WELLS, Maine, April 1, 2014 — A wild turkey of the species Meleagris gallopavo has been hired as the new president of Laudholm Trust, the local nonprofit partner of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, according to Goose Read, chairman of the Trust's Brood of Defectors. A search committee composed of Laudholm Trust brood members and a consulting coyote chose the turkey after reviewing a strong field of candidates from around the Reserve's 2,250 acres. The turkey will work with departing Trust President Nik Charov on the transition.

We are delighted to have a seasoned professional like this turkey join our flock, honked Goose Read. His extensive and proven experience in pecking and flapping, as well as his passion for dried cranberries, will serve our communities well as the Wells Reserve at Laudholm continues to prosper and grow.

Prior to his position at the Trust, the turkey was the alpha male of a flock of seven. He boasts a large tail fan and 1 snood, holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is the past recipient of a presidential pardon from Kennebunkport neighbor President George H.W. Bush. Outgoing Trust president Nik Charov, dismissed for levity, had this to say: I will have my revenge. See you in November, bird. On a plate!

The turkey, a long-time resident of the Wells Reserve at Laudholms beautiful landscape, has already embarked on an ambitious spring and summer programming schedule at this protected place where rivers meet the sea. With six new music concerts in the Barn, a packed science and civics lecture series, a bike ride and three major festivals, plus new trail walks and summer camps for kids, 2014 at the Wells Reserve will be a feast to gobble, declared the turkey.

The turkey is the seventh president in Laudholm Trusts 32-year history. The Trust was formed in 1982 to protect and preserve historic Laudholm Farm, but soon became a driving force for the creation of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. With the support of its 2,700 members, Laudholm Trust has contributed millions of dollars to the reserve for research, education, stewardship, and preservation.

The turkey can be reached at 207-646-4521 or, more easily, by calling "gobble-gobble-gobble" loudly from the Reserve's parking lot.

***UPDATE 4/4/14: The new turkey didn't work out; we decided to make his a temp-to-farm position. The previous turkey has been reinstalled.

About Laudholm Trust

Organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1982, member-supported Laudholm Trust provides vital monetary and in-kind contributions to the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve for programs, operations, and capital improvements. The Trust strives to extend its unique legacy by galvanizing community support and inspiring actions that protect Maines coastal environments.

About the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a 2,250-acre National Estuarine Research Reserve with its headquarters listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Wells Reserves goal is to protect and restore coastal ecosystems around the Gulf of Maine. Staff and volunteers expand knowledge about coasts and estuaries, engage people in environmental learning, and involve communities in conserving natural resources.

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is located on Laudholm Farm Road, just off U.S. Route 1 near the Wells-Kennebunk line.

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• Photo: Incoming Laudholm Trust president wild turkey stands with departing president Nik Charov, who is a disgraceful practical jokester