WELLS — Whether this winter delivers snow to southern Maine or just stays cold and dry, the Wells Reserve at Laudholm has miles of trails to explore and a series of talks, guided walks, day camps and workshops to help you shake the chill. The reserve is open from 7 a.m. to sunset every day and admission is free throughout the winter. The Visitor Center is closed until April, but will be open during February school break.
The monthly lunchand learn talks cover Green Eggs and Sand, a talk about horseshoe crabs, on Feb. 17; and Digging In, about impacts of seaweed on beaches, on March 9.
The first of five midday guided walks happens on Jan. 27, with others following on occasional Wednesdays until the spring equinox. A moonlit showshoe hike is offered Feb. 23 and an afternoon “Welcome, Spring!” walk takes place on Sunday, March 20.
Winter break brings two day-camp programs to the Wells Reserve. Snow Survivors on Feb. 16 and Ocean Explorers on Feb. 17, both for ages 7 to 12, include lots of fun outdoor activities plus time to warm up and learn more in the lab. Scholarships make these camps affordable for all.
Photographers can learn new skills and get psyched for spring with “The Magic of Close-Up Flower Photography,” a Feb. 27 workshop led by Matt Poole, a long-time interpreter and educator who uses photography to connect people with nature.
On Feb. 18, Winter Wildlife Day and Snow Day return together, with a morning that features a live animal presentation by the Center for Wildlife, craft projects with York County Audubon, and a guided walk with the Wells Reserve. The afternoon features family-friendly snow sports and hot cups of cocoa.
Check the calendar at wellsreserve.org for details on all these programs or call 646-1555 for more information. The Wells Reserve is located at 342 Laudholm Farm Road, just off U.S. Route 1 near the Wells-Kennebunk line.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a place to discover the beauty of the southern Maine coast. This National Estuarine Research Reserve is open to the public every day, protecting more than 2,000 acres for science, education and public enjoyment. More than 25,000 people visit the Wells Reserve each year to walk miles of trails, learn about coastal systems, and gain inspiration.
The Wells Reserve’s nonprofit partner, Laudholm Trust, provides vital monetary and in-kind support for programs and capital improvements. This local support enables the Wells Reserve to receive additional funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Wells Reserve is just minutes from the Maine Turnpike and U.S. Route 1 near the Wells- Kennebunk line.
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