fostering community engagement.
Winning and runner-up entries are awarded prizes redeemable at a variety of Scarborough businesses, making it a perfect way to support local commerce while showcasing creativity to a large audience. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love snapping nature’s wonders on your smartphone, Marsh Madness is your opportunity to shine and give back to the community this March.
For more details, stay tuned on Instagram (@scarboroughlandtrust) or sign up for our e-newsletter on our website (ScarboroughLandTrust.org).
Snowshoe Hares
The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is the largest member of the rabbit/hare family, or lagomorphs, here in Maine. Hares typically have larger and longer ears and legs and as adults tend to be more solitary than rabbits. Snowshoe hares are found throughout Maine, are mostly active at night, and prefer dense cover, including young forests, thickets, and wetlands. This hare is best known for changing fur color from brown in summer to white in winter. No other lagomorph in New England turns white. Watch for this secretive creature at Broadturn Farm, Fuller Farm and Warren Woods Preserves.
In winter, the best evidence of snowshoe hares are tracks in the snow often in a J-shaped pattern with two large hind feet ahead of two smaller front feet. Hares will splay their toes in deep snow to create more of a snowshoe impact, making their tracks look larger than normal.
Upcoming Free Events
Full-Moon Walk at Pleasant Hill Preserve | Tuesday, March 3
Women’s Walk at Libby River Preserve | Saturday, March 14
Make new friends and explore this preserve along the Scarborough Marsh.
Coastal Birding at Town of Scarborough’s Ferry Beach | Saturday, March 21 Learn about the waterfowl that winter along our coast.
More details and registration at ScarboroughLandTrust.org/Events.
