NCF-Summer-Excursions-2026 Final Web Version

2026

E X C U R S I O N

C A L E N D A R

Welcome to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s 2026 Seasonal Excursion Calendar!

The walks, rides, paddles, and practices held in this calendar are an invitation to explore the landscapes that make Nantucket extraordinary and to connect with our mission of land conservation. The 9,000+ acres of open space that the Nantucket Conservation Foundation owns and conserves is a gift to the adventurous, the nature-lovers, and the engaged citizens of our island community. Whether a year-round resident or a short-time visitor, these lands hold something meaningful for you: a cherished trail, a favorite view, or a memory that reminds you why this island is worth protecting.

To deepen that bond and advance our nonprofit mission, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation staff and trustees create events that bring people together to share our love of this amazing island and our passion to preserve the qualities that make Nantucket such a wonderful place. Each outing has been thoughtfully developed by a member of the NCF team, drawing on their own expertise to highlight a piece of the Foundation’s property and work.

We have increased the number and diversity of programss offered this season, but reservations are still required. To sign up, please visit our website at nantucketconservation.org or call 508-228-2884 Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. If your preferred excursion is fully booked, please join the waitlist, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Weekly Walks

A weekly opportunity to discover the ecology and history woven into our trails and properties with an expert guide to bring it all to life.

Ecology Excursions

Held throughout the summer and shoulder season, these guided walks offer a behind-the-scenes look at the research and restoration work shaping the future of Nantucket’s landscapes.

Tidal Treks

Guided excursions exploring the wildlife and ecology of Nantucket’s water’s edge, and the coastal resilience work that keeps these habitats thriving.

Wellness Series

Guided bike tours, outdoor yoga, breathwork, and photography offer a chance to experience Nantucket’s open spaces in a whole new way.

Special Events

Notable events outside of our regular programming, open to all.

WEEKLY WALKS Clark’s Cove & Hummock Pond

JULY 17

(2.7 mi) Returning to the summer calendar, this walk explores the Outwash Plain Ponds and South Shore beach in one of the most captivating expanses on the island. Hear about how these sandy ponds formed and the environmental conditions affecting this dynamic part of the island. (8:30am-10:30am)

Cranberry Harvest at Milestone Bog

OCTOBER 16 & 21

(1.6 mi) A fall favorite tour of the historic Milestone Cranberry Bog. Join Neil Foley and third-generation cranberry grower Nick Larrabee on a walk through the bogs to see the living history of growing cranberries on Nantucket.

See the dry harvest in action and buy some cranberries to share through your holidays and beyond. A true part of Nantucket’s agricultural legacy. (8:30am-10:30am)

Easterly Edge Scoot

OCTOBER 7

(2.5 mi) The return of our Rantum Scoots, a wandering walk through a longer trail for the more adventurous ramblers. This walk puts the Easterly Edge Trail around Stump Pond in focus; a fantastic trail on the ridges, berms, and boardwalks around this historic reservoir. (8:30am-10:30am)

Folger’s Hill

JUNE 16

(2.8 mi) A guided walk to a lesser-known hill in the Moors that is one of the highest points on the island. Find a new favorite route along sandy roads, pocket wetlands, and surprising topography hidden in the Eastern Moors.

(8:30am-10:30am)

Head of the Plains

SEPTEMBER 25

(2.1 mi) A bountiful and bustling walk through the blooming sandplain grasslands in our Head of the Plains property. Experience calm forested paths and wide open views as you learn of the incredible diversity in plants and pollinators that we have cultivated through strategic habitat management. (8:30am-10:30am)

Heart of the Middle Moors

JULY 8

Ram Pasture

MAY 29

(2.5 mi) Traverse the southernmost end of our popular Sanford Farm and Ram Pasture property and see why this is a must visit trail for many. Take in the spectacular views of the ocean and open grasslands in bloom while you hear about the rare and endangered species that thrive with our protection and management. (8:30am-10:30am)

The Serengeti

SEPTEMBER 18

(2.0 mi) A favorite walk through one of the most iconic and breathtaking parts of the island. Every ride out to Sconset is accompanied by the sprawling views of the open grasslands of Nantucket’s outwash plains. Explore these trails by foot and see the vibrant life throughout the southern side of the Middle Moors. (8:30am-10:30am)

Squam Farm

AUGUST 7

(1.6 mi) Explore the retired pastures, forested paths and hidden wetlands of this spectacular property. Located off Quidnet Rd, this former farmland was used for a 10-year study of the ecological effects of sheep grazing on the island’s landscape. See how rare plant species re-established in this secluded spot. (8:30am-10:30am)

Squam Swamp

JUNE 5

(1.8 mi) Unique trees and vibrant seasonal sights await in the forests of Squam. Prepare for exploring some adventurous, mucky, uneven trails while you hear about the ecological bounty tucked in the vernal pools and Red Maple swamps of this striking hardwood forest. (8:30am-10:30am)

Tawpawshaw Bog & the Shawkemo Highlands

SEPTEMBER 4

(2.4 mi) Explore this scenic, hilly area in the Western section of the Middle Moors. Highlights include freshwater ponds, interesting plant species, and stunning views of the Moors and Nantucket Harbor.

(8:30am-10:30am)

(2.2 mi) Explore from the base of Altar Rock through the trails and hills of Norwood Farm. Follow paths through hidden valleys and view some of the distinctive kettle ponds that comprise this unique collection of rare habitats while learning about both indigenous and geologic history. (8:30am-10:30am)

Tupancy Links

Kettle Hole Ponds of the Western Moors

(1.2 mi) Discover the history of this popular Cliff Road property and the family that made its preservation possible.

Walk the trails and hear about the transition from private golf course to recovering grassland and the role it plays in restoring habitats across Nantucket. (8:30am-10:30am)

AUGUST 21

(1.8 mi) A great introduction to the diverse wetlands across the Middle Moors. Hear about the formation and ecology of the freshwater ponds sunken into this glacial landscape, the rare plants that thrive there, and the cultural importance of kettle ponds. (8:30am-10:30am)

Masquetuck

JULY 31

(1.0 mi) One of the Foundation’s real gems. Travel through a small, fascinating hardwood forest that extends to West Polpis Harbor providing chances to see herons, egrets, shellfish and other inhabitants of this ecologically rich area. (8:30am-10:30am)

Milestone Cranberry Bog

JUNE 26

(2.0 mi) Visit this historic and fascinating Cranberry Bog in the height of summer. See the cranberry vines in bloom and hear about the efforts we make for the future of this cranberry cultivation tradition on island. (8:30am-10:30am)

Walk to Altar Rock

AUGUST 28

MAY 15

(3.0 mi) Explore the rolling hills and ridgelines of the glacial outwash plain. Hike with us from the flat open fields of the Serengeti to one of the most beautiful and iconic vistas on Nantucket. (8:30am-10:30am)

Windswept Bog

LED EVERY MONTH JUNE-SEPTEMBER

(1.3 mi) Following the completion of our watershed-level wetland restoration of this former cranberry farm, we will discuss the bog’s history, showcase the work that just took place over the last two years, and look forward to what Windswept will look like within the next several years post-restoration. Hear about how we have improved the ecological resources while maintaining public access to this beloved property. (8:30am-10:30am)

ECOLOGY EXCURSIONS Beech Leaf Disease Walk

AUGUST 27

American Beech Trees are a major component of our hardwood forests, providing amazing habitat and shade.

With the spread of Beech Leaf Disease on island, many of these old stands have sickly leaves and declining health.

Join our Seasonal Botany Team and Restoration Project Manager Coleman Miller to see the affected trees and understand what NCF is doing to understand and test management options for this new pathogen. (9-11am)

Birding With Woody

LED EVERY MONTH JUNE-SEPTEMBER

A program focused on the wonderful world of birding! Join Woody Newell, one of our NCF Trustees, on an adventure through an NCF property to find and appreciate avian residents and migrants. Woody’s passion for birding is helpful for novices and seasoned birders alike. No previous experience needed, but binoculars encouraged! (8am-10am)

Botany of Windswept Bog

JUNE 24

‘Windswept Bog is regrowing!’ Join Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand to hear about her work studying the plant life of Windswept Bog, pre- and post-restoration. See the native plant species that NCF has promoted through their wetland restoration journey and the ecological communities that are still taking shape through active management and propagation. (9-11am)

Forest Management & Southern Pine Beetles

AUGUST 5 + SEPTEMBER 8

Walk with Director of Research Danielle O’Dell to hear about what NCF and our island conservation partners are doing to create healthier pitch pine forests. Learn the benefits of forest management and the careful decisions that go into managing Nantucket’s limited forest habitat to make them healthier and more resilient to future southern pine beetle outbreaks. (9-11am)

Native Plant Landscaping Tour

LED EVERY MONTH JULY -SEPTEMBER

Visit the NCF office at 118 Cliff Road to learn how native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers can find a home in your own yard. Planting natives supports fascinating insects and wildlife and helps connect conservation lands. NCF Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand gives a tour of our office grounds showcasing the makeover of our office landscape, from removal of invasives to building a biodiversity meadow and garden beds, highlighted with educational signs sponsored by a generous grant from the Nantucket Garden Club. (9-11am)

Plant Propagation Workshop

MAY 21 + JUNE 9

Do you have a green thumb with an eye for ecology? Come join this exciting opportunity with Plant Propagation Manager Stacey Cooper. Assist us in hands-on work to prepare the nursery for the busy growing season as we learn together the best way to cultivate native plants for island conservation efforts. Group size very limited.

(9:30-11:30am)

Southern Pine Beetle Forest Watch Training

MAY 16

Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunity! If you reguarly walk in pine forests and are interested in helping NCF prevent future outbreaks of southern pine beetle, join Director of Research Danielle O’Dell to learn the signs of infestation so we can stop spread before it becomes a problem. We need more eyes on our forests and we would love your help by “adopting a forest” and watching Pitch Pine stands across the island (1-2pm)

Spring Wildflower Ecology Walk

MAY 12

Join NCF Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand for a loop tour of the emerging spring plant life through the landscapes of Squam Farm. Learn the spring and early summer wildflowers of our forests and fields in fresh spring foliage. (9-11am)

Wildlife of Windswept Walk

MAY 9

Our team has done years of research to understand the wildlife activity in and around Windswept Bog both preand post-restoration. Learn from our Wildlife Ecology team about the creatures that can be encountered in this beautiful wetland complex. (9-11am)

TIDAL TREKS Folger’s Marsh Restoration Walk

AUGUST 12

Tidal restrictions have altered the ability of Folger’s Marsh to adapt to rising sea levels and stronger storm surges.

Join our Coastal Ecology Team to learn about our current research and monitoring efforts on the health of the marsh, particularly when it comes to addressing the culvert under Polpis Rd. (9-11am)

Migratory Shorebird Walk

AUGUST 25

Nantucket is an important stopover site in the journey of migratory shorebirds along the East Coast. Join NCF’s Wildlife Project Manager Tucker Taylor on a beach walk out to Eel Point to look for these intrepid travelers. Open to all birding levels. This walk will go through soft sand and can be strenuous. Please bring sunscreen, water, binoculars, and walking shoes that could get wet. Space is limited. (9-11am)

Nighttime Horseshoe Crab Walk

MAY 13, MAY 27, + JUNE 3

Join NCF’s Education Coordinator & Ecologist Neil Foley on an exciting program at Little Neck in Madaket Harbor.

Learn about our ongoing research at the height of horseshoe crab mating season and experience the ecology of Nantucket’s harbor-facing beaches at night. Get acquainted with some of the island’s nocturnal wildlife like horseshoe crabs, eels, night herons, and more! Space is limited. Water-shoes/boots required. Headlamps/ flashlights recommended. (9-10:30pm)

Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle

JUNE 11, JULY 22, + AUGUST 19

Join NCF’s Coastal Ecology Team to paddle Polpis Harbor and learn about harbor health, saltmarsh ecology, and nature-based resilience solutions using oyster reefs. See NCF’s saltmarsh restoration from the water and paddle past our inter-tidal oyster reef, the first of its kind in Massachusetts. Water, sun, and bug protection recommended. Space is limited.

Shorebird Walk

MAY 14 + JUNE 4

Take a beautiful beach walk out to Eel Point and see shorebird conservation in action. Led by NCF’s Wildlife Ecology Project Manager Tucker Taylor and NCF Staff; visit an important breeding site, learn about the nesting ecology of our annual residents, and appreciate their complex journey of protection. Open to all birding levels.

This walk will go through soft sand and can be strenuous. Please bring sunscreen, water, binoculars, and walking shoes that could get wet. Space is limited. (9-11am)

WELLNESS SERIES

Various dates throughout the summer

All Levels Yoga Flow

Therapeutic Yoga with Ieva Aldins

A 60-minute class moderately paced with mindful, controlled movement and breath. Emphasis is on lengthening postures, fluid breathing, smooth transitions, and cultivating focus. Includes a gentle warm-up, a brief flow to warm the body, a short series of longer holds, and a relaxing cool-down. Class is aimed to lengthen and preserve more than strengthen and exhaust. Pre-registration required. (9-10am)

Release, mobilize, stabilize, strengthen, and stretch. Create a more spacious experience in your body, mind, and being with this therapeutic yoga class. From a beginning restorative posture which releases tension to a relaxing final meditation that will leave you refreshed and renewed. This class uses mindfully taught yoga postures to stabilize, strengthen, and stretch the body with gentle somatic movements. Pre-registration required. (9-10am)

Breathwork & Meditation with Andrew Viselli

Yin Yoga

A returning part of NCF’s Wellness Series explores the beneficial use of nature to connect with your breath and inner space. Led by experienced instructor Andrew Viselli, this 60-minute session incorporates guided meditation, reiki, and subtle movement to relax, calm, and empower you. (11am-12pm)

The newest type of practice in our Wellness Series, Yin Yoga uses slower pacing and longer holds in poses to increase circulation and joint flexibility. A good stretching style yoga suitable for all ages and speeds to help you move better throughout the week. Pre-registration required. (9-10am)

Guided Bike Tour Join avid cyclist and NCF Trustee Jim Meehan to tour the trails and dirt roads of the Middle Moors or Ram Pasture. Space is limited. Helmet and a mountain bike suitable for rough roads is required. (7:30-9:30am)

Nature Photography Expedition A new offering for the Wellness Series focused on curating an artistic way to see our properties. Join local photographer Riley Wynn on golden hour expeditions through our trails to capture and appreciate the seasonal changes with your own camera. Learn how Riley adjusts his settings to capture Nantucket’s beauty, texture, and light for his compositions. Group sizes limited, must bring your own personal camera to participate.

Outdoor Restorative Yoga Get ready for a zen experience! Drop into this calming and centering practice of restorative yoga immersed in the peaceful setting of our properties. Be guided through the gentle movement, stretching, and breathwork of a traditional 60-minute restorative class in open space. Pre-registration required. (5pm-6pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS 25th Annual Race for Open Space

JUNE 27

Milestone Center Site Tour

HELD EVERY MONTH MAY-OCTOBER

Our 25th annual Race for Open Space fundraiser held at the Milestone Cranberry Bog and the adjacent Middle Moors property. Participate in a 2-mile walk, 5K or 10K and contribute to year-round open space conservation.

Register online at www.nantucketconservation.org (Start time at 8am).

Tour the future site of NCF’s new home, The Milestone Center, with President & CEO Cormac Collier and NCF staff. Learn about how the Center will feature a research and education facility, as well as staff housing, that will strengthen our ability to protect and steward over 9,000 acres across the island.

Fall Festival & Batacular Bike Race

Nantucket Climate Change Summit

OCTOBER 25

Celebrate the end of the season with our annual Fall Festival and Batacular Bike Race! Ride a challenging loop through the beautiful trails of the Middle Moors, followed by a free, community event offering hayrides, kids’ games, a Nanpuppet show, live music, and more fun for all ages. Don’t miss out on a day of festive activities!

(10am-3pm)

SEPTEMBER 9

The third annual Nantucket Climate Change Summit brings together local experts, professionals, and managers to explore current efforts to adapt Nantucket to climate change. In partnership with The Linda Loring Nature Foundation, Nantucket Conservation Foundation and sponsored by ReMain Nantucket and Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, the Summit brings together the Nantucket community to raise awareness around local research and adaptation projects. (4:30-6pm)

M AY 2 0 2 6 S U N D AY

3

Breathwork & Meditation

M O N DAY

4

TU E S D AY

5

W ED N E SD AY

6

T H U RS D AY

7

F R I DAY

S AT U RD AY

1

2

8

Bike Ride (Windswept)

9

Wildlife of Windswept

10

Yin Yoga

11

12

13

14

Shorebird Walk

15

Walk to Altar Rock

16

17

Therapeutic Yoga

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Memorial Day

25

26

27

28

29

30

Spring Wildflower Walk

All dates and times subject to change. Registration required. Space is limited.

Nighttime Horseshoe Crab Walk

Windswept Bog

Nighttime Horseshoe Crab Walk

Plant Propagation Workshop

Milestone Center Site Tour (3-4pm)

Ram Pasture

SPB Forest Watch Training

Yin Yoga

Bike Ride (Sanford) Nature Photography Expedition

Weekly Walks, Ecology Excursions, Tidal Treks, Wellness Series, Special Events

JUNE 2026 S U N D AY

M O N DAY

TU E S D AY

W ED N E SD AY

T H U RS D AY

F R I DAY

S AT U RD AY

1

2

3

Nighttime Horseshoe Crab Walk

4

Shorebird Walk

5

Squam Swamp

6

7

Therapeutic Yoga

8

9

10

Birding With Woody

11

12

Windswept Bog

13

Breathwork & Meditation

14

Restorative Yoga

15

16

Folger’s Hill

17

18

19

Juneteenth

20

21

All Levels Flow Yoga

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Bike Ride (Sanford)

29

Plant Propagation Workshop

Botany of Windswept Bog

Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle (2-4pm)

Milestone Cranberry Bog

Birding With Woody

Bike Ride (Windswept)

Race for Open Space (8am start time)

30

Milestone Center Site Tour (9-11am)

All dates and times subject to change. Registration required. Space is limited.

Weekly Walks, Ecology Excursions, Tidal Treks, Wellness Series, Special Events

J U LY 2 0 2 6 S U N D AY

M O N DAY

TU E S D AY

W ED N E SD AY

T H U RS D AY

F R I DAY

S AT U RD AY

1

2

3

4th of July

7

8

Heart of the Middle Moors

9

All Levels Flow Yoga

10

11

14

15

16 23

5

6

12

Therapeutic Yoga

13

19

Yin Yoga

20

Bike Ride (Sanford)

21

22

Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle (1-3pm)

Native Plant Landscaping Tour

Windswept Bog

26

27

28

29

30

31

Milestone Center Site Tour (9-11am)

Birding With Woody

All dates and times subject to change. Registration required. Space is limited.

Nature Photography Expedition

Breathwork & Meditation

4

Bike Ride (Windswept)

Clark’s Cove & Hummock Pond

17

Birding With Woody

18

24

25

Masquetuck

Weekly Walks, Ecology Excursions, Tidal Treks, Wellness Series, Special Events

AUGUST 2026 S U N D AY

M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

W E D N E S D AY

T H U R S D AY

F R I D AY

S AT U R D AY

1

Bike Ride (Windswept)

2

3

4

5

6

Therapeutic Yoga

9

Bike Ride (Sanford)

10

11

12

13

16

Restorative Yoga

17

18

19

20

23 30

24 31

Migratory Shorebird Walk

25

26

Breathwork & Meditation

All dates and times subject to change. Registration required. Space is limited.

Forest Management Walk

Folger’s Marsh Restoration Walk

Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle (12-2pm)

7

Squam Farm

8

Windswept Bog

14

15

21

22

Native Plant Landscaping Tour

Kettle Hole Ponds of the Western Moors

27

Tupancy Links

Beech Leaf Disease Walk

28

Milestone Center Site Tour (9-11am)

All Levels Flow Yoga

29

Bike Ride (Windswept) Birding With Woody

Weekly Walks, Ecology Excursions, Tidal Treks, Wellness Series, Special Events

SEPTEMBER 2026 S U N D AY

M O N DAY

TU E S D AY

1 6

7

Labor Day

Therapeutic Yoga

13

14

20

W ED N E SD AY

2

Birding With Woody

T H U RS D AY

3

8

9

10

15

16

17

Native Plant Landscaping Tour

Restorative Yoga

21

22

23

24

27

28

29

30

Bike Ride (Windswept)

Forest Management Walk

Milestone Center Site Tour (9-11am)

All dates and times subject to change. Registration required. Space is limited.

Climate Change Summit

F R I DAY

4

Tawpawshaw Bog & The Shawkemo Highlands

S AT U RD AY

5

Bike Ride (Sanford) Yin Yoga

11

Windswept Bog

12

Serengeti

18

19

25

26

Head of the Plains

Breathwork & Meditation

Weekly Walks, Ecology Excursions, Tidal Treks, Wellness Series, Special Events

OCTOBER 2026 S U N D AY

M O N DAY

TU E S D AY

W ED N E SD AY

T H U RS D AY

1

F R I DAY

S AT U RD AY

2

3

9

10

16

17

Milestone Center Site Tour (9-11am)

Restorative Yoga

Therapeutic Yoga

4

5

6

7

Easterly Edge Scoot

8

11

Yin Yoga

12

Indigenous Peoples Day

13

14

15

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Breathwork & Meditation

Batacular Bike Race & Fall Festival

All dates and times subject to change. Registration required. Space is limited.

Cranberry Harvest at Milestone Bog

Nature Photography Expedition

Cranberry Harvest at Milestone Bog

Weekly Walks, Ecology Excursions, Tidal Treks, Wellness Series, Special Events

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal

shoreline, conserves Nantucket’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems

and species. We share our environmental expertise with the wider community and provide educational and recreational opportunities to encourage respectful enjoyment and appreciation of our properties.

C A PA C I T Y Please note that all programs are limited in the number of attendees that can be accommodated. If you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can fill the outing from our waitlist.

T I ME Weekly Walks start prompty at 8:30am and end by 10:30am.

All other outings begin promptly at the indicated time.

AT T I R E Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on soft sand roads and trails. Water, sun (sunscreen, a hat, etc.) and insect protection are recommended. Note that there are no restroom facilities on Foundation properties. Please review excursion description for additional attire recommendations.

T H E W E AT HE R Except for inclement weather, Weekly Walks and Ecology Excursions almost always take place as scheduled. For all other outings, NCF will make a determination the day before if inclement weather is in the forecast and notify attendees via email.

D O GS No one loves dogs more than the team at NCF! That said, even the most wellbehaved pups can be a little distracting while our excursion leaders are talking and participants are listening and learning. To help everyone get the most out of the experience, please leave your furry friends at home and consider taking them on one of our dog-friendly trails afterward!

R E S E RV E Y O UR S PA C E At nantucketconservation.org, find the sign up links on our event calendar and register easily online. Details and directions will be sent to your registration email the day before the event. Our weekly events newsletter during the season will update you on new pop-up offerings through the summer.

Be a Part of Lasting Island Conservation Thanks to the generous support of our donors, our free excursions and events bring the community together to explore, learn, and connect with Nantucket’s natural beauty. Your gift also supports vital research and stewardship, helping us protect the island’s open spaces and ecological diversity. Please consider making a gift today to keep these experiences – and Nantucket’s environment – thriving for everyone.

To make a donation, visit our website at: www.nantucketconservation.org Thank you for your generous support!