www.wellsreserve.org/news/2006-06-06_alheim.htm

WELLS RESERVE AND LAUDHOLM TRUST DEDICATE ALHEIM COMMONS JUNE 17

WELLS, MAINE - The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and Laudholm Trust will dedicate their new on-site residential facility, the Alheim Commons, in a ceremony June 17 at 10 am.

The Alheim Commons is a 20-bed dormitory for coastal scientists, educators, and resource managers who are visiting south coastal Maine and working on projects with the Wells NERR, or working independently on projects directly related to the Reserve's coastal resource stewardship mission.

The Alheim Commons sits on land donated to Laudholm Trust in the mid-1980s by John and Paula Rosa Alheim, and transferred by the Trust to the Reserve in 2003.

The Alheim Commons incorporates recycled-content products and uses environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques. Additional goals included energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, low-maintenance landscaping, and waste reduction. The new building was designed to have low operating costs, durability, ease of maintenance, and a pleasant, home-like appearance inside and out.

The Alheim Commons has nine bedrooms, four full baths, a large shared kitchen, dining and common areas, a study/quiet area, and a laundry room. It also has wireless internet access.

In back of the Alheim Commons is a small courtyard and parking area. Along the edge of the parking area is a bike storage shed; the Reserve provides six bicycles for residents' use. A well-maintained trail beginning at the parking area connects the Alheim Commons property with the land that adjoins the Reserve's Laudholm Campus, providing a half-mile walking commute for residents.

Among those expected at the dedication is the Honorable Tom Allen, Congressman from the First District of Maine. Allen co-founded the House Oceans Caucus, which fosters greater understanding of oceans issues among members of Congress and their staffs.

An official from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is slated to speak at the dedication: Timothy R.E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere.

Honorary Laudholm Trustee Walt Leffler will speak on behalf of Laudholm Trust and the Wells Reserve Building Advisory Committee that planned and directed the Alheim Commons project.

Co-hosting the dedication will be Paul Dest, Manager of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Susan Rouillard, Chair of the Wells Reserve Management Authority and President of Laudholm Trust.

Those planning to attend the dedication are asked to call (207) 646-4521.

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is committed to investigating coastal environments and increasing understanding of their ecology. The reserve receives core funding from the nonprofit Laudholm Trust and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Wells Reserve is located at 342 Laudholm Farm Road, just off Routes 1 and 9 near the Wells-Kennebunk line. For more information, visit www.wellsreserve.org.

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