Happy Summer to the Town of Wells! The warmest time of the year brings something for everyone to enjoy, from the kick-off of the Summer Harbor Concert Series, to reading programs, to the opening of the Shellfish Lab, to our 9th Annual HarborFest. If you are seeking new opportunities in addition to the multitude of activities Wells has to offer, there are various opening for career and volunteer positions. Read on for updates and details on the many exciting opportunities throughout the Town of Wells.

Did you know...previous editions of the newsletter are archived on our website. These are great resources for information, updates, and articles that were previously released.

You can access our June Newsletter, May Newsletter, April Newsletter, and more!

With the start of July, many of the Piping Plover eggs laid in the previous months have begun to hatch and chicks are beginning to explore the beach areas. This is an extremely delicate time for the chicks, as they are still flightless, fragile, and learning about the world. Chicks regularly move up and down the beach in search of food and shelter, sometimes traveling miles from the nest. They can be found anywhere on the beach, including far away from signs and fencing. It takes about 28 to 35 days for the chicks to "fledge" or fly, and until that time, we are asking for the public's help to ensure the safety of these endangered birds.

Are our efforts actually making a difference?

Actually, yes! Last year, Wells Beach had record-breaking numbers of nesting Piping Plovers. A total of fourteen pairs nested and fledged a total of 40 chicks! This is the most chicks ever fledged off a single beach in Maine since monitoring began in 1981. Much of Wells’ success can be attributed to its incredible volunteer force, led by lead Plover monitor, Suzanne Craig, and a crew of about 40 volunteers.

Landowners who allow fencing to be erected to protect nesting areas are another asset to keeping them safe. Additionally, the Town of Wells ceased all raking activity on the beach until the plover breeding season was over, and extreme precautions are taken any time a vehicle is needed on the beach or in putting out the lifeguard chairs for the season.

However, despite the growth seen here, there are still only 2,000 pairs of Piping Plovers estimated to nest along the whole Atlantic Coast. For this reason, it is important that Maine’s Piping Plovers continue to prosper and contribute to the international recovery goals for the species.

Here are some ways that you can help:

• The best (and only) place for these birds is on the beach. Please enjoy watching these amazing endangered birds from a distance! We know they are fascinating and adorable, but they appreciate lots of space to roam. All photos taken by our volunteers and Maine Audubon are taken with either a wide lens camera or from a great distance.

• When a plover chick feels threatened, it will freeze in the hope of being overlooked. Sometimes people mistake this for an injury and pick the chick up, which puts the chick at risk of injury or even death. Never pick up or handle a "frozen" chick.

• Stay clear of fenced areas marked with “Restricted Area” signs.

• If you see a hole that someone has enjoyed digging but abandoned for the day, fill the hole in so no chicks are inadvertently trapped.

• Keep dogs leashed and all pets far away from nesting areas. Roaming dogs and cats are among the top threats to the eggs and chicks of Piping Plovers and Lease Terns.

• Fly kites well away from nesting areas. Plovers and terns mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off the “intruders.”

• Take your trash and food scraps with you when you leave the beach for the day. Garbage attracts gulls, foxes, raccoons, and skunks, which prey on plover and tern eggs and chicks.

• Notify Maine Audubon of any disturbances to nesting areas by calling (207) 233-6811.

An interview with a Piping Plover Monitor

Piping Plover monitors, clad in neon yellow attire, volunteer their time to walk the beaches, talk with visitors, and monitor Plover nesting areas. These volunteers have been paramount in the recent success of the Well's plover population. Despite the successes, being a Plover monitor is not without its unique sets of challenges. Below, is an interview with a current Wells Piping Plover monitor, who explains the program, its joys, and the incredible resilience of these tiny birds.

Why are there so many efforts in place to protect Piping Plovers?

Piping plovers ONLY nest on beaches in southern Maine. There are reports of

Piping Plovers nesting on our beaches dating back to the 1800’s. By 1981, there were only 7 pairs found in the state largely due to the development of summer homes on the beaches. Piping Plovers were listed as Federally Endangered in December, 1985. In 1986, Maine listed them as Endangered. 

Towns like Wells have created Piping Plover monitoring programs (all volunteers) in conjunction with Maine Audubon. Through these programs, we have helped to increase the Piping Plover populations in Southern Maine. In 2022, we had 120 nesting pairs and fledged 221 chicks.  

What is the role of a Piping Plover monitor?

Our roles are multi-faceted. We track, protect and educate. We complete a form that is submitted to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife every time we go out. Education is key to saving the Piping Plovers. When I talk with people I explain the eggs are incubated between 24-28 days. After they hatch, the chicks must find food as the adults don’t feed them. They are extremely susceptible for the next 4 weeks until they are able to fledge/fly. Dogs, gulls, crows, other wildlife and children are just some of the obstacles they encounter in order to survive. Because they are so small, we usually describe them as a cottonball on toothpicks. They blend in with the sand and can easily be stepped on. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Plover monitor?

Watching a chick attempting to fly for the first time. The way they test their wings, hopping around attempting a take-off and eventually getting lift-off. We watch them from the time they are an egg to holding our breath until they can fly. The process takes 8 weeks (4 weeks of incubation and 4 weeks before they can fly).  

What are the most important things the average person can do to help protect the Plovers?

Watch for the chicks, keep children, dogs and kites far away from them. Don’t chase a Piping Plover. If you see a Piping Plover displaying a “broken wing”, back away as it is trying to draw you away from a chick. Fill in any holes you’ve dug because a chick is extremely small and unable to climb out of a hole. They can drown if stuck in a hole when the tide comes in. 

1. What do you wish everyone knew about Piping Plovers?

They are resilient and as nature has proved time and time again, they can succeed if humans give them space.

What is the most challenging thing about being a Plover monitor?

Simply put, the most challenging thing for me is when I have to have a conversation with someone who feels rules don’t apply to them.

What is the most interesting thing you have seen while being a Plover monitor?

It’s the resilience of these little birds. They start arriving in April when the weather is still cold and windy. They may lose a nest in a storm and yet they will attempt to nest again. Some have been seen trying to save an egg that had been washed out of the nest. That happened this year on Wells beach. I’ve been on the beach in April in my parka and snow pants with the winds howling, only to see these little birds hunkering down in the sand refusing to leave the nest. 

You can’t watch their struggles and not pull for their success. 

Thank you to our incredible team of Piping Plover volunteers for the many hours, days, weeks and years they have dedicated to walking the beaches to protect this fragile, endangered species. Together we can unite as a community to save these special birds, who make Wells Beach their home each Summer.

Summer may have arrived on the calendar, but mother nature seems to be on a different schedule. Rainy wet days with cold onshore breezes has no doubt dampened boater’s spirits as one third of the slips and moorings remain empty and most boats remain idle on the dock.

Striper fishing has been fantastic this year with many fish over forty inches caught daily. These fish must be released as the Department of Marine Resources has instituted an emergency rule to protect this class of fish. This year, a new slot limit allows fisherman to only keep stripers between 28” and 31”, as most of the larger stripers come from the 2016 class of fish which was a phenomenal year for stripers. These larger fish will become the brood stock for years to come.

Happy Summer! Summer means beach days! We, as humans, get to use the beach to build sandcastles, sunbathe, play games, rest, and relax. Some animals also enjoy using the beach to do just that. While they may not be building sandcastles and playing games, they do enjoy resting, relaxing and sunbathing.

Wells Beach is lucky to be a safe place for adult and baby Harbor Seals and Gray Seals to rest before going back into the water to swim and hunt. These seals will haul themselves out of the water daily to rest and warm up, staying in one spot for multiple tide cycles if the rest is needed. Seals are not able to maintain their body temperature if they stay in cold water all the time, because they only have a thin layer of blubber, or fat, and a small body size.

Harbor Seals usually have their pups from March to July. The pups stay with mom for an average of 30 days, where they nurse and grow very quickly. Female harbor seals and their pups are usually seen on the beaches more during this timeframe to nurse and rest. Once the babies are no longer dependent on their mother, they will go out and start learning how to be on their own! This isn’t always a graceful progress and will take a lot of energy and require them to haul out onto our beaches to rest more frequently.

You may come across a seal pup on the beach. It is most likely not abandoned and mom is likely feeding in the water nearby. Too much disturbance and human presence around the seal pup may cause mom to feel unsafe and abandon her baby. For this reason, we ask that if you see a seal on the beach, please keep your distance and don’t attempt to touch it or pick it up.



If you are concerned about a seal, or any animal, on the beach, please notify dispatch, 207-646-9354, so they can notify the appropriate authorities! Have a safe and fun summer! 

Marine Mammals of Maine explains seal pup behavior

Harbor seal pupping begins in April here in Maine and at this time of year, harbor seal pups are now beginning the weaning process. This means that though they are still very small, weaned pups are completely independent and no longer nursing from mom. The process of weaning can be difficult for many pups, often meaning that they are thin, exhausted, and typically have minor wounds and a thin body condition. These weanlings require extra rest in order to most successfully transition to a fully independent life. As a result, they can often be found on busier beaches, but too exhausted to flee from people or dogs.

These animals do not necessarily require medical intervention, but do very much need a safe, quiet spot where they can rest undisturbed. Should you be fortunate to see a seal onshore, you can respectfully and safely share the shore by:



• Staying at least 150 feet away, (three school bus lengths) even if they appear sick or injured. More distance is needed if the seal reacts to your presence (such as lifting its head to look at you).

• Report it by calling 1-800-532-9551. A staff member from Marine Mammals of Maine (MMOME) will collect information about the pup to assess the situation. This may include monitoring the pup, dispatching a responder to move the pup to a quieter area, or, if needed, admitting the pup for care at MMOME’s rehabilitation facility in Brunswick.

• Help keep other people and dogs away.

• Share this information widely to help these young seals!

MMOME operates the only rehabilitation center in the State of Maine, so it’s important to preserve space for seals in need by minimizing the number of pups that need care due to inappropriate interactions with humans. Inappropriate human interactions include actions such as pouring water on seals, trying to force them into the water, approaching too closely and picking pups up for photos.

Thank you for doing your part to safely share the shore with seals.

The library’s summer reading program is off to a great start!

We had over 200 people join us for the summer reading kickoff on June 17^th. It may have been pouring rain, but we just moved the activities indoors and fun was had by all!

Our summer reading program, All Together Now, is open to all ages 3 and up, so sign up for fun and prizes!

We have a lot of fun and informative programs in July:

"Nice library. I travel full time and run a marketing agency, so I am often working from libraries or coffee shops, but libraries are my favorite. This one was great. Not too small, not too large. Clean, tidy, good temperature inside and some nice spots to sit by windows. I especially enjoyed working in the quiet/ study room, which has its own bathrooms just outside the door and a water bottle fill. The outdoor patio was a nice spot to eat my lunch, with a walk around the middle school field behind to get some sunshine and fresh air..."

Comprehensive Plan Update

The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee (CPUC) has been conducting meetings to address State review comments and revisions have been sent to the State for approval. The goal of the CPUC is to have the Plan on the June 2024 Town meeting ballot for voter determination. The existing 2005 Comprehensive Plan and the current draft update are available on the Town website.

Conservation Land and Open Space Dedications Update

From 2009 to present, 1,590 acres of dedicated Open Space has been created through the subdivision approval process. This is an average of 1.52 acres for each new home or lot approved and equates to 109 acres each year.

From 2011 to present, 982 acres of Conservation Land has been acquired by the Town. This is an average of 82 acres per year. The Town has doubled its budget from $100,000 to $200,000 per year to fund the purchase and management of Conservation Land.

On average, 191 acres of land is restricted from development each year. Approximately 7,214 acres or 20% of the total land area in Town is dedicated conservation land. At the current rate of conservation each year, within 10 years, 25% or 9,200 acres should be achieved.

Please plan ahead, the Wells Transfer Station will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th.

The Transfer Station will reopen with normal business hours again on Wednesday, July 5th.

Thank you for your understanding.

Please join us in welcoming the newest Town of Wells staff members, Stacey LePage and Lesley Nawfel. We are confident that their skills will prove to be an asset to their respective departments and we know they will be a wonderful addition to our team.

Name: Lesley Nawfel

Position: Assistant Tax Collector 

I look forward to a new career path after 25 years in veterinary medicine. I also look forward to working within my community. 

In my spare time, I like to knit, crochet and sew. I have 2 German shorthaired pointers, Ned and Deke. I was born and raised in Maine. Our family moved to Wells in 2016. I worked in veterinary medicine as a Veterinary Technician for 25 years. I am a homebody who enjoys going to an occasional hockey game and / or concert with my husband.  

Summer in Wells is in full swing and the lifeguards are now on duty fulltime! At the end of June, they go through a full week of vigorous training to be ready for the season. This training includes not only water rescue techniques, but it also includes training from Maine Marine Mammals, Maine Healthy Beaches, and Maine Audubon. They also receive extensive medical training provided by Dirigo Readiness Group.

We also want to thank the Wells Board of Directors, The Wells Budget Committee, and the members of the Wells community for their vote on allowing us to hire an Assistant Fire Chief and four Firefighter/Paramedics! These additional members were crucial in our ability to provide better services to our community as well as allowing our current members some much needed relief.

With these additional positions, we will be able to give our firefighters a better work/life balance which will in turn provide a more alert and rested firefighter to help cover the safety of the town. These members also bring in a higher skill set to our department to serve the ever-growing population and will ultimately allow us to better serve the medical and other emergency demands that have grown significantly in last several years.

Wells Maine Fire Department is seeking to fill a newly approved position for the role of Assistant Fire Chief. Interested applicants can learn more about the position and apply on our website.

A reminder that the Wells Town Hall Offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th.

We will open again for regular business hours on Wednesday, July 5th.

Wells Harbor's biggest event of the year is right around the corner and we are excited to once again, host a day of incredible fun, activities, prizes, food and more!

Wells HarborFest is a perfect day of family enjoyment and great memories for everyone, no matter your age. Wells 9th annual HarborFest will take place on Saturday, July 29th from 11am - 3pm at Wells Harbor Community Park.

This year's events include:

• Kids Crabbing activity
• Lobster Trap Toss World Championships
• Doughnut Eating Contest
• Lumberman’s Challenge
• Wells PD, FD, and EMS demos
• Live music from Atlantic Harmonies
• Live dancing from Northern Explosions Dance Studio
• Food trucks
• Rotary BBQ
• Glitter Tattoos
• Drone Demos
• Kite making

...and so much more!!

For vendor applications, volunteer interest, or general inquiries, please call 207-361-8130 or email rkelley@wellstown.org.

The Reminisants will kick off the Wells Harbor Summer Concert Series for the season, with a performance on Saturday, July 1st, at 6 pm at Wells Harbor. The Reminisants have been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout New England since 1973. The band specializes in music from the 1950’s through the ‘90’s, playing a collection of great music for all kinds of musical tastes and generations. 

This free concert will take place at the Hope Hobbs Gazebo at Wells Harbor Community Park, 331 Harbor Road, Wells. There is plenty of free parking and admission is free (though contributions are accepted). There is abundant park bench type seating. You can bring your own blanket, folding chair and/ or a picnic and we highly recommend bringing a friend or two to enjoy some great music in a beautiful setting. Come every week for a fun, relaxed evening of wonderful entertainment with lots of good folks in a scenic spot.

The Summer Concert Series Schedule is as follows:

• July 1: The Reminisants
• July 8: The Party Starters
• July 15: Ricco Barr Band
• July 22: The Fossils
• July 29: Club Soda Band
• August 5: J.C. and the Elvis Experience
• August 12: Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra
• August 19: The Rockin' Daddios
• August 26: Dock Squares
• September 2: Finest Kind Country Band

For more information, and to view the full listing of Summer shows, visit our website or call 207-361-8130.

This is a reminder that pursuant to Chapter §115-4 of the Town of Wells Code adopted 12-20-2011, to include legislation through 06-14-22, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝. You can find complete information on this topic here.

If you are interested in viewing fireworks this 4th of July, below is a list of surrounding towns that will have firework displays for the public.

Saturday, July 1st:

• 9 PM: The Runaway, Sanford Airport
• 9 PM: York Harbor Beach, York Harbor

Tuesday, July 4th:



• 9 PM: Gooch's Beach, Kennebunk
• 9 PM: Short Sands Beach, York Beach
• 9:15 PM: Main Beach, Ogunquit
• 9:45 PM: The Pier, Old Orchard Beach

Volunteers are a vital and essential part of the Town of Wells community. We have many vacancies at the moment for Boards and Committees. Listed here are some openings available. Please visit our website for the full listing of vacancies.

Become a volunteer with the Town of Wells today! Your abilities and your passion can make a big difference.

To start making a difference in our community and easily apply, simply navigate to the online application or complete the Volunteer Application form. Contact us by email with any questions.

If you are a parent of children with special needs, you have likely invested so much time and energy into caring for your child that it’s easy to forget about caring for yourself. It can seem like an impossible task. When there is already so much on your plate, how do you even begin to prioritize your well-being? But self-care isn’t a matter of selfishness. It’s actually essential in ensuring that you remain emotionally balanced and able to give your best care to your precious family member. Today, Wells Parks & Recreation dives into simple strategies for managing stress while also attending sensitively and mindfully to the unique needs of your child.

You can find the full article below.

If you have submission requests for The Wells Connector,

please contact Rebekah Kelley at 207-361-8130 or by email.