Wells Reserve Blog

Dedication Day

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Happy 24th anniversary, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve!

On August 31, 1986, the Wells National Estuarine Sanctuary was dedicated during a ceremony held in the heart of the historic Laudholm Farm campus. This photo was taken during one tour on the celebratory day culminating years of tireless effort by many, many people.

Were you there? Recognize anyone?

Great Bay estuary featured in radio series

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Our neighbor estuarine reserve in New Hampshire, the Great Bay Reserve, is part of a troubled system that was featured in a New Hampshire Public Radio series last week. NHPR's Amy Quinton took an in-depth look at Great Bay and put together some great stories that can be heard or read on the NHPR site.

Great Bay differs in important ways from the estuaries here at the Wells Reserve, but some of the difficult issues it faces can be found here, too. Plus, some southern Maine towns are within watersheds that drain into Great Bay. Have a listen…

Volunteers recognized by Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Seven volunteers for the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust were recognized for their contributions of time and talent at a reception held beside the Laudholm farmhouse Tuesday evening, August 17.

“It is always difficult to single out volunteers, because every one is so important to accomplishing the work that we do,” said Nancy Viehmann, Volunteer and Visitor Services Coordinator for the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. “Nevertheless, we identified several individuals who deserved special recognition this year.”

Mark Klys received the Volunteer Extraordinaire Award, Cynthia Daley received the Bob Ludwig Preservation Award, Tim Dietz received the Laudholm Award, Pat Tracy Frost received the Copper Beech Award, Robert Christensen-Lang received the Conservation Award, Joan Junker received the Good Neighbor Award, and Corey French received the Contribution to Research Award.

“All of us want to thank all of you for what you do to help the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust,” Viehmann told the hundred volunteers gathered for the occasion. “Whether you volunteer once a year, once a week, or every day, you are part of what makes the Wells Reserve at Laudholm so effective and so special.”

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Resources

From the archives: New computer

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

From the Laudholm Trust historical archives (October 10, 1985):

Mort gave a report on the computer. It has 10 mga bites of memory and will eventually hold our files on membership, businesses, foundations, gifts, and others. He is currently training Susan Sullivan and setting up the files for memberships. We have just begun and it will be a while before we see the benefits.

Operation monarch rescue

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

With the crafts festival right around the corner, the time to mow fields for parking is approaching. Unfortunately, some of the parking fields are full of milkweed and monarchs. Fortunately, this is a good time to cut the fields to encourage strong regeneration next year.

In an effort to conserve butterflies before the mow, a small team went out to find and relocate monarch eggs and larvae. They transferred 37 eggs and 25 caterpillars from the Knight Trail fields to the Muskie field. Congratulations and thanks to Dennis, Emily, Brandon, Sonny, Suzanne, and Nancy.

Nancy inspects the undersides of milkweed leaves for eggs or caterpillars.

Late and early monarch instars.

Get your crafts festival raffle tickets

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Raffle Tickets for Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival $12.00

Dozens of prizes will be lined up in the Laudholm Raffle Tent during the crafts festival on September 11 and 12. Most participating artisans donate an item, and we always offer a beautiful handmade quilt made by Laudholm volunteers. Buy a sheet of 10 tickets for $12 and we'll place them in the baskets at random. (If you want to enter for specific prizes, please buy your tickets at the raffle tent.) Remember, the whole festival — including the raffle — is a benefit for Laudholm Trust in support of the Wells Reserve.

Laudholm Farms Marketing Booklet

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Sometime probably in the 1920s, Charles E. Lord and George C. Lord II saw to the production of an 8-page booklet to promote Laudholm Farms' cream, butter, eggs, roasters, and broilers to the Boston market. Half a century later, when the effort to protect Laudholm was gaining momentum, the Trust reproduced the booklet as a special gift for important donors. Now, many years later, we have scanned the pages from one of these reproductions to share online. Enjoy.

George Burk art reception

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

We enjoyed a nice turnout at the opening reception for George Burk's "Aspects of Change" exhibit. The warm sun and gentle breeze allowed the doors to remain open, welcoming visitors into a relaxing space.

The paintings depict coastal scenes. The salt marsh theme that emerges is especially appropriate for our estuarine reserve.

The works will hang throughout the month in the Eugene Frederick Artway, which is the hall leading to the auditorium.

Above: Artist George Burk and his Sumi brush-and-ink paintings.

Below: Plaque dedicating the Eugene Frederick Artway.

2008 crafts festival video

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST

Great video produced by Laudholm volunteer William Lord.

Real fruit flies like barberry

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

In the past couple of weeks, it's been hard not to notice the bright yellow plastic cards that have appeared in clumps of vegetation. Yesterday, I caught up with the guy who has been hanging and collecting them, field research entomologist Phil Stack. He filled me in; they are traps for catching fruit flies.

Phil was quick to point out he's looking for true fruit flies — not the kind hovering over your bananas. Those are in a different fly family, as Alex Wild points out on Myrmecos:

Drosophila is a member of the Drosophilidae, the vinegar or pomace flies. They are mostly fungivores, and their association with fruit is indirect: they eat the fungus that lives in rotting fruit. Some pointy-headed geneticist started using the wrong common name for them a century ago, and legions of geneticists unfortunately followed suit.

The true fruit flies, in the family Tephritidae, are "the most agriculturally important family of flies," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Various species — there are about 5,000 worldwide — are known to be destructive, but some can be beneficial.

Phil is on a team led by Dr. Mary Rumpho, a plant physiologist and biochemist at the University of Maine, Orono. The team is doing field and lab research to understand the life history and ecology of a fruit fly associated with one of our least favorite invasives, the Japanese barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

The tephritid fruit flies being studied lay an egg in the seed of a barberry fruit. When the larva hatches, it feeds on one of the two seeds in the berry until it pupates and falls to the ground. The pupa overwinters in the soil and adult flies emerge the following spring or summer.

Phil pointed out 4 tephritid fruit flies on one sticky trap that had been hanging for 5 days. He asked, "See that one with the patterned wings?" Indeed, it was easy to find; the Tephritidae are known for their often striking patterns and colors.

The UMaine team will also be collecting barberry fruit samples for the lab, where they will germinate the seeds next spring to learn whether the second seed in host fruits is still capable of growing a new barberry plant.

Even if the fruit flies are found to destroy the viability of individual barberry fruits, it is probably too much to expect the fruit flies to offer an effective biological control against the very well established scourge, Berberis vulgaris.

Bird Quiz #2: September uncertainty

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

On September 17, 2009, this bird was caught in a mist net at the Wells Reserve and brought to the banding station under the copper beech. June Ficker, our highly knowledgeable and experienced bird bander, wanted photo documentation of this individual to share with other experts. Was she overly cautious or onto something? How would you identify this bird?

Volunteer Recognition Awards (all years)

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The importance of volunteers cannot be overstated; volunteer labor underlies every success of the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

All volunteers are honestly appreciated, but some merit special attention for their unusual dedication. Each year, Laudholm Trust and Wells Reserve staff nominate certain volunteers for recognition. Here is the history of selections…

Laudholm Award

A one-time award presented to volunteers whose efforts over the years consistently exceed all expectations.

2010 – Tim Dietz
2009 – June Ficker
2008 – Frank and Carol Heller
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Lorraine Houlihan
2005 – Jeannie Meggison
2004 – Don and Jean Somers
2003 – Walt Leffler
2002 – Alden Cheever
2001 – Cynthia Daley
2000 – Linda Scotland, Jane Smith
1999 – Mary Beckley, Ellie Carberry, Marjorie Cheever, Violet Eberle, Mae Findlay, Doris Goodwin, Fran Goodwin, Cleta Henry, Nancy Hogan, Tim and Doris Kennedy, Hope McPhee, Helen Nesky, Pam Thompson, Nancy Titcomb
1998 – Ernie Acheson, Doris Adams, Hazel and Dick Davis, Herb and Eunice Duffill, Gene and Rhoda Frederick, Bob Moon, Florence Sulham
1997 – Paul Jennings, Nancy Jones, Bill Towner, Pat Tracy, Barbara Wallis

Lily Rice Kendall Volunteer Spirit Award

A one-time award presented to volunteers whose efforts demonstrate uncommon grace, wit, and affability on behalf of our organization and in the community at large.

2010 – Joan Junker
2009 – Bill Lord
2008 – Eileen Willard
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Charles Lord
2005 – Leila Jahncke
2004 – Marla McCurdy
2003 – Rhoda and Gene Frederick
2002 – Sandy Armentrout
2001 – Jeanne Meggison
2000 – Pat Tracy, June Ficker
1999 – Nancy McReel, Wilhelmina Pilger
1998 – Cynthia Daley, Paul Dest, Cleta Henry, Alice Strait, Lottie Fortune
1997 – Ernie Acheson, Nancy McReel, Alden Cheever, Jack Parker

Conservation Award

An award presented to a group or individual whose efforts support the joint mission of the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

2010 – Robert Christensen-Lang
2009 – Keith Fletcher
2008 – Tim Spahr
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Isabel Lewando
2005 – Carol Donnelly
2004 – Owen Grumbling
2003 – Phil Bozenhard
2002 – Tin Smith
2001 – No recipient.
2000 – David Sweet & K/K/W Water District, RJ Mere, Brian Doyle & the Watershed Evaluation Team
1999 – Wells Boy Scout Troop 356
1998 – York County Audubon Society

Bob Ludwig Preservation Award

A one-time award presented to a group or individual dedicated to preserving the historical integrity and cultural value of the buildings and grounds of Laudholm Farm.

2010 – Cynthia Daley
2009 – Hans Warner
2008 – No recipient
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Dorothy Paine
2005 – Joyce Butler
2002 – Bob Ludwig

Laudholm Good Neighbor Award

An award presented to a group or individual in recognition of their generous and gracious hospitality on behalf of the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

2010 – No recipient
2009 – No recipient
2008 – Judith Hanson & Tourist News
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Ed Baker
2005 – Doris Adams
2004 – Charles Lord
2003 – No recipient
2002 – No recipient
2001 – No recipient
2000 – Jonathan Carter
1999 – William and Gertrude Spaulding

Contribution to Research

An award presented to a group or individual whose efforts directly support ongoing research of the Wells Reserve.

2010 – Corey French
2009 – Jon White
2008 – Kate Reynolds
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition.
2006 – Ray Konisky
2005 – Brian Doyle
2004 – Fred Dillon
2003 – No recipient
2002 – No recipient
2001 – No recipient
2000 – Alden Cheever, Cynthia Daley, Sandy Armentrout, Caitlin Mullan, Chuck Lubelczyk + summer interns Brian Watson, Jess English, Eric Brazer, Jim Dochtermann, Eleanor Dickens
1999 – Wells Clam Commission

Copper Beech Award

A one-time award presented to a group or individual who exemplifies the endurance and constancy of volunteerism at the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

2010 – Pat Tracy Frost
2009 – Doris Adams
2008 – No recipient
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Cynthia Daley
2005 – June Ficker and the Bird Banders
2004 – Mary Beckley, Fran Goodwin & Nancy Titcomb

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Volunteers who demonstrate extraordinary effort in a given year.

2010 – Mark Klys
2009 – Kathy Sanders, Alice Hritz, Gail deWildt, Helene Rutledge, Helen and Barb Wood, David Meserve, Melanie Shelton
2008 – Stu Flavin, Joanna Olson, Vivian Howe, Carol Horne, Dana Foster, Amanda Spenlinhauer, Bob Rutledge, Tony Viehmann
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition.
2006 – Noreen and Paul Basque, Anne Supenia, Karen Hull, Pete Hayes, Bruce Reed
2005 – Charles Allen, Eric & Ryan Brown, Stefan Gafner, Lynn Jourdan, Lyman Page, Gardner Whitney. Plus the Native Plant Sale Committee (Pat Smith, Janet Weston, Lynn Jourdan)
2004 – Punkinfiddle Committee (Diana Joyner, Jan Wirth, Jen Comeau, Eileen Willard, Bill Lord), Rob Olson, Lottie Fortune, Mark Higgins, Tim Mabon, Eddie Van Hunnik, Thom Campbell, Betsey VanGundy, Pat Smith, Janet Weston
2003 – Brad Claxton, Wayne Cronin, Ted Cunningham, Cynthia Doolittle, Dan Doolittle, Don Emery, Mary Ann Hawkins, Charlie Miller, Randy LeClair, Charlie Rimmer, Amber Tatnall
2002 – Jean and Don Somers, Bob Butler, Bill Dugan, Frank DeTrano, Carol Davis, Millie Adams, Barbara Perry, Polly Coletti, Richard Lane, Matt Hight
2001 – Bobbie-Jo Boulay and the Girl Scouts, Georgie Fisher, Elizabeth Green, Linda Haberern, Jim Harris, Carol and Frank Heller, Bill Houlihan, Leila Jahncke, Vanessa Nesvig, Stacey O’Rourke, Larry Riley, Laura Thompson
2000 – Paul Dest & Betsy Stevens, Walt Leffler, Lorraine Houlihan, Marla McCurdy, Rhoda & Gene Frederick, Tedine Roos, Brian Fox, Wilhelmina Pilger, Therese Gaddis, Hannah Crouthamel, Margo Foreman, Sandra Grady
1999 – Millie Adams, Gail Alling, Pam Bergeron, Anne Browne, Jessica Caron, Jim Harris, Carol Horne, Edie Lamberts, Al Letourneau Jr,
1998 – Geoff Coombs, Richard Frost, Patrick Grace, Nancy Griffith, Jayne Lynch, Kristen Lynch, Barbara Mather, Scott Negley, Robert Rigby, B.J. Royer, Judy Royer, Jan Salas, Jim Trask.
1997 – Dick Aguiar, Rhoda Frederick, Vern Rogers, Sandra Armentrout, Art Garland, Helen Schadlick, Rachel Curtis, Georgianna Gallagher, Jane Smith, Herb Duffill, Cleta Henry, Jack Troy, Eunice Duffill, Teny Nahbedian, Dick Taylor, John Fortune, Stan Reichenberg, Pam Thompson, Margaret Watson
1996 – Mary Beckley, Priscilla Cookson, Gene Frederick, Fran Goodwin, Paul Jennings, Kim Krauss, Donald Paine, Cliff Punchard, Dick Taylor, Nancy Titcomb, Charles Whithrow, Velma Whithrow
1995 – Norma Brogan, Grace Conrad, June Ficker, Clair Frye, Art Garland, Sandra Grady, Nancy Griffith, Linda Gurtman, Betty Morrison, Anne Rieder, Barbara Sheldon, Patricia Smith, Ellie Stenson, Alice Strait, Margaret Vose

Early Volunteer Recognition

During the first few years of acknowledging volunteer contributions, only one category was awarded.

1994 – J. Alden Cheever, Eileen and Patrick Graham, James Beckerley, Nancy Titcomb, William Towner, Joanne Sheridan, Linda Scotland, Cliff Punchard, Hope McPhee, Joan Junker, Blanche Feinberg, Ernest Acheson, Georgie Fisher, Cleta Henry, Donald Paine, Patricia Tracy, Shirley Wallin, Margeret Watson, Barbara and Bob Moon
1993 – Ginny Bates, Ellie Carberry, Ed Dickinson, Mae Findlay, Fran Goodwin, Don Lloyd, Esther Martin, Teny Nahabedian, Pam Parrott, Wilhelmina Pilger, Helen and Scott Sargent, Florence Sulham, Pat Swennes, Ted and Barbara Wallis
1992 – Norma Brogan, Eunice Duffill, Herbert Duffill, Carollee Ferris, Mary Anne Hawkins, Tom Lee, Robert S. Ludwig, Nancy McReel, Betty Putnam, Joanne Rhines
1991 – David Crouthamel, Hannah Crouthamel, Sandra Grady, Barbara Perry, Peg Smith, Tin Smith, Bill Spaulding, Ray Stansfield, Barbara Williams

Special Recognition

This expression of appreciation is conferred on those whose contributions do not easily fit the categories established above.

2010 – No recipient
2009 – No recipient
2008 – Beach Profiling Teams
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Charlie Rimmer, Elaine Carlson
2005 – Monica Meenan
2004 – No recipient
2003 – Bob Domine, Peter Hersey, Durward Parkinson

TOTE teachers begin week of training

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The thirteen educators who are participating in the Teachers on the Estuary program arrived this afternoon. In between introductions and their first workshops, they came to the farmhouse porch for a brief social.

Salmon Falls River conservation boat tours

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

29 people representing 13 towns and organization participated in three boat trips on the Salmon Falls and Piscataqua Rivers in July and August. The trips coincided with the release of the new Land Conservation Plan for Maine's Piscataqua Region Watersheds that covers 18 communities in southern Maine. The narrated tours brought together key municipal officials and conservation leaders to learn about the plan, its goals, and the river's status and history.

Land use changes, particularly the loss of vegetation along the water edges (associated with residential development), are having a significant impact on water quality. The Land Conservation Plan outlines actions that towns and citizens can take to maintain the natural, recreational, and economic resources that this watershed, draining 1058 square miles, provides.

Ready for launch on a pleasant July evening.

Participants viewed a range of shoreland buffer types and discussed how various approaches have different implications for water quality in the river and downstream.

Photos by Lamarr Clannon from Maine NEMO.

Partners' reception

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Thursday was a beautiful evening for the annual Partners' Reception, a bright and lightly breezy opportunity for intimate conversation just within the Laudholm barn's wide doors. This gentle event is a way of thanking the most generous supporters of an extraordinary place and the important work done here.

Top left: Dr. Michele Dionne, research director, in conversation with Honorary Laudholm Trustee Walter Leffler.

Top right: Kristen Hellewell enhances the ambience.

Bottom: Doris Adams-Nunnemacher, Diana Joyner, Becky Richardson, and Dennis Fink enjoy a visit.

Land Conservation Plan for Maine's Piscataqua Region Watersheds

zsteele@wellsnerr.org (Zack Steele) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership has released its Land Conservation Plan for Maine's Piscataqua Region Watersheds (14MB PDF).

The plan provides a scientific and experienced-based guide for the protection of natural resources vital to thriving communities. It is designed to assist citizens who are involved in sustaining and improving their communities by serving on select boards, planning boards, conservation commissions, economic development boards, schools, or non-profit community organizations such as land trusts, watershed coalitions, conservation groups, and recreation clubs.

The plan describes its focus area this way:

The Piscataqua River/Great Bay estuary is fed by many rivers in New Hampshire, and by the Salmon Falls River, Great Works River, and Spruce Creek watersheds in Maine. Collectively, the land area that contributes water flow to this treasured bi-state estuarine system is referred to as the “Piscataqua Region.” Within Maine, this region includes portions or all of ten Maine communities: Acton, Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, Lebanon, North Berwick, Sanford, South Berwick, Wells, and York.

The conservation plan is meant to address the where, why, and how questions pertaining to effective land and water conservation:

Where are the most critical natural areas to protect?

The plan clearly maps the lands deemed most valuable for the protection of wildlife habitat and protection of water quality.

Why are these areas so important?

The plan provides data on the characteristics of the priority Conservation Focus Areas (size, condition, presence of rare plant/animal species and priority habitat types, etc.) that merit their recognition as conservation hot spots.

How can communities effectively protect these areas?

The plan offers a diverse toolkit of voluntary and regulatory options available to organizations and municipalities interested in protecting these critical natural areas.

The geographic scope of this plan encompasses eighteen southern Maine municipalities. While the initial focus of this effort was on the 10 Maine communities with land area within the Salmon Falls/Piscataqua River drainage basin, adjacent communities with shared Conservation Focus Areas were also included in order to more accurately reflect the size and location of these critical natural areas without being truncated by municipal or watershed boundaries.

Download the conservation plan (14MB PDF)

In a Scientist's Shoes

michellep@wellsnerr.org (Michelle Presby) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Here's a few photos from Monday's Just For Kids camp, "In a Scientist's Shoes."

This inquisitive group of youngsters visited a field, forest, beach, and salt marsh, keeping a journal of their observations and questions throughout the day.

The kids were also treated to a visit by some rehabilitated animals from the Center for Wildlife, including a Barred Owl (second picture below), Peregrine Falcon, and Box Turtle.

Maine Road-Stream Crossing Survey in Full Swing

suebickford@wellsnerr.org (Susan Bickford) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

This summer, the Wells Reserve is an active participant in the Maine Road-Stream Crossing Survey: a joint project of the Maine Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gulf of Maine Coastal Program. Four teams comprising of summer interns and Reserve employees are surveying the culverts of the Kennebunk River Watershed to see if they pose barriers to fish and wildlife passage.

Over 70 different sites will be visited within the watershed, where measurements of type, length, and width of the culvert, the water depth around the site and condition of the area around the crossings are recorded along with potential sources of sedimentation and erosion.

This data will be added to a state-wide database which will grant road managers and wildlife managers a wide picture of the state of Maine's streams. The data will provide guidance on which crossings are in need of repair and how much fish and animal habitat could be affected by replacing failed culverts with newer more appropriate ones. All of this will result in improved habitat connectivity.

For more information visit this link to the Maine Forest Service website: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/water/stream_crossing.html.

Saco River fyke netting begins

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Fishing has begun on the Saco River. On four dates in late June, researchers set fyke nets at eight sites along the river. They surveyed day and night and, except for one frightening microburst, had excellent conditions for field work. Hundreds of fish and shellfish were caught, identified, measured, and released. This project, focusing mainly on fish using the salt marsh, is part of a collaborative study with the University of New England that looks at the effects of upland land use on the river ecosystem.

Using a GPS receiver to save a point for mapping.

Fyke net set at a channel to capture fish coming off the salt marsh as the tide recedes.

Northern Pipefish with companions

Female stickleback full of eggs

NOAA Next Generation Strategic Plan

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Draft NOAA Next Generation Strategic Plan is available for comment through August 10. The plan is highly relevant to the future of coastal and reserve management, so the National Estuarine Research Reserve System—including the Wells Reserve—will play a key role in addressing NOAA's long-term goals.

The plan includes a strong focus on coastal issues. The NOAA vision is for healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change. There are four goals written around following areas:

climate adaptation and mitigation
weather ready nation
healthy oceans
resilient coastal communities and economies.

The work of the Wells Reserve largely falls under the fourth goal, but our efforts will also be important in addressing the climate goal. The Reserve system will likely be associated organizationally with objectives under the coastal goal and potentially one or more objectives under the oceans goal.

NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco highlights the importance of coastal issues in her introductory letter, where she states:

Our oceans and coasts are becoming crowded with increasing, competing demands for energy, aquaculture, fishing, shipping and recreational activities. In particular, our coastal areas—where more than half of Americans call home—are the frontlines where often seemingly conflicting goals related to resources, people, and our economy are expressed. We recognize that our success will depend on integrating actions that promote both the environmental and economic sustainability of our coastal communities. This is a major new focus of the Next Generation Strategic Plan.

Vote of Confidence

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Kennebunk Savings customers voted this spring on the bank's Community Investment Ballot and Laudholm Trust has just received its portion of the funds awarded throughout the region. On hand for the donation ceremony are Kennebunk Savings President and CEO Brad Paige, Wells Reserve Education Director Suzanne Kahn Eder, Laudholm Trust President Diana Joyner, and Kennebunk Savings Vice President and Laudholm Trust director Dennis Byrd. CD&M Communications is working with the bank to produce a video to demonstrate its community service.

My Experience So Far...

ampinkham@wellsnerr.org (Ashley Pinkham) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Looking back on the first month here at the reserve I have learned so much. The staff and interns here are exceptional and I feel as though I am fitting in rather nicely. It is a very satisfying feeling when the work that you did in college and the material you learned is applied in the field that you are working in. Looking back at the interview I had here in March, I remember knowing exactly what Jeremy meant when he spoke about the importance of invasive species monitoring because of the ecology class I had taken at Plymouth. I believe that this was the exact position I needed to cultivate my interest in the conservation of marine ecosystems and the communities around them.

Jake, and the staff here have provided me with outstanding opportunities to gain skills and knowledge I would never have received elsewhere. Trainings such as rainwater harvesting, beach profiling, river monitoring, and road-stream crossing have allowed me to practice my love of conservation and demonstrate my commitment to the betterment of communities throughout the state of Maine. Furthermore I feel that over the past month I have been fulfilling my AmeriCorps pledge and getting things done for America. I am excited to see where the rest of my journey here at the reserve takes me.

Member Testimonials 2010

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

An Annual Request

diana@laudholm.org (Diana Joyner) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

The start of the "busy season" at the Wells Reserve is also the end of our fiscal year at Laudholm Trust. Your donation to our annual fund would be very timely right now. To prepare for summer, we and the Wells Reserve are...

printing more trail maps for thousands of hikers
installing a new monitor in the Coastal Ecology Center exhibit area
buying a flow meter for measuring water current in fish streams
restoring the gazebo
promoting summer education programs and September events
increasing gift shop inventory to raise more revenue

Every gift is important, whether it is $5, $50, or $500. Please donate whatever is comfortable for you and know that we are grateful for your support of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

Picture Post: Monitoring Habitat Change Over Time

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

With a camera and a computer you have everything you need to monitor habitat change over time at the Wells Reserve.

On your next visit, walk the Knight Trail to the Webhannet Overlook to find a 4x4 post capped by an octagonal head marked with an N.

Set your camera on the platform with its back resting against that north face and, using a wide angle, snap a picture. Now rotate clockwise around the platform, shooting northeast, east, southeast, and so on till you have captured eight images. Finally, aim at the sky for one last picture with the bottom of your camera against the north face.

Now you’re ready to share your images through the Picture Post website, where the Knight Trail post is called “Wells Reserve Overlook.” It’s easy to create an account and add your own photo set for this or other Picture Posts in a growing network of monitoring locations.

Three other posts are being used at the Wells Reserve to observe shrubland habitats managed for the New England cottontail, beach erosion and accretion at the Little River mouth, and salt marsh conditions on the Little River estuary.

The Picture Post project is part of Digital Earth Watch, a collaboration among the University of Southern Maine, University of New Hampshire, and other partners.

Links to Wells Reserve entries on the Picture Post website:

Wells Reserve Overlook
Wells Reserve Beach
Wells Reserve Field
Wells Reserve Salt Marsh (not uploaded yet)

Our Picture Posts in the News:

Earthzine article about project (Wells Reserve Overlook is the lead photo)

[Watermark 27(1)]

Wildlife Sighting: Goldsmith Beetle

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Volunteer naturalist Eileen Willard spotted this Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera) outside the Visitor Center on May 31 and telephoned insect enthusiast Brandon Woo to tell him about it. Brandon came and photographed the uncommon insect.

Rain barrels catch and conserve water

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Rainwater harvesting can reduce flooding and erosion issues, as well as surface-water contamination, by slowing down and decreasing the volume of stormwater runoff. One way to harvest rainwater is by using a catchment technique such as rain barrels.

Rain barrels are often set up to collect rain running off a roof into a gutter and downspout. A typical barrel holds 60 gallons and is fitted with a valve for filling a watering can, feeding a drip irrigation system, or serving as part of a rain garden system.

In June, the Wells Reserve and SD Analysis hosted the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association workshop and accreditation course. As part of the course, participants installed a rain barrel at the Alheim Commons, using runoff from the bike shed to fill a barrel in the community garden.

The Wells Reserve sponsors a program that subsidizes the production and installation of rain barrels. Field observations of the installed systems will be used to improve the effectiveness of local rainwater catchment systems.

Cindy Dabrowski-Kennie and Tim Spahr contributed to this article.

[Watermark 27(1): Spring 2010]

Slowing the flow: Managing rainwater in a changing climate

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Flooding in York County — is it becoming more common? Roads impassable, bridges washed out, basements full... the stories have become all too familiar in recent years.

The Mother's Day storm in May 2006 seemed an anomaly till the Patriots' Day storm hit in 2007. This March, the Wells Reserve measured 16 inches of rainfall, 5 inches more than Portland's record-setting 11. The roads closed and the sump pumps hummed again.

Hydrologists warn against the dramatic "100-year flood" label, rightly cautioning that such storm events have a one-percent chance of happening in any given year, not just once a century. So is this just a run of bad luck or is it time to adjust to a new normal?

Our climate is changing; Maine's Climate Future suggests our region will be getting wetter, with the possibility that damaging weather events will become more frequent. Nobody can be sure, but the Wells Reserve is helping prepare communities to minimize the impacts.

"Recognizing and managing water as a critical resource rather than a waste product and a problem is one of the Wells Reserve's top initiatives," says Stewardship Coordinator Tin Smith.

Wetlands moderate water levels naturally, Smith explains. Protecting and restoring coastal wetlands is a priority for the Wells Reserve, which also works across southern Maine to support permanent land conservation where it shows promise for improving ecological functioning in watersheds.

Under heavy rainfall conditions, the likelihood of flooding can be reduced if stormwater flow is slowed. Tin Smith is encouraging: "Every resident can be part of the solution by retaining natural vegetation along streams, ponds, and salt marshes." This is effective because tree leaves dampen the impact of falling rain, which drips through the canopy and often a shrub layer before touching ground. Keeping or planting trees and shrubs along waterways helps the earth absorb a slow flow of stormwater.

In contrast, rooftops, roadways, parking lots — even lawns — do little to impede precipitation on its way to streams or storm drains. In areas where impervious surfaces replace porous earth, rainwater swiftly follows the quickest course to low lands, whether that's your basement or the dip in the road between where you are and where you want to be. Limiting the extent of impervious surfaces is part of good conservation planning; it may reduce the risk of flooding and also prevents pollution of waterways leading to our estuaries and beaches.

While the Wells Reserve works with communities to encourage wetland buffers and reduce impervious surfaces, it is also constantly monitoring weather and water quality, tracking land use changes, and doing the science that will both determine climate trends and provide solutions to minimize impacts of climate change.

[Watermark 27(1): Spring 2010]

Key moments 1641 to 1986: Boade Farm to Wells Reserve

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Once English colonists settled this land, it was home to only four families: Boade, Symonds, Clark, and Lord. Here is an abbreviated list of key historical events leading up to the dedication of the Wells Reserve…

1641 Henry Boade family moves to the site.

1653 King’s Highway is established past Boade’s house to the mouth of the Little River.

1655 Boade sells the property to the Symonds brothers. William Symonds becomes sole owner by the end of 1657.

1677 King Philip’s War. Symonds family flees to nearby garrison. Indians burn the farmhouse to the ground.

1717 Nathaniel Clark family builds a new farmhouse and occupies the farm for several generations.

1881 George C. Lord, president of Boston & Maine Railroad, purchases the farm.

1888 Lord builds the "Elms" Railroad Station (currently a book store on U.S. Route 1).

1892 George’s son, Robert, purchases purebred Guernseys and establishes the farm’s herd.

1893 George C. Lord dies; Robert assumes proprietorship of the farm.

1902 Sheep and cow barns destroyed by fire. Rebuilt by 1904.

1908 Robert Lord dies; brother Charles replaces him and adds poultry to the farm.

1914 George C. Lord II, son of Charles, begins managing farm.

1929 "Laudholm Manor Farms & Cottages" begins taking in summer boarders.

1952 Guernsey herd is auctioned off.

1953 Laudholm Farm hosts the Wells 300th Birthday celebration.

1968 George C. Lord II sells 199 acres to the State of Maine for a state park.

1977 George C. Lord II dies.

1978 Effort to save the farm begins.

1982 Laudholm Farm Trust is established.

1986 Wells Reserve is dedicated.

Summer Camp calendar ready for download

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

All our summer camp programs for 2010, including both half-day and full-day offerings, are now available in one handy brochure that is ready for download. It lists the Just For Kids, Junior Researchers, and Preschool Explorers day camps happening between late June and August.

Download Summer Camps brochure