WELLS — School field trip season starts soon at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, so educators are getting ready for the students and teachers who will be coming to the reserve for proven programs about water, wildlife, and estuaries. New volunteers are always welcome to join the team that leads school groups. No experience or special expertise is needed. Spring training begins March 31 with an orientation for new participants.

“Our outdoor school programs bring hundreds of students to the Wells Reserve every spring and fall,” said Kate Reichert, who runs the reserve’s interpretive education program. “Trained volunteers guide them through fun activities about protecting water and nature.”

Volunteer trainings include skill-building exercises and specialized sessions for each program offered by the reserve. Professional educators do the training and new volunteers “job shadow” veteran leaders until they are confident enough to lead groups on their own.

School groups typically spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the fields, forests, salt marshes, and sandy beach of the Wells Reserve, exploring environmental topics in depth along the way.

“Helping people discover the world around them is reward enough for most volunteers,” Reichert said. “But participants also get outside at a beautiful site, learn about local plants and animals, and join a supportive community.”

To learn more about trainings, visit wellsreserve.org. To sign up, call Kate at 646-1555, ext. 110.