Wells Reserve at Laudholm - Wells, ME - Research Institutes on Waymarking.com

In Wells, within the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, is the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, a cooperative effort between private and federal organizations conduct research and monitor the marshes and other habitats within the reserve.

To get to Wells Reserve at Laudholm, from U.S. Route 1, find Laudholm Farm Road on the east side and follow the road and signs to the parking area to the reserve.

The location is open to the public. There is a small fee to walk the trails on the grounds - pay at the visitor center in the old farm house. There are several buildings on the property. The map at the entrance points them out.
- The large building at the end of the entrance path, formerly the barn, now contains the Mather Auditorium. Attached to the barn is now the Dorothy Fish Coastal Resource Library.
- The Visitor Center is located to the right, along with a water tank and ice house.
- Maine Coastal Ecology Center is off the library.

The facility is a combined effort of several organizations. At this location are two private organizations, Laudholm Trust, and Wells Reserve at Laudholm. In general, the first is concerned about fundraising and the second maintains the facilities.

From the web site:

" Every National Estuarine Research Reserve site across the country requires local funding to match federal grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Laudholm Trust provides this match by contributing private funds and in-kind services to support Wells Reserve operations and capital improvements.
Wells Reserve Roles

The Wells Reserve is responsible for the upkeep and improvement of the farm buildings and campus grounds, the trails and boardwalks, the Maine Coastal Ecology Center, the Forest Learning Shelter, and the Alheim Commons. The Wells Reserve manages the woodlands and wetlands, the dunes and grasslands, the flora and fauna. The Wells Reserve operates programs in coastal research and monitoring, environmental learning and decision-maker training, and land and water resource management.
Laudholm Trust Roles

The work of the Wells Reserve and the care of its precious site are made possible by Laudholm Trust. Laudholm is responsible for building a community that provides the funds to match federal grants to the Wells Reserve. Laudholm Trust supports Wells Reserve for programs and services, with funds raised through the charitable contributions of members, plus site-rental fees, sponsorships, special events, and in-kind donations. "

From another part of the web site:

"Research Program

The Wells Reserve expands knowledge about coasts and estuaries with an emphasis on ensuring healthy salt marsh ecosystems. Most investigations occur along Maine’s southwest coast from the Kennebec to the Piscataqua River, with effort focused between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth.

Key themes of Wells Reserve research include:
-Understanding salt marsh habitats and plant communities
-Measuring the value of salt marsh habitats for fish, shellfish, and birds
-Exploring how salt marshes degrade and how they can be restored
-Monitoring water quality in estuaries


Monitoring Program

The Wells Reserve participates in the System-Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP), which collects, analyzes, and makes available weather, water quality, and nutrient data from all National Estuarine Research Reserves.

Wells Reserve monitoring also includes biological surveys, such as salt marsh vegetation, fish, insects, and birds."

Address: 342 Laudholm Farm Rd Wells, ME United States of America 04090 Website: [Web Link] Main Field of Science: Natural sciences Sector: Non-profit

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