They say April showers bring May flowers, but in Wells, April also brings a season of activity, community events, and preparations for the busy months ahead. As we transition into spring, town departments are hard at work, from the Assessing Department conducting annual property reviews to the ongoing budget process and Wells Parks & Recreation gearing up for spring programs and summer hiring. We are also pleased to welcome our new Library Director to her role!

Exciting events are just around the corner, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Multi-Pass Sticker sales, and a low-cost rabies clinic for pet owners. Work has also begun on the construction of the second platform at the Wells Train Station. Meanwhile, renovations at Walter Marsh Recreation Park continue, with brand-new tennis and pickleball courts expected to open by early summer.

Read on for updates on town programs, upcoming events, and ways to get involved in our wonderful Wells community!

The Town of Wells is hiring for a variety of seasonal and full-time positions! Current openings include:

• Day Camp Counselors for Grades 1-6
• DPW Part-Time Seasonal Laborer
• Full-Time Equipment Operator
• Junior Leadership Coordinator
• Police Department Seasonal Openings
• Full Time Police Officer
• Wells Ocean Rescue - Seasonal Lifeguard

We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town running, often behind the scenes and we invite you to be a part of it!

Please join us in welcoming Andrea Kazilionis as the new Director of the Wells Public Library! She stepped into the role on March 18th and is thrilled to return to WPL, where she previously served as an Adult Services Librarian.

Andrea has enjoyed working in academic, special, and public libraries and has direct experience working with library patrons of all age groups. She prides herself on fostering a warm and welcoming library environment and is very excited to connect with both new and long-time WPL patrons.



Andrea resides in Portland with her partner and their rescue dog. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, year-round ocean swimming, and (of course) reading. Her latest endeavor of learning to bake and decorate cakes was inspired by her love of The Great British Bake Off.



The Town of Wells is fortunate to have Andrea leading our library, and we are confident she will thrive in this role. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming her!

How Decisions are Made in Wells

In the Town of Wells, the decision-making process involves several key steps to ensure transparency and public participation. Important decisions such as policy changes, financial expenditures, and town projects follow a structured process. Below is an overview that outlines the decision-making process.

Board of Selectmen’s Role

The Board of Selectmen serves as the town’s governing body, and is responsible for shaping policies and deciding which issues advance through the decision-making process. They hold workshops to discuss town matters in detail and later schedule public hearings to gather input from residents. Based on these discussions, they determine what moves forward for a public vote.

Public Participation: Workshops & Hearings

• Workshops: The Board of Selectmen may hold workshops to discuss potential initiatives, policies, or issues. These sessions allow board members to explore topics in depth, exchange ideas, and develop proposals. While open to the public, workshops typically do not include public comment periods.​

• Public Hearings: After developing proposals, the Board schedules public hearings to gather input from residents. These hearings provide a platform for community members to voice their opinion regarding the proposed actions. Public participation is a component of the process, as it informs the Board before their final decision.

Town Meeting & Voting

The Town Meeting is where Wells residents vote on initiatives endorsed by the Board of Selectmen through secret ballot referendum. It is held annually on the second Tuesday in June alongside the Annual Budget Referendum and municipal elections. 

What Requires a Town Meeting Vote?

Voters cast their ballot on various matters as outlined in the Town Code, to include:

• Changes to the Comprehensive Plan and land use ordinances
• Major financial decisions – Any town spending over $100,000 (unless funded by a bond or reserve account)
• Town property transactions – Sale, lease, or management of town-owned real estate

Voter Information

• The Town Clerk mails the Annual Town Meeting Warrant (list of ballot items) to all legal mailing addresses at least 14 days before the meeting.
• Residents are encouraged to review the warrant and participate in the election to help shape the town’s future.

This process ensures that Wells residents have a direct voice in shaping town policies and finances. To stay informed, residents are encouraged to make note of when public hearings will take place, attend meetings, review warrants, and participate in voting.

See the Process in Action

The Town Budget Process & Warrant Articles

One of the most important responsibilities of the Selectmen is overseeing the town budget, which determines funding for town services and infrastructure. The process follows these steps:

• Department Requests: Each department submits budget requests based on operational needs.
• Budget Review & Recommendations: The Board of Selectmen reviews these requests and makes initial recommendations.
• Budget Committee Review: The town’s Budget Committee, made up of appointed residents, provides further review and recommendations.
• Public Hearing on the Budget: Residents have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed budget.
• Final Selectmen Approval & Warrant Inclusion: After adjustments, the Board of Selectmen finalizes the budget and places funding items on the Town Meeting warrant, where voters have the final say.

How Can I Stay Involved?

Stay informed of the most important notifications from the Town of Wells by subscribing to the Notify Me feature of the Town website. You can choose to receive custom email or text alerts for a variety of different updates, including voting results, posted agendas, and calendar updates.

This feature is free and available to any member of the public. You are able to unsubscribe at any time.

Town of Wells social media pages are also a great resources for quick and timely updates. We share news, reminders, pertinent information and more! Follow the Town of Wells on Facebook, on Instagram. 

Conclusion

The decision-making process in Wells prioritizes transparency, public participation, and careful consideration of important town matters. From Selectmen workshops to public hearings and the final say of voters at Town Meeting, residents play an important role in shaping the town’s future. Staying informed and participating in these processes helps maintain an engaged community and ensures that decisions reflect the needs and priorities of Wells residents.

The arrival of Spring for the Finance and Tax Collection office brings the due date for the second installment of 2025 taxes, preparation for multi-use sticker sales (aka beach sticker) and upcoming motor vehicle changes. 

Second Installment of 2025 Tax Bills

The second installment of 2025 tax bills comes due on March 30th. Taxpayers have until May 14th to pay the second half of the tax bill before interest starts. Interest on unpaid first installment balances started on November 14th. All payments are posted to the oldest outstanding balance for a tax account. Payments are first applied to outstanding interest before applying to principal. The second installment reminder bill is expected to mail from the printer the week of April 7th to all accounts that have a 2025 balance remaining.

2025 Beach Parking Pass Policy Changes

At a public hearing held on March 18th, the 2025 Beach Sticker Policy was adopted. The key changes to the policy are as follows:

1) Resident and Taxpayer Multi-use Sticker ($50)

• The multi-use sticker combines previous beach parking and transfer station stickers into one. The sticker is available to residents and taxpaying property owners with current tax payments. Residents must have a tax bill in their name or, if renting, provide a vehicle registration showing excise tax paid to Wells. Each resident or taxpayer may purchase up to two (2) stickers per tax parcel. (A standalone $5 Transfer Station sticker will still be available for purchase).

2) Veteran Parking Spots

• Each parking lot will have two (2) designated Veteran parking spaces for vehicles displaying Veteran-issued plates or a town-issued placard along with a valid Multi-Use Sticker ($50). Veterans that need the town-issued placard due to not displaying a Veteran-issued plate, will need to provide proof of Veteran status. Placards will be available at Town Hall.

3) Changes for Mooring Holders

• Mooring Holders can purchase a Mooring Holder Sticker ($50) for parking near the eastern shore docks. There will be 10 designated spaces for Mooring Holders Stickers. If designated spaces are full, mooring pass holders may use general spaces in the Eastern Shore lot.

Multi-Use stickers will be available for purchase online, by mail or in person starting Monday, April 21st. New this season, all in person multi-use sticker sale only transactions will be sold from the temporary office trailer located in the Town Hall parking lot from 8AM until 3PM. Staff in the office will then be handling all the other daily transactions done by the office (vehicle registrations, tax payment processing, etc.)  

Anyone that is a new property owner or has never used the online portal to purchase their sticker(s) can call the Assessing Office at 207-646-6081 starting April 1st to verify that their tax account is set-up in the sticker portal prior to the start date for sticker sales. You can also access the mail in request form here.

Staff continues to remind residents that starting May 1st, the Chickadee Plates will start to be replaced with the new Pine Tree Plate (Pine Tree and North Star) or the No Tree Plate (No Picture). 

Registrants who would like to keep their current Chickadee plate numbers may reserve their plate by paying a one-time $25 fee. Registrants who have an active vanity, low digit and National Guard (PC Class Code) must reserve their plates if they would like to keep their current plate. Registrants can reserve a plate number in four different ways. This can be done by:

1. Going online to www.maine.gov/online/reservemyplate
2. Prompted to reserve if registrant used the Rapid Renewal website for registrations expiring before May 1st.
3. Going into a BMV branch office such as Sanford or Kennebunk.
4. Mailing in a Reserve Plate Application (MV-62) to the BMV Administrative Office here.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the upcoming plate change:

REAL-ID Compliance Changes

Beginning May 7th, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport) is required for domestic flights and access to certain federal facilities.  Maine’s law does not force anyone to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID. Residents can still receive noncompliant state identification cards, but will need extra forms of federal identification for domestic flights or entering federal buildings.  Anyone who desires to obtain a Real ID-compliant license or ID will need to go to their local BMV office and provide the following documentation (complete checklist can be found here).

1). One document that establishes identity*, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other lawful status in the U.S. (see below for additional requirements if your legal name has changed for any reason including marriage)

• IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING BIRTH CERTIFICATES: A certified birth certificate is an official government-issued record of a person's birth, printed on security paper and includes an official raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal.
• IMPORTANT NAME CHANGE INFORMATION: If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a Real ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.

2). Provide Social Security Number (card not required) or evidence of Social Security Number ineligibility.

3). Two documents to establish proof of residence in the State of Maine, such as a utility bill, paycheck stub or mortgage statement (P.O. Box is not acceptable).

Annual Property Assessments & Spring Fieldwork

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, the Assessing Department is preparing to head out into the field for our annual property pickup and inventory. In accordance with Maine State Law, all real and personal properties are assessed based on their ownership, status, and condition as of April 1st each year. We update ownership records throughout the year as property transfers occur, and in the weeks following April 1, we review all Wells properties for their status and condition, including visiting all campgrounds to document new or removed units. If you see people in a blue Nissan Leaf taking pictures in your neighborhood this spring, that is our office documenting property changes!

Beach Sticker Sales & Property Verification

The Assessing Department also has a role in the sale of the Multi-use (formerly Beach Parking) stickers: we verify property ownership and set up online accounts for new owners and anyone else who has never purchased a sticker through the online portal. If you are a new property owner since last summer or you have never used the online portal, you can call our office at 207-646-6081 beginning April 1st to verify that your tax account number is set up to allow you to purchase a sticker through the online sticker sales portal when sales begin on April 21st.

If you already have an online account from last year or you are not purchasing sticker(s) online, you do not need to contact our office.

At the request of the WEMS Board of Directors, the Town of Wells is continuing to explore a potential merger between Wells Emergency Medical Services (WEMS) and the Wells Fire Department. On December 17, 2024, the Select Board unanimously approved a motion to consider incorporating WEMS operations into the Fire Department and authorized the Town Manager to assess the financial and personnel impacts.

Why is the Town Considering a Merger?

• Financial Sustainability: Assessing whether a combined department could enhance resource allocation and reduce operational costs. The Town of Wells already provides a significant subsidy to the WEMS budget. A merger could create cost-saving opportunities and maximize efficiency.
• Meeting Increased Service Demands – Maintaining the high-quality emergency response services that residents and visitors depend on. 
• Improved Coordination: Combining fire and EMS services under one department could streamline emergency response efforts, improving service delivery.
• Operational Efficiency: A unified department may allow for better resource allocation, training, and personnel management.

What’s Next?

Background & Planning Process

To ensure a thorough evaluation, a Strategic Planning Group has been formed, consisting of representatives from WEMS Leadership & Staff, Wells Fire Department Leadership & Personnel, Wells Select Board Members and Town Management. The Town is actively reviewing operational details, financial impacts, and staffing considerations. The primary goal is to assess how a blended operation could maintain or improve the high-quality emergency response services the Town relies upon.

How Can You Stay Informed?

This process remains ongoing, with a focus on transparency and public engagement. Residents can stay informed through official Town communication channels, Select Board meetings, and public forums. Public input is valuable as we assess the best path forward for emergency medical and fire services in Wells.

For more information and future updates, stay tuned to the Town’s official channels.

The Public Works crew is busy getting ready for spring! We're preparing equipment for a full slate of upcoming projects. Our team has been working to get our beaches ready for the season by preparing beach mats, stairs, and ramps for installation, ensuring public access points are open and accessible for all visitors, and replacing worn signage.

Street sweeping is underway, and we’re gearing up for ditching and drainage work in various areas around town. Pothole repairs, pavement patching, washouts, and culvert cleanouts have also begun.

Wells Train Station Expansion Underway

Work has begun on the construction of a second platform at the Wells Train Station. This project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.



During construction, some disruptions to parking, traffic patterns, and train schedules may occur, so passengers are encouraged to check train times before traveling.

Who must register to Saltwater Recreational Fish in Maine?

A person is required to Register with the state of Maine annually in order to engage in recreational saltwater fishing unless that person meets one of the following exemptions. Proof of being Registered or documentation of exemption of the Registry requirement must be carried at all times while recreational saltwater fishing or transporting caught fish.

Registration Exemptions

You are exempt from Registering if:

• You are under 16 years of age.
• You hold a valid Maine freshwater fishing license (not a Lifetime License*) and you indicated on your license whether or not you engaged in saltwater recreational fishing during the prior year.
• You hold a valid ME Commercial fishing license and you have indicated on that license whether or not you engaged in saltwater recreational fishing during the prior year.
• You are a Maine resident and are recreational saltwater fishing only on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th or Labor Day weekend.
• You are a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.
• You are fishing as a passenger on a for-hire vessel (charter or head/party boat) captained by an individual who possesses a valid recreational saltwater fishing Operator's License.
• You are registered/licensed to engage in saltwater recreational fishing in another state, or with the National Registry.

*If your Maine freshwater fishing license is a Lifetime License, then you are not covered by that license for saltwater recreational fishing in Maine. You will need to check to see if you qualify for any other of the exemptions, above, and if you do not, then you are required to annually Register for recreational saltwater fishing.

You can register for Saltwater Fishing in person at the Clerks Office at Wells Town Hall for a cost of $2.00

The Wells Parks & Recreation Department has just wrapped up our Winter season and are now delving into Spring programs. Lacrosse is one of the popular programs consisting of youth travel teams, Little Laxers, and Sticklets encompassing over 100 children playing! Along with Lacrosse we offer Indoor Soccer, Track & Field, Archery, Mad Science, April Vacation Camp, and our ongoing Camp Daybreak and Sunset.

On April 19th, we will be hosting our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for ages 4-8 with a special visit from the Easter Bunny. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required by going to www.wellsrec.com.

We are now hiring Summer Staff! If you or someone you know loves working with children and wants to make a difference in their lives, then this is the job! We have a few different positions open including Lead staff as well as Camp Counselor positions. The pay is above minimum wage. For more details, please visit our website at www.wellsrec.org.

During the fall of last year, we started the renovation project of rebuilding the tennis/pickleball courts at our Walter Marsh Recreation Park. There is still work to be completed but we are hoping to open the courts by early Summer. There will be opportunities to purchase memberships and reserve your court online! We are currently still working on the logistics of the reservation system. For more information, you can go to our website where we will post updates as we move forward.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled, rewarding summer!

We would like to inform the residents, contractors and design professionals that the state of Maine will be adopting the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes), which will replace the current 2015 I- Codes, effective April 7, 2025. This change follows a comprehensive review by the State of Maine, which believes this update is crucial to improving safety, energy efficiency, and modernizing building practices throughout the state.

This adoption reflects Maine’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest construction standards to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and communities. The updates are intended to address advancements in technology, sustainability, and building system resilience. It is important for all residents, professionals in the construction and design fields to prepare for this transition.

• Key areas impacted by these changes include:
• Building design and structural requirements
• Energy efficiency standards
• Life safety regulations
•  Mechanical system requirements

This update is part of Maine’s broader initiative to align its building practices with national standards and evolving innovations. We strongly encourage you to review the 2021 I-Codes, available on the International Code Council (ICC) website, and to participate in training sessions to ensure compliance.

Wells Public Library plans for Spring Break with April Programs sure to please

A reminder that spring leash rules go into effect starting April 1. Below is a refresher on the the year round leash rules for all public beaches, to include Wells Beach, Crescent Beach and Drakes Island Beach.

• Between April 1 and June 15, dogs are allowed on the beach at all times but MUST be on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person. In charge of a responsible person means that the leash MUST be held at all times by an individual capable of controlling the dog (not a child).
• Between June 16 and September 15, dogs are NOT permitted on the beach from 8am to 6pm. Before 8am and after 6pm, dogs are allowed on the beaches but MUST be on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person.
• Between September 16 and March 31, dogs are permitted on the beach at all times. The control of dogs is enforced by the Dog at Large Town Ordinance which is written based off of the Maine State Law.

According to the Town Ordinance for Dogs at Large, "any dog leaving the property of its owner or custodian must be on a leash of suitable strength or must be under the supervision and verbal control of its master."

Please be aware, Harbor Park is NOT considered a beach and the rule for dogs is enforced as the Dog at Large Town Ordinance, above.

Please note: These restrictions do not apply to dogs on the property of their owner or on another property with the owner's permission, Seeing Eye dogs or other dogs assisting an individual with a disability or working police dogs.

Additional information regarding animal control can be found here.

Nomination papers are now available in the Town Clerk's Office for the upcoming Municipal Election on June 10, 2025.

The following positions are open for election:

• (2) Selectmen – 3-year term
• (1) Trustee – C.S.D. Committee – 3-year term
• (2) Trustees – Wells Sanitary District – 3-year term
• (3) Trustees – Wells Public Library – 3-year term
• (1) Trustee – KK&W – 3-year term

Interested candidates can pick up nomination papers in the Town Clerk's Office at the Wells Town Hall, located at 208 Sanford Road, Wells.

The deadline to file completed nomination papers is April 11, 2025.

• For more information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (207) 646-2882.

Are you interested in making a difference in your community, our beaches, and the planet? Plan now to attend the Wells Beach Cleanup on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 starting at 10 AM.



Volunteers will meet at Wells High School this year- 200 Sanford Road- at 10 AM, and then break into groups to disperse to Wells Harbor, Wells Beach and Drake's Island Beach for the clean up. The event is hosted by the Wells Police Department. To RSVP, please email Saundra at beachcleanup@yahoo.com with your name and the number of people in your group that will be attending by April 12th.

Beach lovers of all ages are welcome! Supplies, including gloves will be provided. If you have a reach extender of your own that you would like to bring to collect the litter, you are encouraged to do so.



Let’s plan to have some fun and enjoy some free Congdon’s Donuts! Help make a difference to our environment.

For more than a decade, the Town of Wells has had a Beach Management Agreement with the Federal, State and Audubon Agencies who are charged with protecting habitat for Piping Plovers and Least Terns. These birds begin to arrive on our beaches in March and their nesting and fledging seasons extends into the summer months. While most often found at Wells Beach, the beaches at Drakes Island and Moody must also be checked.

In the beginning, there was a threat of beach closure to ensure the safety of these species. Instead, Town officials proposed a monitoring program which would keep the beaches open for use while protecting the birds through oversight and education of beach-goers. This program has been very successful. This program is about educating people through conversation rather than enforcement, and to help locate the Plover’s nests so that they can be protected by fencing.

However, to help maintain this success, volunteers are needed to perform the following tasks: walk the beaches on a regular basis, at least once a week from the middle of April through mid-September; identify, locate and count the birds; and help educate and make beach goers aware of the birds and how to protect them.

Volunteers

• If you enjoy walking the beaches; appreciate flexible days/hours/time of day; and want to make a difference, volunteering for the Piping Plover Project may be for you. Volunteers will be provided with training, identification, and a parking pass to be used during their volunteer hours. Reporting is a simple and rewarding process. Volunteers are needed from mid-April through September.

• We're looking for a regular, weekly commitment, but we also know summer in Maine is precious. You can still volunteer even if you know you will only be able to help periodically or if there are weeks when you are unavailable.

All volunteers must:

• Be willing to talk and interact with the public
• Attend an annual volunteer training and orientation
• Educate beachgoers about plovers and beach rules meant to keep the birds safe
• Track volunteer time and observations

Piping Plover Monitor Annual Training will take place on Monday, April 14th starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Wells Public Library. Maine Audubon, Wells Animal Control and the Wells Volunteer Coordinator will be hosting the training and invite all those interested in the program to attend.  

Easily apply to become a Plover volunteer today by filling out our Volunteer Application.

We invite you to join the Town of Wells for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, taking place on Monday, May 26th, at 9 AM, as we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms and all who serve, past and present. The parade will begin at Wells High School, located at 200 Sanford Road, continue East on Sanford Road (Route 109) to Post Road (Route 1) and continue South on US 1 to Ocean View Cemetery.

We invite all veterans and active military service members to participate in the 2025 Wells Memorial Day Parade. RSVP's are recommended but not required. Those interested in participating are welcome to meet at 8:30AM at the Wells High School Parking Lot.

Please contact the Event Coordinator at 207-361-8130, or by email with questions or to reserve your spot.

Wells Ocean Rescue is now hiring for the 2025 season. Wells lifeguards watch over the tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful beaches from June through September. This is a fulfilling position, in which you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of others and are a key member of our community.

• Paid Workouts
• Paid certifications
• Paid 45 minute breaks
• No experience necessary
• Must be 16+
• Starting pay, $19.50-$24.00 based on experience

Applicants must be 16 years of age.

Interested in applying? Fill out an application below and email it to employment@wellstown.org

• Employment Application

Town staff and the the Board of Selectmen are supported by the efforts of the many volunteers who make up our resident-led boards and committees. These committees advance the work on present issues in Wells and do the research and preparation before bringing it to the board.

If you want to be more involved in your community, having a role in local government activities is a great way to start. There are currently vacancies on the following boards/committees:

• Board of Assessment Review - 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Committee - 2 alternate member vacancies
• Conservation Commission - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee- 2 alternate member vacancies
• Energy Advisory Committee- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Lodging Facility Advisory Committee- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Recreation Commission -2 alternate member vacancies
• Shellfish Conservation Commission - 1 alternate member vacancy

Learn more about each Board and Committee here.

Wells Reserve plans for April programs for the whole family

April 2025 Programs at Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Tuesday, April 1, 6-8pm

Wingspan Game Night

Join us for an evening of learning and playing the award-winning board game, Wingspan. All are welcome. Wingspan is best suited for ages 10 and up. If you have a copy of the game, please bring it! Free. Preregistration required at lbenoit@wellsnerr.org or 207-646-1555 x118.

Wednesday, April 2, 10:30am-12pm

Wednesday Walk

Join Norma Fox, certified interpretive guide and Wells Reserve docent and ranger, for a series of walks designed to help you get outside and enjoy nature throughout the changing seasons. Wednesday walks run bi-weekly through April. A variety of trails and topics will be incorporated, so repeat participation is most welcome. This walk is geared towards adults, but ages 12 and older are welcome. Free. Preregistration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110.

Sunday, April 6, 12-3:30pm

Between the Sea & ME: A Grief Ritual for Modern Humans

This program, presented by Hogfish arts company, is geared toward those who are experiencing feelings of grief, fear, disconnect, and concern for the current state of the world. Facilitators, artists, and shamans specializing in grief work, reiki, art therapy, somatic work, and social work will guide participants through a progression of thoughtfully planned practices to create a nurturing space for grief, gratitude, and community. The day will include journaling, somatic movement, poetry, and song, and will culminate in a walk to the beach and a communal grief ritual by the ocean. The event is designed to help participants process and navigate these emotions in community and reconnect to what is important and life-giving. Tickets are available on a sliding scale basis from $10-50 via hogfish.org or wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Wednesday, April 9, 10am-12pm

Rewilding Your Lawn

It is possible to turn your traditional lawn into a meadow-like haven for native plants and birds. The Reserve's Environmental Educator, Linda Littlefield Grenfell, will share the history and impact of lawns nationwide. We will learn about the importance of making space for more native plants, and how to do this in your own backyard. Come share your ideas, successes and failures, and let's support each other as we take small steps to make a big difference. $8/$6. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116.

Friday, April 11, 7-8:30pm

Woodcock Watch

Maine Master Naturalist and woodcock enthusiast Paul Dest leads this walk in search of the famed timberdoodle. Paul is well-versed in the woodcock’s life history, conservation status, and management, and is an engaging presenter. In early spring, just before dawn or just after sunset, landscapes of field and young forest come alive with the unique sounds of the American woodcock. This migratory bird is a sure sign of spring, but is not so obvious as the robin or the red-winged blackbird. We’ll walk about a mile, including one small hill. $8/$6. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116.

Saturday, April 12. 10am-12pm

Wild Wonder Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing is an immersive sensory experience at a leisurely pace, exploring what's right in front of you and allowing the cacophony of thoughts to fall away. This practice follows a standard sequence of invitations over a 2-hour period that frames the walk but does not impose restrictive rules. This program is led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Jennifer Comeau. “Trees do wonders for your spirit and mental wellness. But you don’t really need science to tell you; you feel it,” shares Jennifer. $20/$16. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116.

Monday, April 14, 12:30-2:30pm

Signs of the Seasons Community Science Training

Are you in tune with nature? Do you notice when the red maple flowers burst in the spring, when monarch caterpillars begin to munch on milkweed in late summer, or when the first leaves appear on the ground in autumn? Join us at our Signs of the Seasons Community Science Workshop and learn how to turn your nature observations into valuable data used by scientists to document seasonal and long-term change. Signs of the Seasons, is a Maine Sea Grant community science program that trains volunteers to observe and record phenology (seasonal changes) in plants and animals. Participants will learn about the why and how-to of collecting phenology data, practice making observations, and leave with the tools and knowledge to document changes in their own backyard or community. Free. Registration required at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Wednesday, April 16, 2-3:30pm

Estuary Discoveries

Join us for a peaceful and easy meander along this accessible Wells Harbor trail. We will learn about the value and importance of estuaries, where rivers meet the sea, while exploring the newest trail in the Reserve’s network. Free. Preregistration is required at linda@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x128.

Saturday, April 19, 10am-12pm

Welcome Spring Walk

Join the Reserve's Environmental Educator, Linda Littlefield Grenfell, to look for signs of spring! Are there any new shoots coming forth? Are the buds bigger? What birds are returning? Is the air lighter? Let’s welcome spring together. Participants are invited to bring binoculars along, though they are not required. $8/$6. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116.

Tuesday, April 22, 12:30-2:30pm

Laudholm Beach Earth Day Cleanup

Come join us for a cleanup of Laudholm Beach in celebration of Earth Day! All ages are welcome as we put our stewardship hats on and give this little piece of earth some intentional care. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for our up to two-mile round-trip walk to and along the beach. We'll meet at the gazebo right outside the Visitor Center and walk to the beach together. Free. Preregistration is not required. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2:30-3:30pm

Earth Day Newspaper Pot Making and Seed Sowing

Join York County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers for a fun Earth Day seed sowing activity! Learn to roll up a newspaper pot and plant a sunflower to celebrate Earth Day! You'll take home a planted pot with growing information. Later you'll be able to plant the sunflower in your garden, nurture it, and watch it grow. Other seeds may be available for planting as well. Free. Preregistration is not required. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar. 

Thursday, April 24, 10:30-11:30am

Preschool Story Hour: When Spring Comes

Join Education Director Suzanne Kahn for a reading of Kevin Henkes’ When Spring Comes, followed by a related craft activity and outdoor discovery time. This program is geared towards ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Preregistration is required by emailing suzanne@wellsnerr.org or calling (207) 646-1555 x116. Free with site admission.

Friday, April 25, 10:30am-12:00pm

Detectives of Disguise

Why do some animals stand out while others blend in? Join us to learn about animal camouflage and survival. We will play games and put our powers of observation to the test on a short hike. The program is designed with K-5th graders in mind, but younger or older siblings are welcome. $20/$15 (families), $8/$6 (individuals). Preregistration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110.

Sunday, April 27, 2025, 10-11:15am

Grief Compassion Walk

Join us for a guided experience in nature with the intention of expanding awareness and utilizing gratitude to support grief. Led by compassion, loss, and grief educator Elizabeth Straka, this gathering will help ground you and gently settle your mind and body as you walk in awareness and nature to care for grief. The walk is neither strenuous nor fast-paced.

We will meet outside the barn to begin. Free. Preregistration required at edgesofgrief@yahoo.com or (207) 408-5657.

Apply today to join our team!



The Town of Wells has several open employment opportunities. We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town running, often behind the scenes.

If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for a satisfying and important career.

Stay informed with the RAVE Alert System

Sign up for the RAVE Alert System for York County to ensure you receive emergency alerts.

​The RAVE Alert System is a reverse 911 application that allows citizens to sign up for emergency alerts. The program allows users to create a profile to alert first responders to their specific needs as well. For example, if there was an evacuation, the program would let first responders know if a user needed evacuation assistance through their profile. The profiles allow users to mark if they need specialized assistance, are dependent on electric supply, or even if they have pets or livestock.

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Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.

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Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.

We are always looking for ways to improve communication with our community members.

As always, if there is anything we can do to better communicate information, please let us know by emailing rkelley@wellstown.org

Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages using the buttons below. You can also see news and updates on the Town of Wells website at www.wellstown.org.