Laudholm Farm
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm preserves 1600 acres of salt marsh, sand dune, mixed forest, and grassy uplands along the southern Maine coast. The spectacular scenery and historic farm buildings, along with 7 miles of walking trails and myriad programs and events, draw thousands of people every year.

The Reserve is open all year, with peak activity from June through August. The summer calendar is filled with tours and workshops and special programs that let children explore the estuary. Bird life gets special attention with walks, surveys, and a banding program. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers assists in running theses many programs.

For three weeks each summer the Reserve hosts “Volunteers for Peace”, people from around the world striving to improve the human condition through shared work camps.

The weekend after Labor day is when the well known Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is held. With about 75 exhibitors, music, children's activities, and guided tours it is a a fair not to be missed.

The Wells Reserve, a state-federal partnership, is in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. It is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, private donations, and competitive grants. Its work is supported by the Laudholm Trust, a nonprofit organization that fosters community support for the Reserve’s mission.

Trails are open from 8am to 8pm in the summer and 8am to 5pm the rest of the year. The Visitor Center with Gift Shop is open in summer from 10am to 4pm and reduced hours in fall and winter. Call (207) 646-1555 for more details or visit www.wellsreserve.org.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
This Wildlife Refuge protects coastal salt marshes for wildlife in Kennebunk and other communities in southern Maine. A one-mile, accessible, self-guided trail is located at the refugeheadquarters on Route 9 in Wells. It is open every day from dawn until dusk. The headquarters, where leaflets and information are available, is open from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; limited hours on weekends in the summer. 207-646-9226 (TDD/Voice: 1-800-437-1220).

The Kennebunk Plains
The Kennebunk Plains, on Route 99 several miles west of Kennebunk, are a rare treat. This 1100-acre protected grasslands habitat is unusual in a state that is so forested and hilly; it is home to several rare and endangered species of vegetation and wildlife. Also know as the “blueberry plains” by locals, it is a wonderful, wide open place to walk or mountain bike. The roads take you through vast grasslands, scrub oak woods and by ponds.

It’s a favored place for birdwatchers, with dozens of species living here, including rare grassland nesting birds such as the grasshopper sparrow. Nature lovers will enjoy identifying the native bunching grasses and flowers; a special treat arrives in early August, when the extremely rare northern blazing star begins to bloom, painting the fields purple. Ninety percent of the world’s northern blazing star population is found here. The plains are also special in July, when the wild blueberries are ready. Nothing is a sweet as a wild Maine blueberry.

The Plains are monitored by the Nature Conservancy; every year, along with the Kennebunk Conservation Commission, they sponsor community field trips in mid-August. FMI call: (207) 490-4012.

St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery
In 1947 Lithuanian Franciscan Friars, fleeing war ravaged Europe acquired the 66 acre Rogers Estate located at 28 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk, Maine, 4/10 mile to both Kennebunk Beach and the village of Kennebunkport. This estate located on the banks of the Kennebunk River was designed by Buffalo, New York architects Edward Broadhead Green and William Sydney Wicks for completion in 1908. "Fairfields" as it was called was the most distinguished on the Atlantic Coast, " featured extensive grounds landscaped in the English garden tradition by Frederick Law Olmsted and Associates. The Friars, providing daily masses, occupy the handsome Tudor great house and the well-tended gardens and trails open to the public sunrise to sunset. Self-guided Ecological and Shrine tour brochures are available. No pets are allowed on the property. Public restrooms are available. Call 207-967-2011 or visit the Monastery or Franciscan Guest House for more details.