E X C U R S I O N C A L E N D A R 2 0 2 6
Welcome to the Nantucket Conser vation 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 extraordinar y and to connect with our mission of land conser vation. The 9,000+ acres of open space that the Nantucket Conser vation Foundation owns and conser ves is a gift to the adventurous, the nature-lovers, and the engaged citizens of our island community. W hether a year-round resident or a short-time visitor, these lands hold something meaningful for you: a cherished trail, a favorite view, or a memor y that reminds you why this island is worth protecting.
To deepen that bond and advance our nonprofit mission, the Nantucket Conser vation Foundation staff and trustees create events that bring people together to share our love of this amazing island and our passion to preser ve 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 reser vations are still required. To sign up, please visit our website at nantucketconser vation.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.
Weekl y Walks
A weekly opportunity to discover the ecolog y and histor y woven into our trails and properties with an expert guide to bring it all to life.
Ecolog y 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.
T idal Treks
Guided excursions exploring the wildlife and ecolog y of Nantucket ’ s water’s edge, and the coastal resilience work that keeps these habitats thriving.
Wellness S er ies
Guided bike tours, outdoor yoga, breathwork, and photography offer a chance to experience Nantucket ’ s open spaces in a whole new way.
S pecial Events
Notable events outside of our regular programming, open to all.
C lark’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)
Cranber r y Har vest 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)
Easter ly Edge S coot
Ram Pasture
(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) MAY 29
The S erengeti
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 P lains
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)
S quam Far m
(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) AUGUST 7
S quam S wamp
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)
Hear t of the Midd le Moors
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 S hawkemo Highlands
JULY 8
(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)
Kettle Hole Ponds of the Wester n Moors
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)
Tupanc y Links
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
AUGUST 28
(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)
Walk to Altar Rock
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 Cranber r y Bog
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)
W indswept 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)
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)
Beech L eaf 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 W ith 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 W indswept 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 & S outher n 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 P lant 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)
P lant 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)
S outher n Pine Beetle Forest Watch Training
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) Spr ing W ildflower Ecolog y Walk
W ild life of W indswept Walk
MAY 12
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)
T I D A L T R E K S
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)
Mig rator y S horebird 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 K ayak Padd le
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
S horebird 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)
Various dates throughout the summer
