The Wrack
The Wrack is the Wells Reserve blog.
Reserve Recommendations: Stay Inspired This Winter
Posted by
| January 16, 2026
| Filed under: Culture
As we settle into the slower season, we checked in with the Reserve staff to see what keeps them inspired and engaged throughout the colder, darker winter months. We hope these ideas will help you find joy and learn something new throughout the winter season too!
Education recommends:
Bernd Heinrich's "Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival" to remind yourself of winter's magic! This classic is filled with amazing information on how animals survive the cold weather months.
Mary Holland's Naturally Curious for short and intriguing posts about the outside world that may inspire you to get out and explore.
- Mass Audubon's Outdoor Almanac for a handy rundown on plants, wildlife, and other seasonal occurrences in nature each month.
Training & Engagement recommends:
Two great podcasts that explore the climate crisis from different perspectives:
How We Survive covers the innovative and surprising ways that people are navigating solutions to a changing climate. We Are the Great Turning: Love, Courage, and Connection in the Climate Crisis dives into what it takes to stay joyful and energized as we work toward a more just and life-sustaining world.
Volunteer & Visitor Services recommends:
- A particularly interesting episode of Living on Earth featuring an innovative conservation-focused investment opportunity in Brazil that supports both forest preservation as well as Indigenous populations. You can also read about it here.
- For the little ones, check out these new children's books by Maine authors and illustrators. We especially love "Dear Acorn, Love Oak" by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Maine-based artist Melissa Sweet.
Stewardship recommends:
Keeping your skis or snowshoes at the ready! Getting out on the trails during or after a snowfall is magical. Try the short loop through the Yankee Woodlot if you have small children in tow. The Farley Trail down to the overlooks is another favorite!
Research recommends:
- Scientific reading! The research team has published numerous papers over the past year, which they guarantee will keep you busy throughout the winter. To start, dig into A Review of American Lobster Research Since 2000, which provides a comprehensive look at the major findings in lobster science over the last quarter century.
- For something a little lighter, the team loves to make these NOAA Fisheries paper snowflakes! You can find the last few years’ templates here. A fun project if you're stuck inside on a snow day!
Laudholm Trust recommends:
A wonderful book of poems and prayers for the earth in all seasons, called "Earth Prayers from Around the World: 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth."
And finally, for more inspiration, take a listen to this episode of Life Kit on How to Actually Look Forward to Winter.
