Monday, Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Docent Training: Introduction and Skills Session

Wells Reserve docents are curious people who enjoy sharing science and nature with the next generation. The reserve provides full training for volunteers who want to build their knowledge of both the environment and interpretive techniques. This session features introductions to the reserve site, estuaries, interpretation, and group programs. Additional sessions focus on three specific education programs: Exploring Estuaries, Wild Friends in Wild Places, and Microscopic Marvels. Register by calling Caryn at 646-1555, ext. 110 or emailing caryn@wellsnerr.org .

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6-7:30 p.m.

Environmental Change in the High Arctic

Mike Retelle, professor of geology at Bates College, will share his insights into recent climatic and environmental changes in the glaciated Svalbard Archipelago for this climate stewards lecture at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. Svalbard sits at the boundary of polar and North Atlantic waters in the Norwegian High Arctic, so it is sensitive to shifts in ocean currents and related air masses that impact sea ice and glaciers. Retelle will focus on alpine glacier changes from the Little Ice Age to the 20th century. After graduating from Salem State College, Retelle worked as a field geologist on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. He later did graduate work at the University of Massachusetts. Suggested donation is $5. Support for the Ted Exford Climate Stewards lecture series is provided by Dave and Loretta (Exford) Hoglund.

Friday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to noon.

Kayaking on the Little River Estuary

Paddle the quiet waters of a Maine estuary, watching for wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat from a registered Maine Kayak Guide. For ages 12 and up, some restrictions apply. Cost is $50/$40. Registration is required.

Friday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hawk Watch Picnic Lunch

Southward hawk migration is under way and the Wells Reserve can be a fun place to watch the movement of raptors. Join an informal gathering outside the Laudholm farmhouse to share lunch while pointing binoculars at the sky. Bring a lunch and optics. The reserve will supply the reference books and picnic tables. Free with site admission.

Sunday, Sept. 18, 2-4 p.m.

Tabitha Littlefield: A Life with the Abenaki

Littlefield was taken captive by Indians during the French and Indian wars and, like many white people, chose not to return to white society. It’s known she returned to Wells once, but otherwise was not heard from again. On Sept. 18, Tabitha will lead participants on a walk, showing where the Abenaki people may have lived. What did they eat? How did they dress? What games did they play? People lived in this area for thousands of years before white settlement, but very little is known about their lives. Registration is required. Cost is $7/$5.

Monday, Sept. 19, 1-2 p.m.

Meet lobster scientist Jason Goldstein

The Wells Reserve’s new research director has been studying lobsters in the United States and abroad for more than two decades. Hear how Goldstein became lead scientist at Maine’s only National Estuarine Research Reserve and discover his plans for the future of the reserve’s research program. Free with site admission. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Preschool Story Hour

Children are introduced to animals through a storybook reading, a short trail walk, and a related craft project. This month’s story is “Down East in the Ocean” by Peter and Connie Roop. Program is for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Free with site admission to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m.

Kayaking on the Little River Estuary

Paddle the quiet waters of a Maine estuary, watching for wildlife and learning about this treasured habitat from a registered Maine Kayak Guide. Program is for ages 12 and up, some restrictions apply. Cost is $50/$40. Registration is required.

Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Punkinfiddle, a family festival and National Estuaries Day

The celebration features traditional crafts, hands-on learning, lively music, old-fashioned games, fun food, farm animals, and lots of happy faces in a historic seaside setting. Now in its 14th year, this event has become a family tradition for both locals and folks from away.

Wednesday, Sept. 28, noon to 1 p.m.

A New Zealand Adventure

Wells Reserve Education Director Suzanne Kahn went to New Zealand earlier this year and spent time exploring South and North Islands. In this lunch-and-learn, she will lead a photographic journey through her three weeks of discovery. Cost is $2.

Thursday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m. to noon

Kayaking the Webhannet Estuary

Explore the salt marsh, a vibrant place where a river meets the sea. Paddle the quiet waters of the Webhannet River while watching wildlife and learning about estuaries. Bring a kayak, paddle, and PFD for this program led by a registered Maine kayak guide. Program is for ages 12 and up; those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $25/20. Reservations are required

Friday, Sept. 30, 6:30-8 p.m.

Night Hike

Enjoy a rare opportunity at the Wells Reserve after dark. Watch the sun set, listen for animals, visit the beach, and discover moon lore. Children 7 and up who can hike comfortably and quietly are welcome. Registration is required. Cost is $7/$5 or $15 per family.

Unless otherwise specified, events are at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. For more information, call 646-1555 or visit the website wellsreserve.org.