www.wellsreserve.org/news/2005-03-29_april.htm

APRIL PROGRAMS AT THE WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM FARM

The following eleven programs take place at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells, Maine. Updates are available at www.wellsreserve.org.

Friday, April 8, 7 to 8:30 pm
Woodcock Walk at the Wells Reserve. Learn about a fascinating woods-dwelling shorebird also known as the timberdoodle, the wood snipe, or the bog sucker. For a few weeks each spring, the male woodcock begins a mating performance that involves a spiraling aerial display. While meant to entice the female woodcock, it's sure to impress all who view it. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear warm outdoor clothing. Limited to 20 participants able to walk 1 mile. Fee: $2 members/$4 nonmembers. Reservations required at 646-1555.

Tuesday, April 12, noon to 1 pm
Our Gulf of Maine Bioregion: Lunch 'n' Learn at the Wells Reserve. The Gulf of Maine encompasses 36,000 square miles of ocean, has the largest tides in the world, and is home to Arctic, Acadian, and warmwater species of aquatic life. Its watershed has recorded temperatures as high as 107 degrees and as low as minus 50 degrees. Steve Miller, Coastal Training coordinator at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, will interpret the ecological processes that create this unique bioregion. Free, and bring a mug for free drinks. Reservations requested at 646-1555.

Wednesday, April 13, 2:30 to 6 pm
Library Open House. The Wells Reserve's Coastal Resource Library has a collection of over 3,000 books, videos, and periodicals focused on the coast of Maine and nature in the northeast. It's a fabulous resource for teachers, students, home-schoolers, and anybody interested in nature and marine resources. Anyone can borrow materials for free. Our library volunteers will get you signed up and show you how to search for materials and even access the online catalog from your home. You can also learn how to use some of our exciting new activity kits including "Safari in a Box," "Rock Detectives," and "Time to Eat in the Estuary" either in a classroom or with scout groups. Light refreshments will be served. We will give away posters and other educational resources. Presentations will be "Finding What You Want" at 3 pm and 5 pm and "Beyond the Library, Other Educational Resources at Wells NERR" at 4 pm. Reservations are not necessary. FMI 646-1555.

Thursday, April 14, 3:30 to 4:15 pm
Possum and the Peeper, a Preschool Nature Program at the Wells Reserve. The night-time chorus of spring peepers is one of the first signs of spring in southern Maine. Join us to learn more about these tiny frogs and to read Possum and the Peeper. Afterwards, go home and head outside with your family or friends to listen for frogs in the dark. Limited to 10 children ages 2 to 5 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free. Co-sponsored by York County Audubon Society. Reservations required at 646-1555.

Friday, April 15, 7 to 8:30 pm
Woodcock Walk at the Wells Reserve. Learn about a fascinating woods-dwelling shorebird also known as the timberdoodle, the wood snipe, or the bog sucker. For a few weeks each spring, the male woodcock begins a mating performance that involves a spiraling aerial display. While meant to entice the female woodcock, it's sure to impress all who view it. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear warm outdoor clothing. Limited to 20 participants able to walk 1 mile. Fee: $2 members/$4 nonmembers. Reservations required at 646-1555.

Saturday, April 16, 9:30 am to noon
Discovering Vernal Pools at the Wells Reserve. Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water that constitute a unique and increasingly vulnerable type of wetland. They are inhabited by many species, such as spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp, and wood frogs, some of which are totally dependent upon vernal pools for their survival. Come learn how to identify vernal pools and their flora and fauna through an indoor slide show followed by an outdoor visit to one of these wetlands. Limited to 20 participants. Fee: $2 members/$4 nonmembers. Reservations required at 646-1555.

Monday, April 18, 10 am to 2 pm
Wicked Big Puddles, a kids' program at the Wells Reserve. Put on your wellies and come explore life in vernal pools. You'll have the opportunity to net critters and view them under microscopes. You'll also make your own baby dragonfly to take home. This program features a combination of indoor and outdoor activities and games as well as a take home booklet. Bring a bag lunch. Limited to 12 children ages 6 to 9. Fee: $10 members/$15 nonmembers. Reservations and prepayment required. Call (207) 646-1555 to sign up.

Thursday, April 21, 10 am to 2 pm
Every Day is Earth Day, a kids' program at the Wells Reserve. Discover what you can do to help the earth through a variety of fun activities including taking part in a trash relay and creating a recycled art masterpiece. This program features indoor and outdoor activities and games as well as a take home booklet. Bring a bag lunch. Limited to 12 children ages 6 to 9. Fee: $10 members/$15 nonmembers. Reservations and prepayment required. Call (207) 646-1555 to sign up.

Sunday, April 24, 10 am to 3 pm
Earth Day Environmental Fair at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm. This annual celebration of our planet features a non-denominational service, live music, kid's activities, guided walks, readings, and information booths from many local organizations. Free. Bring a mug for free drinks. Reservations not necessary. FMI (207) 646-1555.

Thursday, April 28, 3:30 to 4:15 pm
What's in a Tide Pool, a Preschool Nature Program at the Wells Reserve. Longer, warmer days are a great time to explore the seashore. Color a field guide of seashore creatures to take on your next beach trip. Taste a yummy seaweed snack! Limited to 10 children ages 2 to 5 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free. Co-sponsored by York County Audubon Society. Reservations required at 646-1555.

Saturday, April 30, 2 to 3:30 pm
Introduction to Nordic Walking at the Wells Reserve. Originally a Finnish method of training cross-country skiers, Nordic walking has become a popular form of fitness walking. Nordic walking increases upper arm movement, exercises the main muscle groups, and burns more calories than walking by itself. Learn Nordic walking technique while exploring the trails with seasoned instructors Jeremy and Christy Nash. Poles will be provided. All participants must be in good health and at least 4 feet 11 inches tall (due to pole size). Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $6 members/$9 nonmembers. Reservations and prepayment required. Call (207) 646-1555 to sign up.

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