As the cooler air and increasingly vibrant foliage welcome the fall season, October in Wells is packed with exciting activities and important updates for our residents. Our annual Haunted Hayride at the Parks and Recreation Department is right around the corner and provides an evening of spooky thrills for all ages, while the upcoming Open House at the Fire Department is a unique opportunity for the public to experience the day-to-day operations of the department, first hand from the firefighters themselves. The Founders Park Committee Comedy Show is the perfect way to share a laugh while supporting a wonderful cause.

Outside of the Fall festivities and events, the town is busy with essential municipal work. The new tax rate has been set, Public Works continues progress on seasonal projects, and we are preparing for the November election. Also, residents should be aware of the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Day later this month.

With so much happening, we are committed to serving our community and ensuring that Wells remains a wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy the beauty of fall. We hope you will take part in the many events and stay engaged with the important work happening in our town.

Dog license renewals for 2026 begin on October 15, 2025. The State offers an online renewal service which can be found here.

This service will also open on October 15th in person. For both online and in-person licensing, you will need to have your dog’s most current rabies certificate. Costs remain the same at $6.00 for “altered” dogs and $11.00 for “unaltered” dogs. Please note that the online service charges an additional $1.00 transaction fee. 

Dog licenses expire December 31st of each year. Make sure you renew early to avoid the $25 per dog late fee!

As we move into the fall season, Public Works has been keeping busy with a number of important projects across Town.

Paving Projects Completed

We recently wrapped up paving work on several roads, including Coles Hill Road, Perry Oliver Road, as well as in the Riverbend Drive and Deer Run Drive neighborhoods. These paving improvements will provide smoother travel for motorists on roads that were in much need of attention.

Drainage and Mowing Work

Crews have also been addressing a number of drainage issues throughout Town. These repairs are critical to keeping stormwater moving properly and preventing flooding or road damage. Our roadside mowing program is also ongoing, helping to maintain sightlines and improve safety before winter arrives.

Fleet Readiness for Winter

Public Works staff are currently inspecting and preparing our fleet of plow trucks and other equipment for the upcoming winter season. This work ensures our team will be fully ready to respond when snow and ice arrive.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Looking ahead, residents of Wells will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste items on Saturday, October 11th. The event will be hosted in Kennebunk, and Wells residents are welcome to participate. More details on accepted items and disposal guidelines are available on the Town’s website or Facebook page.

The Assessing Office has committed and set our new tax rate to $6.46 per thousand. We understand that these are trying times and therefore, we strived for and were successful in maintaining the lowest tax rate compared to surrounding towns.

The breakdown is as follows:

• $3.49- School
• $2.58- Municipal
• $0.40- County

Our Certified assessment ratio is 100%.

Tax Bills

Tax bills have been mailed out. If you have not notified us of an address change, please let us know so that we are able to mail them to the correct address. If you have sold your property and still received the tax bill for it, please forward it to the new owner.

Unit sales and transfers

It’s that time of year again where we see the campgrounds closing and lots of units being sold. Please remember, if you sell a unit or buy a unit, we will need the bill of sale to transfer the ownership. These can be brought into our office or emailed to jhorta@wellstown.org.

Every year, we have a representative from the State who receives all Bills of Sales and contacts all new buyers that didn’t get a chance to pay the State sales tax on those transactions. If you are one of the new owners of these units, please contact our office for the IUSE Form that needs to be filled out.

We are sad to see summer go but wish you all a productive and inspiring Fall season ahead and hope you all had a great summer here in our beautiful Town of Wells! 

Annual Haunted Hayride

Join Parks and Recreation at their famous Haunted Hayride for a wonderfully spooky evening! Travel down our haunted trail on one of our hay wagons to see the creepy, unearthly, and mysterious scenes along the way! Along with our famed hayride, there will also be concessions and live music!  

Tickets

NOTE: Tickets MUST be purchased in advance ONLINE ONLY. No tickets will be sold at the event.

There will be multiple tractors running throughout the evening. Ticket includes entertainment, one Walk-thru Inflatable Corn Maze and one hayride. If you arrive after your time slot, seats are not guaranteed. Entrance opens 15 minutes prior to your time slot. Ages 4 & under are free and do not need a ticket; they may be asked to sit on a lap.

• Tickets: $15 per person
• When: Saturday, October 18
• Rain Date: Sunday, October 19 
• Where: Walter Marsh Recreation Park - 412 Branch Rd, Wells, ME

New this year! Inflatable Corn Maze

Waiting for the hayride? Jump into our Inflatable Corn Maze, a twisty, bouncy adventure for all ages! It’s the perfect way to keep the whole family smiling and moving before hopping on the wagon. One Walk-Thru included with your ticket. Additional walk throughs may be purchased at the Concession Stand for $2.00 each.

Tickets Must Be Presented At Entrance For Admission. (Print or on Phone). NO REFUNDS

Upcoming Recreation Programs

As the seasons change, so do the opportunities to get active, stay healthy, and have fun in our community! We’re thrilled to announce upcoming programs designed for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking to shoot hoops, make a splash, or just stay moving, we’ve got something for you! Starting in October and November: Adult Open Gym: Basketball & Volleyball, Youth Basketball, Swim Lessons and the 2nd Annual Kids Warrior Fun Dash! 

Keep an eye on our website and social media for registration dates, program schedules, and special events. These programs fill up fast, don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!

The Wells Fire Department is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Open House, set to take place on Saturday, October 4th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Wells Fire Department, located at 1563 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090. This day will be full of family-friendly fun and an exclusive look into the workings of the Fire Department.

The event will showcase the talents and capabilities of the department, with a unique look into the day-to-day operations of the station. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the Fire Department facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the department's inner workings. The day will also include demos, a Touch-a-Truck experience, and the opportunity to interact with our firefighters who work hard each day to ensure your safety.

Join us for a day of Family, Fun, and Fire Trucks at this annual event.

Fire Prevention Week will take place from October 5th through the 11th. The second week of October was named as Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Protection Agency in 1922 in commemoration of The Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Here are some fire safety and prevention tips:

• Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Replace smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries twice per year and test monthly.
• Plan your escape with a family meet-up spot a safe distance from the house.
• Space heaters need space! Read each manual carefully as space requirements change with the size of the unit.
• Cook with caution! Cooking is the leading cause of house fire.
• Do not plug portable air conditioning units into an extension cord or surge protector as they can overheat and catch fire.
• Be sure your house number is clearly visible so that firefighters can find your house in a emergency.
• Teach children to stop, drop, and roll. Never run if your clothes catch fire.

You can check out additional information about fire safety and prevention and find activities for kids here.

As fall approaches, the department staff have been busy collecting tax payments for outstanding 2025 real estate bills. On September 15th, the Town had 190 unpaid 2025 real estate tax bills that were sent to tax lien. Those tax payers will now have 18 months to pay the outstanding taxes before the tax lien will foreclose. Staff will be researching mortgage holders for any of the 2025 tax lien properties. The department is required to send a copy of the recorded tax liens to the mortgage holder of the property. The department encourages tax payers with delinquent bills to try and make monthly payments to reduce the amount of the outstanding tax bill.

Tax Bills Mailed- Due October 30th

The department worked with the Assessor’s Office to commit the 2026 tax bills. The taxes were committed on September 15, 2025. The bills were mailed from the printer on Friday, September 26th. The first installment of taxes is due on October 30, 2025 to avoid interest. The tax year for the Town of Wells runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The information for the 2026 tax bill comes from the Assessor’s database as of April 1, 2025. If a taxpayer has sold their property and receives a tax bill, they are encouraged to call the Assessing Office at 207-646-6081 to provided updated ownership information which might not have been received by the department at the time the tax bills were committed.  

Are you a Friend of the Wells Public Library? 

National Friends of the Library Week is October 19-25th this year and is a great time to join or renew your membership. For as little as $5.00, you can join and help support a great cause!  

The Friends of the Wells Public Library provide almost all the funding for our wonderful programming at the Wells Library. They have also contributed funding to other things over the years including new benches at the front and rear entrances, along with chairs and a study counter for our teen area. 

Here are some of the other programs and services supported by Friends of the Library:

• Children’s Programs including magic shows, puppet shows, nature and science programs, afterschool teen programs, and the Annual Pet Show.
• Adult Programs including music, history, writing and Do-it-Yourself programs, author talks, films and lectures.
• Expanded library collections including digital books
• Museum passes
• Childrens, Young Adult and Adult Summer Reading Programs 
• Bill Ryan Memorial Art Collection

If you are interested, they have opportunities for volunteering with a fun group of people. They sort through the many book donations we receive and maintain their ongoing book sale area. In addition, they open their storage room every third Saturday at 10:15 am for a special book sale. But if your free time does not permit, they are also happy to have you support them with your tax-deductible membership donation. Stop by and pick up a membership form or sign up via Paypal on the Friends webpage.

The Friends of the Wells Public Library meet the second Wednesday of the month at the Library at 10:15 am.

The Town of Wells does not issue Electrical, Propane, Natural Gas or Solid Fuel Permits or perform inspections locally.

Electrical

It is the responsibility of the Licensed Electrical Contractor to obtain all the necessary permits and inspections at the State level for electrical work. Contact 207-624-8457. If the homeowner does their own work, contact the link below for permitting requirements.

• Electricians' Examining Board - Electrical Permit

Propane, Natural Gas & Solid Fuel

Permits are not required at the Town or State level. The company you hire for service is required to be licensed in the State of Maine. For properties in a flood zone the tanks are required to be anchored in accordance with NFPA 58 and FEMA. Contact: 207-624-8627.

• Maine Fuel Board

Plumbing

Permits are obtained from the Wells Code Enforcement Office at Town Hall. Only the Licensed Plumber or Homeowner if doing the work can obtain a permit.

A homeowner can do their own work if it is their primary residence. If the dwelling has any of the following circumstances it must have a STATE OF MAINE LICENSED INDIVIDUAL perform the work for electrical, plumbing, propane, natural gas and solid fuel:

• If there is more than one dwelling unit to include accessory dwelling units attached or part of the structure
• If it is attached to other units in separate ownership
• If it is attached to a business or commercial activity

• A General Contractor cannot install, repair or replace any Electrical, Plumbing, Propane, Natural Gas & Solid Fuel /HVAC unless they have been issued a license for each of those disciplines in the State of Maine. To verify an individual or Company State License/Certification, please go to the Regulatory Licensing and Permitting site.

Homeowners and businesses should have a maintenance plan with the company that provides tanks, gas lines, and connections to conduct periodic inspections.

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are products disposed of by households that may contain hazardous ingredients or are toxic, flammable or explosive. HHW includes some cleaners, oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, paint thinners, lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, and some electronics. Collecting and managing HHW separately from regular household trash helps ensure these products are managed safely.

If you've been saving your unneeded household hazards, such as paint, pesticides, batteries and more, now is the time to safely dispose of them. Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, October 11th at the Kennebunk Public Services Department, located at 36 Sea Road, from 8am -1pm.

Please refer to the list for items that will and will not be accepted. Proof of residency will be required!

Read more about Household Hazardous Waste on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection website here.

Wells Barrens, off of Wire Road in Wells, is managed with controlled burns implemented by trained conservancy and partner staff. The flora and fauna of the Wells Barrens is dominated by fire tolerant plant species that are well-adapted to the nutrient poor soils on site and that respond favorably to periodic fire. Burning maintains the grassland community necessary for nesting habitat for grassland birds.

Grasslands and shrublands are ephemeral in the New England landscape, and without burning, the grasslands will become invaded with pitch pine, gray birch, red oak, white pine, and pine cherry. Fire creates a change in vegetative structure and composition, creating new openings and initiating a nutrient release that increases food availability for many species. Carefully controlled fires are necessary for the health of the entire grassland ecosystem.

There were several controlled burns that occurred in the month of September. We are cognizant of alerting the public when these burns will take place. If you see smoke in this area during those times, please be aware this is most likely a result of the controlled burns that are scheduled.

We invite the public to visit the Wells Barrens and check out the unique ecosystem for yourself!

A map and more information can be found here.

Thank you for joining us at the 5th Annual Electric Vehicle Show

Thank you to all who participated in or attended the 5th Annual Electric Vehicle Show on Sunday, September 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. Despite the rain, we saw a strong turnout from attendees, EV owners, and EV dealers alike. Thank you to IGA for sponsoring refreshments for the day, and to the Energy Advisory Committee for their continued hard work in hosting this event each year.

Drone photo courtesy of Steven Lamos.

League of Maine Craft Show to be held October 11th & 12th

Ready for some holiday shopping? You’ll find unique handmade gifts at the new show for the Maine Craft Show in Wells, October 11th & 12th. The juried show, held at the Wells Jr. High School on Rte. 1 (1470 Post Road), features Maine and New England artists and craftsmen. Shows are Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

The fair is a tradition for visitors and locals alike. The aisles are filled with creativity: Jewelry, pottery, photography, soaps, clothing and accessories, candles, wood crafts, fiber arts, handcrafted specialty foods and much more. Admission and Parking are free.

The craft show is held rain or shine.



For more information, contact show director at (207) 967-2251.

You can also learn more about the craft show on the website and Facebook page.

Wells Ogunquit Historical Society holds historical tours

The Historical Society held their Riverside Cemetery Tour in Ogunquit on Sunday, September 28th. The tour was led by cemetery historian, Ron Romano and was an engaging and informative experience for all those who attended.

Upcoming Historical Tour

History Hike in the Tatnic Hills, in Collaboration with Great Works Regional Land Trust

Saturday, October 18th, from 10 am - 12 pm

• Led by local historian Joe Hardy
• $10 per person
• Tickets available online at: here.
• FMI: 207-646-4775

Join the fun at the 16th Annual Family Jamboree hosted by the Chamber of Commerce!

The Wells Chamber of Commerce will host its 16th annual Family Jamboree, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wells Harbor Park, 331 Harbor Road.

The Jamboree is a day of free family fun, featuring various games and activities for all ages. Highlights include pumpkin decorating, ball toss, beanbag toss, and relay races.

In addition, craft vendors will be on-site, offering a variety of goods. Admission, parking, and all games and activities are free.

For more detailed information, visit wellschamber.org or contact the Wells Chamber of Commerce at 207-646-2451.

Wells Beach Alerts: Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Text WELLS to 226787 for Wells Beach Alerts, including weather conditions, rip currents and emergency announcements.

The service is free to use, though standard messaging rates may apply.

Users can opt out at any time by texting LEAVE. Visitors are reminded to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies as this text service is not monitored.

October 2025 Public Programs

Wells Reserve at Laudholm 

Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10:30am – 1pm 

Native New England Shrubs. Shrubs are a key part of New England landscapes. This program will take a close look at common native New England shrubs, such as high bush blueberry, silky dogwood, sheep laurel, meadowsweet and steeplebush as well as a few non-native invasive shrubs. We will focus on plant identification as well as fun and interesting natural history. Led by Roland “Boot” Boutwell, a freelance itinerant naturalist. Children ages 10 and up are welcome if accompanied by an adult. $13/$10. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116. Please note: Program fee does not include site admission fee. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Sunday, October 5, 9am-12pm

Sunday Morning Kayaking on the Little River Estuary.

Come explore where the river meets the sea—by kayak! Paddle the quiet waters of the Reserve’s estuary while watching for wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat. This is a relaxing paddling experience appropriate for all levels of kayaking ability. Minimum age is 12, and 12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum number of participants is 4, providing the added value of a smaller group experience. Weather dependent. $80/$64. Preregistration required at wellsreserve.org. Please note: Program fee does not include site admission fee.

Tuesday, October 7, 6-8pm

Full Moon Walk.

Dress for the weather and join Maine Master Naturalist Linda Littlefield Grenfell for a slow and quiet walk to the beach. We’ll watch the moon rise, share stories and poems, and enjoy the Reserve after dark. Bring the family--children who can be calm will love it. $8/$6 (individual) or $20/$15 (family). Preregistration required at linda@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x128. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Wednesday, October 8, 10am-1pm

Kayaking on the Little River Estuary.

Come explore where the river meets the sea—by kayak! Paddle the quiet waters of the Reserve’s estuary while watching for wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat. This is a relaxing paddling experience appropriate for all levels of kayaking ability. Minimum age is 12, and 12-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Kayaks are single (not tandem), so each participant paddles their own kayak. Weather dependent. $70/$56. Preregistration required at wellsreserve.org/calendar. Please note: Program fee does not include site admission fee. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Saturday, October 11, 10am-12pm

Eyes on the Estuary: A Visit to the Research Marsh.

Explore current field research projects happening along the trail and out on the salt marsh! As visitors to the Wells Reserve explore the natural beauty along the trails, a team of scientists is working in the background to better understand these important ecosystems. On this guided walk, we will dive deeper into these ongoing research projects to learn about the impacts of invasive plant and crab species, restoration of the endangered New England Cottontail, and participate in hands-on water quality monitoring. Your guide, Gail, is a retired marine biologist and high school science teacher and current Wells Reserve volunteer. Free with admission. Preregistration is required at caryn@wellsnerr.org, (207) 646-1555 x1110. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Wednesday, October 15, 12-1pm

Uncovering Indigenous Sites in the Appalachian Mountains.

Join us for a presentation from Matthew "Maasaw" Howard exploring Indigenous history and practices. Maasaw will be sharing archaeological evidence of 42 Indigenous sites he has discovered over the last nine years throughout the Appalachian Mountains. These sites include burial grounds, ceremonial sites, village sites, and cave sites that Indigenous people utilized over the last 15,000 years. We will talk about Indigenous burial practices and how they evolved over time. Presentation held in Mather Auditorium. Suggested donation: $5/person. Preregistration not required. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Wednesday, October 15, 2-3:30pm

Estuary Discoveries.

Join Maine Master Naturalist Linda Littlefield Grenfell for a peaceful and easy meander along this accessible 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 with site admission. Preregistration required at linda@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x128. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Thursday, October 16, 10:30-11:30am

Preschool Story Hour: Hi Harry!

Join Education Director Suzanne Kahn for a reading of Martin Waddell’s Hi Harry!: The Moving Story of How One Slow Tortoise Slowly Made a Friend, followed by a related craft activity and outdoor discovery time! This program is geared towards ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Free with site admission. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Thursday, October 16, 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Explore the Shore.

Discover the secrets of the land, sea, and beach by exploring the shore! Though it isn't always obvious, the treasures we find on the beach can tell us stories about the land, the ocean and the beach itself. While strolling Laudholm Beach, we will explore the shore through questions about and investigations of sand, the wrack line, and other beach treasures. Program will start at the Gazebo with a quick introduction to tides before we head down the trail to the beach. Program duration is about 1 ½ - 2 hours and ends at the beach. Free with site admission. Please reserve your space at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Saturday, October 18, 10am-12pm

Autumn Tree Walk.

Why do leaves change color in the fall? Why do some leaves turn earlier than others? What strategies do trees use to stay alive and protect their buds through the winter months? Discover the answers to these questions and more during this guided hike through the autumn woods led by experienced Reserve docent, naturalist, and nature writer Eileen Willard. Eileen was a lab instructor in dendrology (study of trees) at University of New Hampshire for fifteen years and completed her Maine Master Naturalist certification in 2022. $8/$6. Open to ages 12 and up. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x116. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Monday, October 20, 12-1pm

Lunch & Learn: Freeway to the Inner Life.

Join us for a presentation from poet and journalist James Lenfestey exploring the interior emotional and creative life as revealed through science and art. He will tell the surprising stories of ten famous poets, artists, and musicians from the Romantic to the modern age who mastered the expression of the interior life as music, art and poetry. Following a career in academia, marketing & communications, and journalism, James P. Lenfestey published and edited numbers collections of poems, personal essays, and poetry anthologies. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, the journalist Susan Lenfestey. Suggested donation of $5/person. Preregistration is not required for this program. Presentation will take place in Mather Auditorium. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Tuesday, October 21, 7-8:30pm

A 2024 Lower 48 Big Year.

Over the course of a single year, Ethan and Ingrid Whitaker traveled from coast to coast and border to border, observing 708 species of birds. In this program, presented by York County Audubon, they will share the adventures of their 2024 Lower 48 State Big Year with photographs, videos, and stories from the road. The Whitakers’ program will not only recount the species they saw and the miles they traveled, but will also practical tips, planning thoughts, and reflections on how a year of bird-focused travel deepened their appreciation for the landscapes and communities across America. Ethan and Ingrid will also sign copies of their book, Every Bird from Sea to Shining Sea. Free and open to all ages. Presented in person at Mather Auditorium and virtually. No registration required for attending in person. Registration required for Zoom link via wellsreserve.org.

Wednesday, October 22, 1:30pm-3:00pm

Secrets of the Salt Marsh.

Learn all about this special ecosystem, nestled between the forest and seashore. Join us for a jaunt past meadows and forests down to our floating dock on the Little River. Here we will look out over the salt marsh and learn its secrets! This guided walk covers about 1 mile of fairly flat, slightly uneven trail terrain and is about 1 ½ hours in length. Free with site admission. Please reserve your space at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Thursday, October 23, 1-3pm

Sense of Wonder Walk.

Join Education Director Suzanne Kahn for a saunter through the forest, field, and marsh edges, taking intentional, quality time to connect with nature. With guided stops along the way, we will engage our senses and have moments of solitude to reflect, observe, listen, and discover. Let’s spend an afternoon together nourishing our spirits, igniting our curiosity, and letting our sense of wonder guide us on a leisurely autumn walk. $8/$6. Preregistration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x 116. 

Sunday, October 26, 2025, 11am-2pm

Fall Family Day.

Celebrate fall with free admission to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm! Enjoy face-painting, art-making, and pumpkin fun—a festive day for all ages and abilities. Come explore the Reserve in all its fall splendor! No reservations required. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Tuesday, October 28, 1pm-2:30pm

Laudholm’s Farming Past.

Delve into the stories of what these historic buildings were and are today! We will explore the rich history of this site, beginning in the 1640’s, from family home and farmland to National Estuarine Research Reserve. This docent-led walk offers the opportunity to tour buildings that are not regularly open to the public, such as the bull barn and garages, and learn the stories behind them. Free with site admission. Please reserve your space at caryn@wellsnerr.org or (207) 646-1555 x110. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Wednesday, October 29, 12-1pm

Research and Adventure at the Forefront of Climate Change: Svalbard, Norway.

There are few places in the world that can say climate change has not impacted their community in some way. One especially vulnerable region is Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Home to beautiful glaciers, fjords, tundras, and wildlife, Svalbard is at the forefront of climate change, experiencing greenhouse gas-based warming at a much higher rate than the rest of the world. Join the Reserve’s Salt Marsh Field Technician, Jamie Hollander, as she discusses Svalbard and the field work she did there in the summer of 2024 as a Fulbright Grantee. She will share some fun facts, photos, and preliminary data from her Fulbright work investigating methane emissions from glacial landscapes in Svalbard. Suggested donation: $5/person. Preregistration is not required. Learn more at wellsreserve.org/calendar.

Contacts: 

Rachel McDonald

rachel@laudholm.org  

207-646-4521 ext 143

Suzanne Kahn 

suzanne@wellsnerr.org  

207-646-1555 ext 116 

Wells Reserve at Laudholm 

55 Skinner Mill Road

Wells, Maine 04090

wellsreserve.org/calendar

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 and Committee Vacancies

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancy, 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Review Committee- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee - 2 member vacancies
• Conservation Commission- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Energy Advisory Committee- 3 alternate member vacancies
• Lodging Facility Advisory Committee- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Planning Board- 1 alternate member vacancy
• Voter Registration Board of Appeals- 1 member vacancy

Learn more about each Board and Committee here.

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.