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VFP-STV03-19   COASTAL PROTECTION WELLS, MAINE, Aug 28 –Sept 18th, 2019, ENVI/MANU/FEST, 21+,  8 VOLS. WELLS RESERVE and LAUDHOLM ESTUARIAN RESERVE, WELLS, MAINE

The Wells Reserve is a research and education facility situated on 2,250 acres. It is a sanctuary for endangered plants and wildlife.  The Reserve consists of forests, coastal marsh, beach and historic farm buildings. The Reserve’s full (and rather long) title is “The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve,” and its mission is to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, and educate the public about the beauty and importance of these places. The Wells Reserve is a beautiful and historic property with over 7 miles of trails and a wonderful beach.  Our staff conducts research and teaches about estuaries (where rivers meet the sea) and also about other issues that relate to creating and caring for a healthy coastal environment. Website: www.wellsreserve.org

WORK: The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is located on the beautiful seacoast of southern Maine. Your work will include improving trails and wildlife habitat at the Reserve as well as grounds and maintenance projects on our historic buildings. This entails getting dirty and working hard.  The major project for the camp will be helping prepare for and staff a large weekend Nature Crafts Festival fund-raising event. Work involves set-up and take-down, assisting other volunteers and staff with food, parking, recycling, and many other jobs. For the two days of the festival, you will be working long days.   

STUDY THEME: Identify themes you would like to discuss/learn about. It could be on any topic your group considers to be worthy enough to discuss.  Compare how this theme is addressed in the various countries your volunteers are from.  See if you can compare how these issues are framed by the various media groups around the world and how this affects your perception of them. 

 ACCOMMODATION Volunteers will stay in a modern dormitory with comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchen, large dining table and common area. Rooms are generous in size and volunteers will most likely share their room with other members of the Volunteers for Peace group. Volunteers will cook meals as a group. Bring some recipes from home to share, and let us know if you have any dietary needs.

LANGUAGE: English.

LOCATION: On the beautiful seacoast of southern Maine, in the New England region of the United States, Wells is 1/2 hour south of Portland, Maine’s largest city. The state of Maine, in the far northeast corner of the country, is known for its rugged coastline, beaches, forests, and natural beauty. Originally part of Massachusetts, Maine became a state in 1820. Walker’s Point, in nearby Kennebunkport, is the summer home of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Wells, Maine is a popular tourist destination in the summer, when the small town’s population roughly triples in size. There are public beaches within walking distance and bicycles are available. The Reserve’s educational programs are available to volunteers. The Reserve has a private beach and many nature trails. The local Shoreline Trolley runs until early September (usually through the Labor Day holiday) and connects Wells with the nearby towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. There will be many opportunities to enjoy beauty and nature, along with informal discussions about topics of interest to the group. Bring music, games or other activities to share.

TERMINAL: The closest airports are Boston Massachusetts and Portland Maine.  Train available to Wells.

SPECIAL REMARKS: No smoking is allowed at any of the work sites or on the property of the Reserve.