Phase-out
Scott Richardson ~ 2010-02-18
This will be the last blog entry at laudholm.org.
We began this experiment in late 2005 as an attempt to get news and information out to members and supporters more quickly. Four years and nearly 200 entries later, we can see that we have largely succeeded.
So we’ll keep on blogging, but from here on out we’ll join efforts with the Wells Reserve on a new combined website, which is set to launch within a fortnight. When the time comes, visitors to the laudholm domain will be automatically redirected to wellsreserve.org.
The best of this old blog is being folded into the new, our event information will tie directly into an improved calendar, and your contributions will be, perhaps, just a bit easier to make.
See you there.
Education Fellowship Available
Scott Richardson ~ 2008-03-26
The Wells Reserve has announced a wonderful opportunity for one Maine college graduate who wants to succeed in the field of environmental education.
Thanks to the foresight and generosity of a long-time Laudholm Trust supporter, the Charles C. and Rebecca S. Richardson Post-Baccalaureate Education Fellow will become engaged in interdisciplinary programs that focus on environmental learning and helping Maine communities address complex environmental issues.
The Fellow will begin a 12-month, full-time position in early June and will…
- Coordinate summer camps
- Develop trail guide materials
- Be involved in designing new interpretive exhibits
- Help develop an Environmental Leadership Program
- Gain experience in the breadth of programs offered by the Wells Reserve
- Gain exposure to other environmental education, research, and stewardship centers throughout the region
- Receive considerable opportunities for networking with regional environmental organizations and agencies
The application window for this unique experience is short. If you or someone you know feels qualified to fill the position, please respond by April 13. Visit the Wells Reserve website for more details.
Going Native in Your Garden
Scott Richardson ~ 2008-03-17
Laudholm Native Plant Sale pre-orders are now being accepted. Plan ahead and get your order in by May 2 (it’s pre-order only again this year). We’ve added an online form to make it easy.
Volunteers Pat Smith and Lynn Jourdan, who coordinate the sale, have put together a great list of 40 species native to Maine. Whether you have already started incorporating native plants into your landscape, here are Pat’s…
Top Ten Reasons to Garden with Maine Native Plants
10. There is a native plant for every growing condition in Maine.
9. Maine natives originated here or arrived here hundreds of years ago without human intervention. They are survivors.
8. Native plants provide food and shelter for indigenous animals.
7. By definition, native plants are not invasive.
6. Native plants thrive in Maine’s acid soil.
5. Maine natives have a natural resistance to pests and disease.
4. Growing zones are not an issue. Maine natives are hardy.
3. Native plants require less maintenance, easing the gardener’s chores.
2. Native plants make the gardener look good.
1. Native plants keep Maine looking like Maine; they preserve our historic landscape.
Winter Program Calendar
Scott Richardson ~ 2008-01-10
Our winter calendar of programs and events has gone to press and will be mailed to members as soon as we have it in hand. If you just can’t wait to see what’s coming up from now to April, you can download a PDF right now.
We will add details to the online calendar, and that’s where you can find additions and last-minute changes to the schedule.
Sprucing Up the Visitor Center
Scott Richardson ~ 2008-01-08
Volunteers are painting the Visitor Center reception area today, transforming its walls from their well known dull yellow to a warm yet striking sage and mahogany. Among those with paintbrushes and rollers in hand are Joanna and Vivian, shown here in the early stages of their work.
Live data from Wells Reserve weather station
Scott Richardson ~ 2007-11-29
Near real time weather data for the Wells Reserve is now available. Give it a try!
The station, located behind the Coastal Ecology Center, has a National Weather Service identifier and is checked and serviced monthly by the reserve’s “SWMP Tech,” Jeremy Miller. The data is considered provisional, but goes through an automated quality assurance and control procedure before it is posted.
The System Wide Monitoring Program coordinates with the Centralized Data Management Office, a NOAA entity in South Carolina. The CDMO website lets you graph or download weather data, plus water quality data, from Wells and all other reserves in the system.
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