In mid-November, member David M. emailed me to say:

"The events of the past week emphasize how important places like the Wells Reserve at Laudholm are in our lives."

Because we’re a national estuarine research reserve, we study the life that exists between low tide and high, between fresh water and salt. Perhaps we’re used to swings between extremes, to the different worlds that are continually uncovered and recovered here. Elections and world events matter to us, sure, but our work goes on no matter what.

Every day in this serene and beautiful place, smart people are using science, education, and conservation to protect the coastal communities we all love. That’s the Wells Reserve. That’s what being a part of those communities means to us.

We’re honored that David, and so many of our friends, neighbors, and supporters — people just like you — feel this place is so important to their lives. We feel the same.

I hope you’ll make a gift to help the Reserve continue to be this important, beautiful place. The staff and I feel incredibly lucky to come to work here every day. We’re able to because of your gifts of time, talent, and money. Thank you. We are grateful to you and honored to be "your reserve" for more than 30 years.

• Download the FY2016 annual report (abbreviated) and 2017 "save the dates" flyer