Wells Reserve Education Department

Overview

Wells Reserve educators have created many avenues into environmental learning. Our programs offer something for every audience "from K through gray."

View our Program Calendar or jump to programs for...

• General Public
• Children (ages 6 to 12)
• School Groups
• Other Groups (10 or more people)
• Coastal Decision-Makers

The following options are available on different days of the week, mainly in summer, from Monday through Saturday. Call for times or check our online calendar.

• History of a Saltwater Farm Tour
• Nature Walk
• Wildflower Walk
• Tremendous Trees Walk
• Signs of Wildlife Walk
• Coastal Geology Walk
• Secrets of a Salt Marsh Walk

Special Programs

What to expect: Open to anyone. Light to moderate walking. Usually last about 2 hours.
Fee: Varies. Most programs are $3 for members of Laudholm Trust and $5 for non-members.
Reservations: Required.

Seasonal sessions with a sharp focus. Topics have included dragonflies, meteors, butterflies, beaches, weather and climate, nature at night, and more.

Evening Speakers

What to expect: Open to anyone. Held in Mather Auditorium on the fourth Thursday of June, July, and August. Lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Fee: $5 suggested donation.
Reservations: Not needed.

A variety of presentations on topics related to the Wells Reserve mission.

Lunch n Learns

What to expect: Open to anyone. Held in Mather Auditorium. Usually last about 1 hour.
Fee: $2 suggested donation.
Reservations: Not needed.

Informal brown-bag presentations on a variety of topics. Bring a bag lunch.

What to expect: For children ages 6 to 9. Last 3½ hours.
Fee: $18 for members and $24 for non-members; every 4th registration is half price for same child or groups of related children signing up at the same time
Reservations: Required.
2008 Summer Brochure: Download now (PDF) or call 646-1555 to request one by mail.
Financial Aid Application: Download now (MS Word) or call 646-1555 to request one by mail.

Junior Researchers Day Camp

What to expect: For children ages 9 to 12. Week-long day camp runs 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday.
2008 Fee: $150 per child for members, $190 for non-members.
Reservations: Required.
2008 Brochure: Download now (PDF) or call 646-1555 to request one by mail.
Scholarship Application: Download now (MS Word) or call 646-1555 to request one by mail.

A chance to explore the marsh, beach, and forests of the Wells Reserve while participating in some current research projects. Activities may include water quality sampling, seining for fish, learning plant and bird identification techniques, wildlife track casts, and plankton tows. More information.

Discovery Tours

We have 10 different booklets designed to lead you through the trails of the Wells Reserve. Each participant receives their own booklet full of activities and information. The group borrows a backpack with equipment for activities including field guides, binoculars, magnifying glasses, and more. The special group rate is $4 per person (booklets are usually $5 each). Titles in the Discovery Booklet series are:

• Mountains to Sand
• Raindrops to the Sea
• Searching through the Seaweed
• Nature's Quiet Song
• Life at Laudholm Farm
• In Living Soil
• Home is My Favorite Habitat
• Life on the Edge
• A Wild Family
• A Trip to Long Ago

Please view the school groups information.

What is a Group?

Any non-family group of 10 or more people is considered a group. We welcome groups to visit the Reserve, but arrangements must be made in advance as we can accommodate only a limited number of visitors on any given day. Please book early to avoid disappointment. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE PEOPLE.

Self-guided Field Experiences

Your group may use the trail system and visit exhibits in the Visitor Center and Coastal Ecology Center. Consultation, set-up, and equipment not included. Fee (includes admission): $3 per adult, $1 per child.

Equipment and Consultation for Self-guided Field Experiences
If you would like help planning, need to borrow equipment, or require program materials for your Self-guided Field Experience, our education staff is happy to help. Group leaders can schedule up to 90 minutes to consult with our educators for a $30 fee (one consultation remains valid for 3 years). Equipment rental adds a $2 fee per person to the participation fees, for a total of $5 per adult and $3 per child (including admission).

Guided Interpretive Tours

Schedule a guided tour on one of the following topics at a time convenient for your group. Fee (includes admission): $5 per person.

• History of Laudholm Farm
• Nature Walk
• Wildflower Walk
• Signs of Wildlife Walk
• Secrets of a Salt Marsh Walk
• Tremendous Trees Walk

Guided Custom Programs

Create a unique field trip for your group. The options are nearly limitless! Please contact us to discuss your ideas. Fees vary.

For more information contact the Education Department at 207-646-1555 x110.