Apple Trees at the Wells Reserve
Making History in a Changing Landscape
APPLE TREE QUESTION
If you've walked the trails and seen the apple trees, you may have wondered: How old are they? Are they from the original farm? What kind are they? Do they taste good?
APPLE TREE ANSWER
Most or all of the reserve's apples are probably "wild and seedling" trees that are generations removed from the orchard apples of the former farm. Because grafting is the only way to propagate apples that will remain true to their variety, traits of these seed-scattered opportunists are impossible to predict. Some turn out desirable, others less so.
APPLE TREE HISTORY IN THIS CHANGING LANDSCAPE
1642 - 1717
This land was settled in 1642 by the Boade family. The 1655 sale deed to the Symonds family mentions fruit trees. The apple varieties and their location on the former farm are unknown.
1717 - 1881
In 1717, the Clark family purchased the farm, which they occupied for more than 150 years .
County records from the mid-19th century show annual "orchard product" values of $20 to $30 for this property (sixth row from the bottom). There is no indication of the apple variety names or the orchard location.
1881
The Lord family purchased the farm in 1881.
An 1881 advertisement for the sale of the property specified two acres of “200 thrifty apple trees bearing choice fruit” among the farm’s characteristics. Neither the apple variety names nor the orchard location are provided.
1977
All farming operations ended. Preparations to create a public reserve began. There is no record of whether the orchard still existed. The landscape shifted from farmland to shrubs and forest. Wild seedling apple trees grew, creating a diversity of apple varieties, and providing food and habitat to multitudes of wildlife.
Today's apple trees are mostly found in the former pastures, illustrated in the above sketch drawn after 1881.
2024
40th Anniversary of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm - exploring the spread of apple trees on an interactive map.
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a place of discovery on the southern Maine coast. This National Estuarine Research Reserve is open every day for science, education, and public enjoyment. More than 25,000 people visit the reserve each year to explore miles of trails and discover the value of coastal systems. The Wells Reserve is funded by the member-supported Maine non-profit Laudholm Trust and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Wells Reserve is just minutes from the Maine Turnpike and U.S. Route 1 near the Wells-Kennebunk line.
Contact the Wells Reserve at (207) 646-1555 and at wellsreserve.org
