School Programs
wells national estuarine research reserveWells Reserve staff educators and volunteer docents provide rich educational experiences for teachers and their students.
Our education programs have helped tens of thousands of youngsters to recognize the important links between the land, the sea, and what they do in their communities.
In addition to hundreds of acres of “living laboratory”, the Wells Reserve has a teaching laboratory, exhibit areas with hands-on activities, a classroom, and full facilities for convenience and comfort.
Most school programs are linked to Maine learning standards and guidelines.
Currently Available Programs
Wild Friends in Wild Places
- Who: Kindergarten through second grade groups up to 30 students.
- What: Rehabilitated animals from the Center for Wildlife are used to teach about native wildlife and their behaviors, characteristics, and life needs. Students also venture outdoors with nature journals to explore the habitats of the Wells Reserve while searching for animal homes and signs.
- When: By appointment; program lasts 2 to 3 hours.
- How much: $180 per program. Financial aid is available through the Laudholm Trust Mattina Proctor Seacoast Explorers Fund, Download financial aid application.
Exploring Estuaries
- Who: Third through fifth grade groups up to 60 students.
- What: Explore the interdependence of estuarine creatures and their habitats in the great outdoors. Activities include looking at plankton under a microscope, testing the salinity of estuary water, looking at skulls and skins of local wildlife, and learning about human impacts on estuaries.
- When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 am to 12:30 pm in October, November, May, and June.
- How much: $5 per student. Financial aid is available through the Laudholm Trust Mattina Proctor Seacoast Explorers Fund, Download financial aid application.
Microscopic Marvels
- Who: Sixth grade through high school groups up to 30 students.
- What: Introduce your students to the diverse world of plankton. During this program, they will collect, observe, and identify live plankton, come to understand the importance of plankton to healthy ecosystems, and learn plankton life histories. Students collect plankton from the estuary then view them using both dissecting and compound microscopes. They also learn water quality testing methods. Aligned with Maine Learning Results.
- When: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in October, November, May, and June.
- How much: $5 per student includes all field sampling and lab equipment. Financial aid is available through the Laudholm Trust Mattina Proctor Seacoast Explorers Fund, Download financial aid application.
Guided Walks
- Who: Age 5 through adults; up to 30 people with up to 15 participants per docent
- What: Seasonal programs adapted to the age and interest of participants. Topics include History of a Saltwater Farm, Life Between the Tides, Secrets of a Salt Marsh, Wonderful Wildlife, Tremendous Trees, and Wildflower or Nature Walk.
- When: By appointment; limited availability
- How much: $5 per person; minimum charge $50
Group Visits & Reservations
Reservations are required for all group visits and space is limited. Please book early to avoid disappointment, especially during October, November, May, and June. By limiting the number of people using the site, we protect fragile ecosystems and avoid overcrowding on trails and in facilities.
To learn more, contact J. Paige Rutherford at 207-646-1555 ext 110.
Note to Teachers
All guided programs and the self-guided field experience provide you with…
- A free copy of What is Ecology? An Introduction to Ecology through Estuaries, a $9.50 value.
- A substantial Teacher Packet with background information about estuaries
- Access to the Dorothy Fish Coastal Resource Library’s collection of videos, curricula, and teacher kits
