This reserve protects fields, forests, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh, and a sandy beach on the densely populated southern coast of Maine. Reserve facilities are situated at historic Laudholm farm, settled in 1642 and occupied by only four families over the ensuing 350 years. The Laudholm Trust, with about 2,500 members, develops programs that increase public awareness of, and support for, Wells Reserve research, education, and resource management.

The Wells Reserve is one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The reserve is managed on a daily basis by the Wells Reserve Management Authority for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. NOAA's Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.