Wells Reserve Blog

Real fruit flies like barberry

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

In the past couple of weeks, it's been hard not to notice the bright yellow plastic cards that have appeared in clumps of vegetation. Yesterday, I caught up with the guy who has been hanging and collecting them, field research entomologist Phil Stack. He filled me in; they are traps for catching fruit flies.

Phil was quick to point out he's looking for true fruit flies — not the kind hovering over your bananas. Those are in a different fly family, as Alex Wild points out on Myrmecos:

Drosophila is a member of the Drosophilidae, the vinegar or pomace flies. They are mostly fungivores, and their association with fruit is indirect: they eat the fungus that lives in rotting fruit. Some pointy-headed geneticist started using the wrong common name for them a century ago, and legions of geneticists unfortunately followed suit.

The true fruit flies, in the family Tephritidae, are "the most agriculturally important family of flies," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Various species — there are about 5,000 worldwide — are known to be destructive, but some can be beneficial.

Phil is on a team led by Dr. Mary Rumpho, a plant physiologist and biochemist at the University of Maine, Orono. The team is doing field and lab research to understand the life history and ecology of a fruit fly associated with one of our least favorite invasives, the Japanese barberry (Berberis vulgaris).

The tephritid fruit flies being studied lay an egg in the seed of a barberry fruit. When the larva hatches, it feeds on one of the two seeds in the berry until it pupates and falls to the ground. The pupa overwinters in the soil and adult flies emerge the following spring or summer.

Phil pointed out 4 tephritid fruit flies on one sticky trap that had been hanging for 5 days. He asked, "See that one with the patterned wings?" Indeed, it was easy to find; the Tephritidae are known for their often striking patterns and colors.

The UMaine team will also be collecting barberry fruit samples for the lab, where they will germinate the seeds next spring to learn whether the second seed in host fruits is still capable of growing a new barberry plant.

Even if the fruit flies are found to destroy the viability of individual barberry fruits, it is probably too much to expect the fruit flies to offer an effective biological control against the very well established scourge, Berberis vulgaris.

Bird Quiz #2: September uncertainty

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

On September 17, 2009, this bird was caught in a mist net at the Wells Reserve and brought to the banding station under the copper beech. June Ficker, our highly knowledgeable and experienced bird bander, wanted photo documentation of this individual to share with other experts. Was she overly cautious or onto something? How would you identify this bird?

Volunteer Recognition Awards (all years)

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The importance of volunteers cannot be overstated; volunteer labor underlies every success of the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

All volunteers are honestly appreciated, but some merit special attention for their unusual dedication. Each year, Laudholm Trust and Wells Reserve staff nominate certain volunteers for recognition. Here is the history of selections…

Laudholm Award

A one-time award presented to volunteers whose efforts over the years consistently exceed all expectations.

2009 – June Ficker
2008 – Frank and Carol Heller
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Lorraine Houlihan
2005 – Jeannie Meggison
2004 – Don and Jean Somers
2003 – Walt Leffler
2002 – Alden Cheever
2001 – Cynthia Daley
2000 – Linda Scotland, Jane Smith
1999 – Mary Beckley, Ellie Carberry, Marjorie Cheever, Violet Eberle, Mae Findlay, Doris Goodwin, Fran Goodwin, Cleta Henry, Nancy Hogan, Tim and Doris Kennedy, Hope McPhee, Helen Nesky, Pam Thompson, Nancy Titcomb
1998 – Ernie Acheson, Doris Adams, Hazel and Dick Davis, Herb and Eunice Duffill, Gene and Rhoda Frederick, Bob Moon, Florence Sulham
1997 – Paul Jennings, Nancy Jones, Bill Towner, Pat Tracy, Barbara Wallis

Lily Rice Kendall Volunteer Spirit Award

A one-time award presented to volunteers whose efforts demonstrate uncommon grace, wit, and affability on behalf of our organization and in the community at large.

2009 – Bill Lord
2008 – Eileen Willard
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Charles Lord
2005 – Leila Jahncke
2004 – Marla McCurdy
2003 – Rhoda and Gene Frederick
2002 – Sandy Armentrout
2001 – Jeanne Meggison
2000 – Pat Tracy, June Ficker
1999 – Nancy McReel, Wilhelmina Pilger
1998 – Cynthia Daley, Paul Dest, Cleta Henry, Alice Strait, Lottie Fortune
1997 – Ernie Acheson, Nancy McReel, Alden Cheever, Jack Parker

Conservation Award

An award presented to a group or individual whose efforts support the joint mission of the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

2009 – Keith Fletcher
2008 – Tim Spahr
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Isabel Lewando
2005 – Carol Donnelly
2004 – Owen Grumbling
2003 – Phil Bozenhard
2002 – Tin Smith
2001 – No recipient.
2000 – David Sweet & K/K/W Water District, RJ Mere, Brian Doyle & the Watershed Evaluation Team
1999 – Wells Boy Scout Troop 356
1998 – York County Audubon Society

Bob Ludwig Preservation Award

A one-time award presented to a group or individual dedicated to preserving the historical integrity and cultural value of the buildings and grounds of Laudholm Farm.

2009 – Hans Warner
2008 – No recipient
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Dorothy Paine
2005 – Joyce Butler
2002 – Bob Ludwig

Laudholm Good Neighbor Award

An award presented to a group or individual in recognition of their generous and gracious hospitality on behalf of the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

2009 – No recipient
2008 – Judith Hanson & Tourist News
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Ed Baker
2005 – Doris Adams
2004 – Charles Lord
2003 – No recipient
2002 – No recipient
2001 – No recipient
2000 – Jonathan Carter
1999 – William and Gertrude Spaulding

Contribution to Research

An award presented to a group or individual whose efforts directly support ongoing research of the Wells Reserve.

2009 – Jon White
2008 – Kate Reynolds
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition.
2006 – Ray Konisky
2005 – Brian Doyle
2004 – Fred Dillon
2003 – No recipient
2002 – No recipient
2001 – No recipient
2000 – Alden Cheever, Cynthia Daley, Sandy Armentrout, Caitlin Mullan, Chuck Lubelczyk + summer interns Brian Watson, Jess English, Eric Brazer, Jim Dochtermann, Eleanor Dickens
1999 – Wells Clam Commission

Copper Beech Award

A one-time award presented to a group or individual who exemplifies the endurance and constancy of volunteerism at the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust.

2009 – Doris Adams
2008 – No recipient
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Cynthia Daley
2005 – June Ficker and the Bird Banders
2004 – Mary Beckley, Fran Goodwin & Nancy Titcomb

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Volunteers who demonstrate extraordinary effort in a given year.

2009 – Kathy Sanders, Alice Hritz, Gail deWildt, Helene Rutledge, Helen and Barb Wood, David Meserve, Melanie Shelton
2008 – Stu Flavin, Joanna Olson, Vivian Howe, Carol Horne, Dana Foster, Amanda Spenlinhauer, Bob Rutledge, Tony Viehmann
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition.
2006 – Noreen and Paul Basque, Anne Supenia, Karen Hull, Pete Hayes, Bruce Reed
2005 – Charles Allen, Eric & Ryan Brown, Stefan Gafner, Lynn Jourdan, Lyman Page, Gardner Whitney. Plus the Native Plant Sale Committee (Pat Smith, Janet Weston, Lynn Jourdan)
2004 – Punkinfiddle Committee (Diana Joyner, Jan Wirth, Jen Comeau, Eileen Willard, Bill Lord), Rob Olson, Lottie Fortune, Mark Higgins, Tim Mabon, Eddie Van Hunnik, Thom Campbell, Betsey VanGundy, Pat Smith, Janet Weston
2003 – Brad Claxton, Wayne Cronin, Ted Cunningham, Cynthia Doolittle, Dan Doolittle, Don Emery, Mary Ann Hawkins, Charlie Miller, Randy LeClair, Charlie Rimmer, Amber Tatnall
2002 – Jean and Don Somers, Bob Butler, Bill Dugan, Frank DeTrano, Carol Davis, Millie Adams, Barbara Perry, Polly Coletti, Richard Lane, Matt Hight
2001 – Bobbie-Jo Boulay and the Girl Scouts, Georgie Fisher, Elizabeth Green, Linda Haberern, Jim Harris, Carol and Frank Heller, Bill Houlihan, Leila Jahncke, Vanessa Nesvig, Stacey O’Rourke, Larry Riley, Laura Thompson
2000 – Paul Dest & Betsy Stevens, Walt Leffler, Lorraine Houlihan, Marla McCurdy, Rhoda & Gene Frederick, Tedine Roos, Brian Fox, Wilhelmina Pilger, Therese Gaddis, Hannah Crouthamel, Margo Foreman, Sandra Grady
1999 – Millie Adams, Gail Alling, Pam Bergeron, Anne Browne, Jessica Caron, Jim Harris, Carol Horne, Edie Lamberts, Al Letourneau Jr,
1998 – Geoff Coombs, Richard Frost, Patrick Grace, Nancy Griffith, Jayne Lynch, Kristen Lynch, Barbara Mather, Scott Negley, Robert Rigby, B.J. Royer, Judy Royer, Jan Salas, Jim Trask.
1997 – Dick Aguiar, Rhoda Frederick, Vern Rogers, Sandra Armentrout, Art Garland, Helen Schadlick, Rachel Curtis, Georgianna Gallagher, Jane Smith, Herb Duffill, Cleta Henry, Jack Troy, Eunice Duffill, Teny Nahbedian, Dick Taylor, John Fortune, Stan Reichenberg, Pam Thompson, Margaret Watson
1996 – Mary Beckley, Priscilla Cookson, Gene Frederick, Fran Goodwin, Paul Jennings, Kim Krauss, Donald Paine, Cliff Punchard, Dick Taylor, Nancy Titcomb, Charles Whithrow, Velma Whithrow
1995 – Norma Brogan, Grace Conrad, June Ficker, Clair Frye, Art Garland, Sandra Grady, Nancy Griffith, Linda Gurtman, Betty Morrison, Anne Rieder, Barbara Sheldon, Patricia Smith, Ellie Stenson, Alice Strait, Margaret Vose

Early Volunteer Recognition

During the first few years of acknowledging volunteer contributions, only one category was awarded.

1994 – J. Alden Cheever, Eileen and Patrick Graham, James Beckerley, Nancy Titcomb, William Towner, Joanne Sheridan, Linda Scotland, Cliff Punchard, Hope McPhee, Joan Junker, Blanche Feinberg, Ernest Acheson, Georgie Fisher, Cleta Henry, Donald Paine, Patricia Tracy, Shirley Wallin, Margeret Watson, Barbara and Bob Moon
1993 – Ginny Bates, Ellie Carberry, Ed Dickinson, Mae Findlay, Fran Goodwin, Don Lloyd, Esther Martin, Teny Nahabedian, Pam Parrott, Wilhelmina Pilger, Helen and Scott Sargent, Florence Sulham, Pat Swennes, Ted and Barbara Wallis
1992 – Norma Brogan, Eunice Duffill, Herbert Duffill, Carollee Ferris, Mary Anne Hawkins, Tom Lee, Robert S. Ludwig, Nancy McReel, Betty Putnam, Joanne Rhines
1991 – David Crouthamel, Hannah Crouthamel, Sandra Grady, Barbara Perry, Peg Smith, Tin Smith, Bill Spaulding, Ray Stansfield, Barbara Williams

Special Recognition

This expression of appreciation is conferred on those whose contributions do not easily fit the categories established above.

2009 – No recipient
2008 – Beach Profiling Teams
2007 – Laudholm 25th Anniversary collective recognition
2006 – Charlie Rimmer, Elaine Carlson
2005 – Monica Meenan
2004 – No recipient
2003 – Bob Domine, Peter Hersey, Durward Parkinson

TOTE teachers begin week of training

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The thirteen educators who are participating in the Teachers on the Estuary program arrived this afternoon. In between introductions and their first workshops, they came to the farmhouse porch for a brief social.

Partners' reception

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Thursday was a beautiful evening for the annual Partners' Reception, a bright and lightly breezy opportunity for intimate conversation just within the Laudholm barn's wide doors. This gentle event is a way of thanking the most generous supporters of an extraordinary place and the important work done here.

Top left: Dr. Michele Dionne, research director, in conversation with Honorary Laudholm Trustee Walter Leffler.

Top right: Kristen Hellewell enhances the ambience.

Bottom: Doris Adams-Nunnemacher, Diana Joyner, Becky Richardson, and Dennis Fink enjoy a visit.

Land Conservation Plan for Maine's Piscataqua Region Watersheds

zsteele@wellsnerr.org (Zack Steele) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership has released its Land Conservation Plan for Maine's Piscataqua Region Watersheds (14MB PDF).

The plan provides a scientific and experienced-based guide for the protection of natural resources vital to thriving communities. It is designed to assist citizens who are involved in sustaining and improving their communities by serving on select boards, planning boards, conservation commissions, economic development boards, schools, or non-profit community organizations such as land trusts, watershed coalitions, conservation groups, and recreation clubs.

The plan describes its focus area this way:

The Piscataqua River/Great Bay estuary is fed by many rivers in New Hampshire, and by the Salmon Falls River, Great Works River, and Spruce Creek watersheds in Maine. Collectively, the land area that contributes water flow to this treasured bi-state estuarine system is referred to as the “Piscataqua Region.” Within Maine, this region includes portions or all of ten Maine communities: Acton, Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, Lebanon, North Berwick, Sanford, South Berwick, Wells, and York.

The conservation plan is meant to address the where, why, and how questions pertaining to effective land and water conservation:

Where are the most critical natural areas to protect?

The plan clearly maps the lands deemed most valuable for the protection of wildlife habitat and protection of water quality.

Why are these areas so important?

The plan provides data on the characteristics of the priority Conservation Focus Areas (size, condition, presence of rare plant/animal species and priority habitat types, etc.) that merit their recognition as conservation hot spots.

How can communities effectively protect these areas?

The plan offers a diverse toolkit of voluntary and regulatory options available to organizations and municipalities interested in protecting these critical natural areas.

The geographic scope of this plan encompasses eighteen southern Maine municipalities. While the initial focus of this effort was on the 10 Maine communities with land area within the Salmon Falls/Piscataqua River drainage basin, adjacent communities with shared Conservation Focus Areas were also included in order to more accurately reflect the size and location of these critical natural areas without being truncated by municipal or watershed boundaries.

Download the conservation plan (14MB PDF)

In a Scientist's Shoes

michellep@wellsnerr.org (Michelle Presby) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Here's a few photos from Monday's Just For Kids camp, "In a Scientist's Shoes."

This inquisitive group of youngsters visited a field, forest, beach, and salt marsh, keeping a journal of their observations and questions throughout the day.

The kids were also treated to a visit by some rehabilitated animals from the Center for Wildlife, including a Barred Owl (second picture below), Peregrine Falcon, and Box Turtle.

Maine Road-Stream Crossing Survey in Full Swing

suebickford@wellsnerr.org (Susan Bickford) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

This summer, the Wells Reserve is an active participant in the Maine Road-Stream Crossing Survey: a joint project of the Maine Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gulf of Maine Coastal Program. Four teams comprising of summer interns and Reserve employees are surveying the culverts of the Kennebunk River Watershed to see if they pose barriers to fish and wildlife passage.

Over 70 different sites will be visited within the watershed, where measurements of type, length, and width of the culvert, the water depth around the site and condition of the area around the crossings are recorded along with potential sources of sedimentation and erosion.

This data will be added to a state-wide database which will grant road managers and wildlife managers a wide picture of the state of Maine's streams. The data will provide guidance on which crossings are in need of repair and how much fish and animal habitat could be affected by replacing failed culverts with newer more appropriate ones. All of this will result in improved habitat connectivity.

For more information visit this link to the Maine Forest Service website: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/water/stream_crossing.html.

Saco River fyke netting begins

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Fishing has begun on the Saco River. On four dates in late June, researchers set fyke nets at eight sites along the river. They surveyed day and night and, except for one frightening microburst, had excellent conditions for field work. Hundreds of fish and shellfish were caught, identified, measured, and released. This project, focusing mainly on fish using the salt marsh, is part of a collaborative study with the University of New England that looks at the effects of upland land use on the river ecosystem.

Using a GPS receiver to save a point for mapping.

Fyke net set at a channel to capture fish coming off the salt marsh as the tide recedes.

Northern Pipefish with companions

Female stickleback full of eggs

NOAA Next Generation Strategic Plan

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Draft NOAA Next Generation Strategic Plan is available for comment through August 10. The plan is highly relevant to the future of coastal and reserve management, so the National Estuarine Research Reserve System—including the Wells Reserve—will play a key role in addressing NOAA's long-term goals.

The plan includes a strong focus on coastal issues. The NOAA vision is for healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change. There are four goals written around following areas:

climate adaptation and mitigation
weather ready nation
healthy oceans
resilient coastal communities and economies.

The work of the Wells Reserve largely falls under the fourth goal, but our efforts will also be important in addressing the climate goal. The Reserve system will likely be associated organizationally with objectives under the coastal goal and potentially one or more objectives under the oceans goal.

NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco highlights the importance of coastal issues in her introductory letter, where she states:

Our oceans and coasts are becoming crowded with increasing, competing demands for energy, aquaculture, fishing, shipping and recreational activities. In particular, our coastal areas—where more than half of Americans call home—are the frontlines where often seemingly conflicting goals related to resources, people, and our economy are expressed. We recognize that our success will depend on integrating actions that promote both the environmental and economic sustainability of our coastal communities. This is a major new focus of the Next Generation Strategic Plan.

Vote of Confidence

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Kennebunk Savings customers voted this spring on the bank's Community Investment Ballot and Laudholm Trust has just received its portion of the funds awarded throughout the region. On hand for the donation ceremony are Kennebunk Savings President and CEO Brad Paige, Wells Reserve Education Director Suzanne Kahn Eder, Laudholm Trust President Diana Joyner, and Kennebunk Savings Vice President and Laudholm Trust director Dennis Byrd. CD&M Communications is working with the bank to produce a video to demonstrate its community service.

My Experience So Far...

ampinkham@wellsnerr.org (Ashley Pinkham) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Looking back on the first month here at the reserve I have learned so much. The staff and interns here are exceptional and I feel as though I am fitting in rather nicely. It is a very satisfying feeling when the work that you did in college and the material you learned is applied in the field that you are working in. Looking back at the interview I had here in March, I remember knowing exactly what Jeremy meant when he spoke about the importance of invasive species monitoring because of the ecology class I had taken at Plymouth. I believe that this was the exact position I needed to cultivate my interest in the conservation of marine ecosystems and the communities around them.

Jake, and the staff here have provided me with outstanding opportunities to gain skills and knowledge I would never have received elsewhere. Trainings such as rainwater harvesting, beach profiling, river monitoring, and road-stream crossing have allowed me to practice my love of conservation and demonstrate my commitment to the betterment of communities throughout the state of Maine. Furthermore I feel that over the past month I have been fulfilling my AmeriCorps pledge and getting things done for America. I am excited to see where the rest of my journey here at the reserve takes me.

Member Testimonials 2010

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

An Annual Request

diana@laudholm.org (Diana Joyner) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

The start of the "busy season" at the Wells Reserve is also the end of our fiscal year at Laudholm Trust. Your donation to our annual fund would be very timely right now. To prepare for summer, we and the Wells Reserve are...

printing more trail maps for thousands of hikers
installing a new monitor in the Coastal Ecology Center exhibit area
buying a flow meter for measuring water current in fish streams
restoring the gazebo
promoting summer education programs and September events
increasing gift shop inventory to raise more revenue

Every gift is important, whether it is $5, $50, or $500. Please donate whatever is comfortable for you and know that we are grateful for your support of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

Picture Post: Monitoring Habitat Change Over Time

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

With a camera and a computer you have everything you need to monitor habitat change over time at the Wells Reserve.

On your next visit, walk the Knight Trail to the Webhannet Overlook to find a 4x4 post capped by an octagonal head marked with an N.

Set your camera on the platform with its back resting against that north face and, using a wide angle, snap a picture. Now rotate clockwise around the platform, shooting northeast, east, southeast, and so on till you have captured eight images. Finally, aim at the sky for one last picture with the bottom of your camera against the north face.

Now you’re ready to share your images through the Picture Post website, where the Knight Trail post is called “Wells Reserve Overlook.” It’s easy to create an account and add your own photo set for this or other Picture Posts in a growing network of monitoring locations.

Three other posts are being used at the Wells Reserve to observe shrubland habitats managed for the New England cottontail, beach erosion and accretion at the Little River mouth, and salt marsh conditions on the Little River estuary.

The Picture Post project is part of Digital Earth Watch, a collaboration among the University of Southern Maine, University of New Hampshire, and other partners.

Links to Wells Reserve entries on the Picture Post website:

Wells Reserve Overlook
Wells Reserve Beach
Wells Reserve Field
Wells Reserve Salt Marsh (not uploaded yet)

[Watermark 27(1)]

Wildlife Sighting: Goldsmith Beetle

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Volunteer naturalist Eileen Willard spotted this Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera) outside the Visitor Center on May 31 and telephoned insect enthusiast Brandon Woo to tell him about it. Brandon came and photographed the uncommon insect.

Rain barrels catch and conserve water

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Rainwater harvesting can reduce flooding and erosion issues, as well as surface-water contamination, by slowing down and decreasing the volume of stormwater runoff. One way to harvest rainwater is by using a catchment technique such as rain barrels.

Rain barrels are often set up to collect rain running off a roof into a gutter and downspout. A typical barrel holds 60 gallons and is fitted with a valve for filling a watering can, feeding a drip irrigation system, or serving as part of a rain garden system.

In June, the Wells Reserve and SD Analysis hosted the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association workshop and accreditation course. As part of the course, participants installed a rain barrel at the Alheim Commons, using runoff from the bike shed to fill a barrel in the community garden.

The Wells Reserve sponsors a program that subsidizes the production and installation of rain barrels. Field observations of the installed systems will be used to improve the effectiveness of local rainwater catchment systems.

Cindy Dabrowski-Kennie and Tim Spahr contributed to this article.

[Watermark 27(1): Spring 2010]

Slowing the flow: Managing rainwater in a changing climate

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Flooding in York County — is it becoming more common? Roads impassable, bridges washed out, basements full... the stories have become all too familiar in recent years.

The Mother's Day storm in May 2006 seemed an anomaly till the Patriots' Day storm hit in 2007. This March, the Wells Reserve measured 16 inches of rainfall, 5 inches more than Portland's record-setting 11. The roads closed and the sump pumps hummed again.

Hydrologists warn against the dramatic "100-year flood" label, rightly cautioning that such storm events have a one-percent chance of happening in any given year, not just once a century. So is this just a run of bad luck or is it time to adjust to a new normal?

Our climate is changing; Maine's Climate Future suggests our region will be getting wetter, with the possibility that damaging weather events will become more frequent. Nobody can be sure, but the Wells Reserve is helping prepare communities to minimize the impacts.

"Recognizing and managing water as a critical resource rather than a waste product and a problem is one of the Wells Reserve's top initiatives," says Stewardship Coordinator Tin Smith.

Wetlands moderate water levels naturally, Smith explains. Protecting and restoring coastal wetlands is a priority for the Wells Reserve, which also works across southern Maine to support permanent land conservation where it shows promise for improving ecological functioning in watersheds.

Under heavy rainfall conditions, the likelihood of flooding can be reduced if stormwater flow is slowed. Tin Smith is encouraging: "Every resident can be part of the solution by retaining natural vegetation along streams, ponds, and salt marshes." This is effective because tree leaves dampen the impact of falling rain, which drips through the canopy and often a shrub layer before touching ground. Keeping or planting trees and shrubs along waterways helps the earth absorb a slow flow of stormwater.

In contrast, rooftops, roadways, parking lots — even lawns — do little to impede precipitation on its way to streams or storm drains. In areas where impervious surfaces replace porous earth, rainwater swiftly follows the quickest course to low lands, whether that's your basement or the dip in the road between where you are and where you want to be. Limiting the extent of impervious surfaces is part of good conservation planning; it may reduce the risk of flooding and also prevents pollution of waterways leading to our estuaries and beaches.

While the Wells Reserve works with communities to encourage wetland buffers and reduce impervious surfaces, it is also constantly monitoring weather and water quality, tracking land use changes, and doing the science that will both determine climate trends and provide solutions to minimize impacts of climate change.

[Watermark 27(1): Spring 2010]

Key moments 1641 to 1986: Boade Farm to Wells Reserve

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Once English colonists settled this land, it was home to only four families: Boade, Symonds, Clark, and Lord. Here is an abbreviated list of key historical events leading up to the dedication of the Wells Reserve…

1641 Henry Boade family moves to the site.

1653 King’s Highway is established past Boade’s house to the mouth of the Little River.

1655 Boade sells the property to the Symonds brothers. William Symonds becomes sole owner by the end of 1657.

1677 King Philip’s War. Symonds family flees to nearby garrison. Indians burn the farmhouse to the ground.

1717 Nathaniel Clark family builds a new farmhouse and occupies the farm for several generations.

1881 George C. Lord, president of Boston & Maine Railroad, purchases the farm.

1888 Lord builds the "Elms" Railroad Station (currently a book store on U.S. Route 1).

1892 George’s son, Robert, purchases purebred Guernseys and establishes the farm’s herd.

1893 George C. Lord dies; Robert assumes proprietorship of the farm.

1902 Sheep and cow barns destroyed by fire. Rebuilt by 1904.

1908 Robert Lord dies; brother Charles replaces him and adds poultry to the farm.

1914 George C. Lord II, son of Charles, begins managing farm.

1929 "Laudholm Manor Farms & Cottages" begins taking in summer boarders.

1952 Guernsey herd is auctioned off.

1953 Laudholm Farm hosts the Wells 300th Birthday celebration.

1968 George C. Lord II sells 199 acres to the State of Maine for a state park.

1977 George C. Lord II dies.

1978 Effort to save the farm begins.

1982 Laudholm Farm Trust is established.

1986 Wells Reserve is dedicated.

Summer Camp calendar ready for download

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

All our summer camp programs for 2010, including both half-day and full-day offerings, are now available in one handy brochure that is ready for download. It lists the Just For Kids, Junior Researchers, and Preschool Explorers day camps happening between late June and August.

Download Summer Camps brochure

Wildlife Sighting: Moose

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:00:00 EST

Moose are not often seen at the Wells Reserve, but one was photographed on Memorial Day by Stephen Ingraham, who kindly shared these images.

Steve wrote:

The moose came out of the woods on the trail half way down the drive and ambled up across the meadow and over the crest between the houses. Unfortunately, at this distance you can easily see today's Canadian smoke between me and the moose.

The shadow of uncertainty

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

I fell short this morning. An unfamiliar song kept me following a skulker in the thick shrubs along the Barrier Beach Trail. Sweet sisiswit switchew ended up in my notebook. With a Chestnut-sided Warbler behind me and a Common Yellowthroat in front, I kept trying to convince myself this was an aberrant song from a resident, probably an inexperienced yellowthroat stumbling through its early attempts. Still, it was consistent, except for those occasions when immediately after finishing a song it would repeat itself once or twice as if mumbling an addendum.

As far as I could tell, the bird was never more than a foot or two above the ground and it seemed constantly on the move. I was grateful that its travels kept it reasonably close by. For a quarter hour I remained confident it would pop up for one good clear view. Now and then I'd catch movement and immediately train binoculars on the spot, but branches and leaves obscured what might have been there.

In all, I had three glimpses of a brown and yellow, notably unbrilliant bird before it moved deeper into the undergrowth and eventually stopped singing.

I struggled to convince myself it was probably just a yellowthroat, commonest of the warblers here. Back in the office, a book check and web search suggested something else, a rare warbler that was in the back of my mind the whole time I was attempting confirmation: Hooded.

So keep an ear open, would you? And let me know what you see.

[Winged Wednesday XVIII]

Wells residents have an opportunity to cast a big vote for conservation on June 8th

tsmith@wellsnerr.org (Tin Smith) — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

The Wells Conservation Commission and the Great Works Regional Land Trust are negotiating to conserve two parcels of land totaling 418 acres. Article 17 on the upcoming town ballot requests up to $450,000 for the properties. The funds are already in the town's Land Bank Account and will not impact property taxes.

These two parcels — Tilton property on Route 109 and Bragdon Road and the Granite State Lands off of the Perry Oliver Road — include headwater streams, wetlands, vernal pools, portions of the Great Haith, 5,250 feet of the Merriland River, parts of Perkins Brook and West stream. The lands will protect water quality and be open to the public for wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, and cross country skiing. The town money will be matched with funds from other sources by the Conservation Commission and the Land Trust. The Selectmen supported this warrant article 3-2 and the Budget Committee 5-0.

Granite State lands - 288 acres

Tilton Property - 130 acres

MIMIC: Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative

jmiller@wellsnerr.org (Jeremy Miller) — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

MIMIC is a network of trained volunteers, scientists, and state and federal agency workers who monitor marine invasive species throughout the northeast United States. The collaborative provides an opportunity for the general public to actively participate in an invasive species early detection network, identify new invaders before they spread out of control, and help improve our understanding of the behavior of established invaders.

The purpose of the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative is to detect newly introduced species, as well as changes in the abundance and distribution of established non-native species. There are four primary components of the program: (1) coordination, (2) training, (3) monitoring, and (4) information transfer.

Monitoring marine invasive species is not only a fun and exciting learning opportunity, but a great community activity as well. There will be a training on June 8th at 1 pm here at the Wells Reserve's Coastal Ecology Center for all volunteers interested in taking part in 2010 MIMIC monitoring. For more Information, please contact Jeremy Miller at 207-646-1555 ext 122 or jmiller@wellsnerr.org.

Plowing the Punkinfiddle Patch

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

Rick Chase from Chase Farm in Wells brought Bud and Bill to plow the Punkinfiddle corn and pumpkin patch, which is doubling in size this year.

Busy Birders: Survey tallies 75 species

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Wed, 12 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

It's a 20-year tradition: In each season of every year since 1989, birders from the York County Audubon Society have scoured the forests and fields, marshes and beach of the Wells Reserve, intent on counting all the birds they can see or hear in 3 hours. Teams spread out to cover four routes, never knowing what they'll encounter.

At yesterday's post-survey compilation, it was clear that the Muskie and Pilger trails were the hot spot. That's where most of the 127 warblers of 15 species were found.

Survey coordinator Joanne Stevens and data handler Nancy McReel have shared the full results from one of the birdiest quarterly surveys the Audubon team has done—75 species.…

Canada Goose     59
American Black Duck     3
Mallard     22
Common Eider     19
Surf Scoter     2
Black Scoter     2
Long-tailed Duck     2
Red-breasted Merganser     10
Wild Turkey     8
Common Loon     2
Double-crested Cormorant     49
Great Blue Heron     3
Turkey Vulture     1
Osprey     4
hawk sp.     1
Merlin     1
Greater Yellowlegs     4
Willet     41
Herring Gull     56
Great Black-backed Gull     2
Rock Pigeon     5
Mourning Dove     5
Belted Kingfisher     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Northern Flicker     1
Eastern Phoebe     4
Eastern Kingbird     1
Blue-headed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     26
American Crow     34
Tree Swallow     37
Barn Swallow     11
Black-capped Chickadee     29
Tufted Titmouse     5
White-breasted Nuthatch     3
House Wren     1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet     1
Eastern Bluebird     3
Veery     2
Hermit Thrush     1
American Robin     16
Gray Catbird     29
Northern Mockingbird     7
Brown Thrasher     1
European Starling     11
Blue-winged Warbler     1
Nashville Warbler     8
Northern Parula     14
Yellow Warbler     5
Chestnut-sided Warbler     10
Magnolia Warbler     4
Black-throated Blue Warbler     1
Yellow-rumped Warbler     3
Black-throated Green Warbler     6
Pine Warbler     1
Black-and-white Warbler     15
American Redstart     4
Ovenbird     5
Common Yellowthroat     48
Wilson's Warbler     2
Eastern Towhee     25
Chipping Sparrow     1
Savannah Sparrow     1
Song Sparrow     13
Swamp Sparrow     4
White-throated Sparrow     5
White-crowned Sparrow     1
Northern Cardinal     2
Bobolink     10
Red-winged Blackbird     49
Common Grackle     29
Brown-headed Cowbird     2
Baltimore Oriole     3
American Goldfinch     15
House Sparrow     18

[Winged Wednesday XVII]

Faces from the Pre-Film Reception

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

Here are a few faces from the reception we held in the Laudholm barn before our screening of A Chemical Reaction on May 6, 2010.

Paul Tukey chats with Laudholm Trust board member Charlie Gaylord

Monique Richard, from event sponsor TLC for SafeLawns, discusses low-impact landscaping with an attendee.

Debbie Mercier of Greenwood Herbals attends to a customer.

Kim Rocray, from the Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, fields a question during the reception.

Longtime Laudholm supporter Leo Daley listens to his wife Cynthia and Wells Reserve facilities manager Charles Lord.

Tim Spahr of Spahr-Dabrowski LLC stands with a rain barrel intended to enhance water conservation.

My Perfect Piece of the Earth

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Fri, 07 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

This series of boxes was on display during our 2010 Earth Day Celebration. Many boxes also had written descriptions that we haven't included here. Thanks to York's fifth graders and the Old York Garden Club for sharing these inspiring dioramas.

New Scholarship Program for Undergraduate Students

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:00:00 EST

NERRA Release dated May 6, 2010

The National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA) and the Friends of Rookery Bay (FORB) today announced the launch of a new scholarship program for undergraduate students. The Lois Yoder-Swaim Memorial Scholarship provides funding for deserving students who agree to conduct a project in cooperation with the staff of a National Estuarine Research Reserve (reserve).

Lois Yoder-Swaim was a leader in the reserve community for many years. She was a long-time supporter of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and for three years served as president of the Friends of Rookery Bay. Through her connections to Rookery Bay Lois became involved in national issues and became a cherished friend and colleague to many people in the reserve community. Lois was a member of NERRA's Friends and Foundations Network and a NERRA board member. Ms. Yoder-Swaim was an inspiring leader who fostered innovation in research, education, and volunteerism. NERRA and the Friends of Rookery Bay are proud to continue her legacy through this scholarship program.

The program provides students with a scholarship of $1000 or more to assist in post-secondary education. Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited public or private junior college, college, or university. First-year students are not eligible to apply. Scholarships are paid directly to a student for use at his/her discretion for room, board, tuition, supplies, or equipment. A scholarship selection committee will choose the recipient(s). Preference will be given to students studying the environmental or natural sciences, public policy, environmental or natural resource economics, or science education. Applicants should develop a project in cooperation with staff from a reserve, and must contact a reserve manager for guidance and to request a letter of support. Areas of focus for projects are:

social sciences and their link to the estuarine environment and improving human communities
earth science education for K-12 students focused on the estuarine environment
public policy and the estuarine environment
estuarine ecology or physical oceanography

A detailed description of the program along with an application document can be found at the NERRA website.

Calendar ready for download

editor@laudholm.org (Scott Richardson) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST

The 2010 "summer" program calendar is off the press! You can download the handy reference now (536 kb) or, if you're a Laudholm Trust member, watch for yours in the mail during the first week of May.

The 2010 calendar covers May to October and includes more than 100 activities tailored for general and specific audiences. July and August, as usual, are the busiest months. Details are few due to limited space, but you can always check our web calendar for information, updates, and late additions.