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Protecting and restoring salt marsh habitats is a key part of the Wells Reserve mission. The Reserve’s library collection focuses on coastal ecology, environmental education, watershed management, and natural history.

Visit the Resource Library, located in the historic Laudholm Farm complex

The Coastal Resource Library is housed within a renovated barn, part of the historic Laudholm Farm complex. The grounds are open to public visitation year round.

The Wells Reserve has seven miles of trails through woods, fields, and wetlands to a sandy beach. Trails are open every day from 7 am to sunset.

Wells Reserve Coastal Resource Library

The Coastal Resource Library at Wells Reserve holds a specialized collection of materials focused on the ecology and natural history of the Gulf of Maine. It is located at historic Laudholm Farm in coastal York County, with fields, forests, marshes, and a sand beach just outside the library door.

This library holds more than 3,000 volumes on coastal environments, estuarine issues, and watershed conservation. This special collection is particularly useful for environmental educators, scientists working in coastal habitats, and citizens striving to protect and restore land and water resources in their communities.

On a Hill Above Two Estuaries

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve has its headquarters at historic Laudholm Farm, which was built on a hill between the Webhannet and Little rivers. Where these rivers meet the Gulf of Maine, fresh water and salt water mix and unique plant and animal communities thrive. For 20 years, the estuaries and surrounding habitats of the Wells Reserve have been a living laboratory for learners of all levels, from scientists to schoolchildren.

Visiting the Library

The Coastal Resource Library collection reflects the interests of coastal ecologists, resource managers, and natural history buffs. It is open on Tuesday from 10 am to 1 pm, Wednesday from 1 to 4 pm, and by appointment. Please call 207-646-1555 to arrange a visit outside of normal operating hours. The collection is searchable online through the Minerva website. Directions

Science to Management

The Wells Reserve integrates its research, education, and stewardship programs to provide science-based information for individuals and communities developing strategies to deal successfully with non-point source pollution, habitat restoration, invasive species, water quality issues, and more. Through its Coastal Training Program, the Reserve convenes Watershed Councils that work to address water resource issues across municipal boundaries.

Opportunities for K through Gray

Educational offerings at the Wells Reserve include hands-on, nature-based tours for schoolchildren, field-and-laboratory experiences for middle school and high school students, professional development workshops, summer day camps, guided interpretive programs, brown-bag presentations, and evening lectures.

A Great Place to Explore

The Wells Reserve is a wonderful destination for hikers, birdwatchers, photographers, painters, beach lovers, cross-country skiers, nature lovers, and history buffs. Hundreds of acres support seven miles of trails, providing spectacular views and access to woodlands, fields, wetlands, beach, and dunes. Trails are open from 7 am to sunset all year. The Visitor Center and exhibits are open 10 am to 4 pm weekdays, with weekend hours during summer. A small admission fee applies.

A Unique Partnership

The Wells Reserve is one of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserve sites throughout the country. All reserves require local funding to match federal grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Wells Reserve is the only reserve that receives its match from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Each year, Laudholm Trust (www.laudholm.org) contributes private funds and in-kind services to support Wells Reserve operations and capital improvements.

Special Events

The Coastal Resource Library will be open for the Wells Reserve Earth Day Celebration on April 19 from 10 am to 3 pm. Other special events on the 2008 calendar are A Painterly Day on July 20, Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival on September 6 and 7, and Punkinfiddle, A National Estuaries Day Celebration on September 27.

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Learn more about Wells Reserve Dorothy Fish Coastal Resource Library

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