Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm provides:

1,600 acres of preserved fields, forest, wetlands, and beach on the coast of southern Maine in Wells.
a rich estuarine habitat for wildlife.
Laudholm Farm, an historic saltwater farm,
A Visitor Center with a welcoming slide show and five rooms of exhibits.
Seven miles of maintained hiking trails
Opportunities to view a wide variety of wildlife, including several endangered species.
A Research Department with a fully equipped laboratory to study salt marshes and estuaries as well as the flora and fauna.
Educational programs on coastal ecology and stewardship.
Programs and tours for school-aged and younger children
Exhibits, tours, and programs for adults
Opportunities to volunteer as guides or research aides.

The Reserve was established in 1986 through the initiative of many private citizens, the Town of Wells, the National Fish and Wildlife Service, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Laudholm Trust, which was incorporated in 1982, raised funds to purchase Laudholm Farm and continues to support the Reserve. You are invited to help by joining Laudholm Trust or by making a contribution.

Directions: Located off Route One, 1.5 miles north of Wells Corner, the Reserve grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from Noon to 4 PM. Call or stop by for information about tours, trails, volunteer projects, and special events. A parking fee is charged only in July and August.

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

342 Laudholm Farm Rd.

Wells, Maine 04090

(207) 646-1555

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Rachel Carson, author and environmentalist, played a major role in raising the public awareness to the impact of pesticides on the environment. Some of her earlier works concerned life in and around the sea and the role all creatures play in the chain of life.

The Rachel Carson Refuge is part of a nationwide system of refuges created to protect wildlife and their valuable habitats at key locations along migration routes. The Refuge is under the direction of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.

When completed, the refuge will consist of 7,435 acres of salt marsh and adjacent upland habitat from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth. The Refuge was established in 1966 and dedicated to Rachel Carson on June 27, 1970.

This marshland was highly valued by the early settlers for the harvesting of salt marsh hay. The dikes they constructed can still be seen along the marshes. The area provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, and plants. Over 250 species of birds can be observed on or from the refuge during the year. Waterfowl, including Canada geese, black ducks, green-winged teal, and other species visit the area during the spring and fall migratory seasons. Shore birds, wading birds, gulls and terns, as well as a variety of songbirds, use the refuge. Please visit the one mile long, accessible, self-guided "Carson Trail" nature trail located at the refuge headquarters. Literature, maps and other infor-mation can also be obtained at the refuge office.For more information contact: (207) 646-9226

Hours Trail: Sunrise to Sunset, all year

Office: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; limited hours on weekends in the summer.