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.
Today much of this upland edge around Scarborough Marsh is
undeveloped, but also unprotected. Friends of Scarborough
Marsh and its partners are working to conserve the remaining
unfragmented critical edge.
The map below illustrates land use in Scarborough (ca. 2000).
