Management Plan - National Estuarine Research Reserve System

attractive and informative kiosk stands along thesingle path leading from the lot to the campus.The service entrance extends to a loop road in thecenter of the campus and to the life estate. Thecampus loop includes a 4-car parking area, which isused by disabled visitors and for special purposes.The parking area along Laudholm Farm Road is onthe Alheim property and links to the rest of theReserve via the Yankee Woodlot Trail. The gravelparking area has room for about 20 cars, whichincludes parking for those staying in the Reserve’sshort-term and long-term accommodations.Permitted Activities — LandsThe Wells Reserve strives to allow appropriatepublic access consistent with natural resource protection.Low intensity recreational uses are allowedto the extent they do not conflict with the operationof the Reserve for research and education. TheReserve offers ample opportunities for the public toenjoy the site’s cultural heritage and diverse habitatswhile restricting access to sensitive areas.Public recreation and Reserve programs are concentratedwithin a 500-acre area surrounding themain campus. The 7-mile foot-trail system, withits interpretive aids, can be accessed from theLaudholm Farm campus and from the Alheimproperty (Figure III.3). Those who wish to leavetrails must obtain permission from the ReserveManager or Education Coordinator. Visitingresearchers and educators who are permitted toleave trails are required to minimize their impactin restricted areas.Figure VIII.3. The Reserve provides visitors with seven miles of trails that meander through a diversityof habitats.64 Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve