We continue to celebrate NCF’s 60th Anniversary with a very busy summer schedule, highlighted by our signature events, the Race for Open Space with over 650 participants, and Bash-in-the-Bog, attended by over 500 friends of NCF. I hope you will find time during these beautiful summer months to enjoy our NCF properties. Whether it’s a walk through Windswept Bog or the Middle Moors, kayaking on Stump Pond, a Shorebird Walk or Restorative Yoga, our sprawling preserved land offers countless opportunities to engage and learn. This issue of Open Spaces focuses on the native plant landscaping education, and spotlights our 2023 Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration initiatives.
Thanks as always for your ongoing support. Here’s to NCF’s next 60 years of success!
In appreciation,
Cormac Collier
President & CEO
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Celebrates Our 60th Year
STAFF
President & CEO
Cormac Collier
Vice President of Science and Stewardship
Karen C. Beattie
Director of Research and Partnerships
Dr. Jennifer M. Karberg
Interpretive Education
Coordinator/Ecologist
Neil P. Foley
Coastal Ecology
Technician
Jisun Reiner
Seasonal Botany Technicians
Hannah Leggett
Amanda Shalit
Seasonal Wildlife
Research Technician
Isaac Hersh
Chair
John Macfarlane III
Treasurer
Charles K. Gifford, Jr.
Stephen Bartram
David A. Champoux
Ande Grennan
Lindsey Gund
Laura Hanson
Katie Keith
Director of Land Management
Nicholas J. Larrabee
Wildlife Research Ecologist
Danielle O’Dell
Plant Research
Ecologist/Botanist
Kelly A. Omand
Development Associate
Mara Weiner
Coatue Ranger and Shorebird Monitor
Greg St. Aubin
Seasonal Shorebird Technician
Gracie Bell
Development and Marketing Assistant
Jess Toole
Marketing and Outreach Manager
Allison Levy
Accounting Associate
Land Use Manager
Jim Olney
Properties Maintenance
Donald J. Mack
Richard H. Mack
Wildlife Ecology Intern
Meredith Broadus
Seasonal Wildlife
Field Technician
Meredith Broadus
MS Candidate for Northeastern University
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Vice Chair
Todd M. Knutson
Clerk
Marianne R. Stanton
TRUSTEES OFFICERS
Edward V. Lahey, Jr.
James Meehan
Daphne F. Mitchell
Sherwood Newell
Ann B. Oliver
Diane R. Pearl, MD
Our Mission
Three Seas Program
Bradlie Morgan
Secretary
Lucinda Young
Korilynn Adams Assistant Clerk
Mary West
David Rattner
Dr. Geoffrey C. Trussell
Rick Ulmer
Patrick S. Wayland
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.
Dedication to Conservation
Maintaining the natural beauty of Nantucket’s environment requires careful planning, continuing public education and vigilant ongoing action.
INSIDE OPEN SPACES
CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP
The majority of the land held by the Foundation has been generously donated by individuals, organizations, estates, bequests, and trusts. The Foundation continues to strategically purchase tracts of land with conservation value that abut or are in close proximity to other conservation properties. Additionally, we monitor and protect the many rare plants and wildlife that inhabit our properties. Our efforts include upland and wetland restoration, inventory and protection of rare and endangered species, as well as property management.
The Foundation’s Department of Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration uses research and monitoring to gain understanding of the ecology of Nantucket’s rare plants, wildlife and habitats across our properties. This helps inform our management and conservation decisions and contributes to broader ecological research in New England and beyond.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
An important part of our mission is to familiarize our visitors with the natural and cultural history of our properties. Our popular “Mornings for Members” walks & “Ecology Excursions” facilitate interaction with Foundation representatives who provide detailed information about our properties. In addition, we develop guides, maps, interpretive signs, and educational materials for our properties.
PROPERTY EXPERIENCES
Many more people are visiting our properties during the summer and shoulder seasons, so we are working hard on trail management, creating new trails, and enhancing our mobile app ACKTrails to improve your experience. Our trails are maintained year-round for visitors to explore the island during every season.
PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
We strive to deepen our mission by educating our neighbors about the unique resources on our properties. In addition to public excursions, we also offer the annual Race For Open Space, and will be bringing back the popular Nantucket and Batacular Bike Race.
Introducing our Revamped Ecological Research, Stewardship, and Restoration Department
Research, monitoring, and restoration of Nantucket’s unique and rare habitats and species has been an important part of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s work for over 30 years. As the Foundation approached its 60th anniversary, our Science and Stewardship Department assessed where we have been and how our program has grown, leading to an update of our vision for ecology-based research and stewardship. Through the work of our experienced ecologists in understanding the unique natural areas protected by the Foundation, we have evolved our Department to meet the needs of our next 60 years.
Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relationships of organisms, including humans, to one another and their physical surroundings. The research and restoration work of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation is rooted in ecology, and it was time to officially change the name of our Department and update our ecology programs.
We would like to introduce our members to the newly re-structured Ecological Research, Stewardship, and Restoration Department of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation!
Our department’s vision is to facilitate and expand fundamental and applied research that informs the conservation and management of Nantucket’s diverse habitats and promotes the sustainable health and functioning of these unique ecosystems. We conduct research, education, and outreach to:
•Expand our understanding of fundamental ecology to inform land management, restoration, and adaptation;
•Develop ecological management and restoration solutions that promote adaptation and sustainability;
•Recognize the stressors that Nantucket’s ecosystems and human communities face;
•Build research and education partnerships;
•Prioritize outreach and educational activities to foster a connection to and appreciation of Nantucket and our properties;
Our Department is organized around four Ecology Programs that will help us build strong research and stewardship work and promote the strength of our four long-tenured, year-round Ecologists.
Wildlife Ecology Program
Coordinated by: Danielle O’Dell (Wildlife Research Ecologist)
Program Goal: Research and understand the ecology of various wildlife species on Nantucket, related to land management, climate change, species invasions, rare species, and the perpetuation of species important to the island. Key Projects: Shorebird monitoring and protection, Spotted Turtle research, Nantucket bat population monitoring and research.
Collaborators: BiodiversityWorks MV, University of Albany, Northeast Bat Working Group, Nantucket Dark Skies Initiative.
Land Management, Stewardship and Restoration Program
Coordinated by: Karen Beattie (Vice President of Science and Stewardship)
Program Goal: Apply ecological knowledge to the management and stewardship of NCF’s 9,000 acres. Incorporate the understanding, expertise and lessons learned from the Ecology Programs into on-the-ground management of NCF’s properties across the island. Key projects: Applied pond management, Windswept Bog wetland restoration, Serengeti harrow project.
Collaborators: Sandplain Grassland Network, Woodwell Climate Change Center, Living Observatory
Wetlands and Coastal Ecology Program
Coordinated by: Dr. Jen Karberg (Director of Research and Partnerships)
Program Goal: Research and understand the ecology of wetland and coastal habitats on Nantucket related to restoration, habitat quality, ecosystem function and coastal resilience. Key projects: Baseline salt marsh health, Salt marsh restoration, Oyster reef program for coastal resilience, Hither Creek dune restoration, Coskata-Coatue Refuge resilience.
Collaborators: The Trustees, Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Maine
Plant Ecology and Botany Program
Coordinated by: Kelly Omand (Plant Research Ecologist/ Botanist)
Program Goal: Research and understand the ecology of plant species on Nantucket related to land management, climate change, species invasions and range shifts, rare and unique plants and the perpetuation of plants important to the island. Key Projects (with photos): Nantucket Flora Projects, Windswept Bog upland restoration, Native species in restoration and landscaping, rare plant monitoring.
Collaborators: University of Memphis, New England Plant Conservation Program, Dr. Lisa Stanley (graminoid ID expert).
A banded Northern long-eared bat, a federally endangered species, captured and monitored during bat research.
NCF staff discuss wetland restoration plans for Windswept Bog at a project permitting site visit.
Prepping herbarium samples of plants found on Nantucket, documenting our Nantucket Flora Project.
Seasonal Botany Field Assistants identifying plants out on NCF properties.
Seasonal Employees
HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee
ALMA MATER: Mississippi State University
NCF POSITION: Seasonal Shorebird Technician
HOMETOWN: Grayslake, Illinois
HOMETOWN: Wellsley, Massachusetts
ALMA MATER: St. Mary’s College of Marylan
NCF POSITION: Seasonal Wildlife Field Technician
ALMA MATER: University of Wisconsin-Madison
NCF POSITION: Seasonal Botany Technician
HOMETOWN: Arlington, Virginia
ALMA MATER: College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)
NCF POSITION: Seasonal Botany Technician
Gracie Bell
Isaac Hersh
Amanda Shalit
Hannah Leggett
Bradlie Morgan
HOMETOWN: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
ALMA MATER: Boston College
NCF POSITION: MS Candidate for Northeastern University Three Seas Program
Greg St. Aubin
HOMETOWN: Little Compton, Rhode Island
ALMA MATER: University of British Columbia
NCF POSITION: Coatue Ranger and Shorebird Monitor
Jisun Reiner
HOMETOWN: Croton, NY
ALMA MATER: Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College (NYC)
NCF POSITION: Coastal Ecology Technician
Meredith Broadus
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, Maryland
COLLEGE: Tufts University (Rising Junior)
NCF POSITION: Wildlife Ecology Intern
Wetland and Coastal Ecology Program
Nantucket’s coastal ecosystems include expansive beaches, rolling dunes, dynamic barrier beaches, coastal banks and ecologically important salt marshes. As the largest landowner on Nantucket, NCF stewards a significant portion of our island’s coastal resources, making the study of these habitats extremely important. As climate changes and sea levels rise, dynamic coastal habitats become our first line of defense and a key habitat to adapt and protect. For all these reasons, one of the four ecology programs of the Foundation’s Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration Department focuses on Wetland and Coastal Ecology.
Hither Creek Washover Restoration
At the end of Hither Creek, just past Millie’s Bridge, we have been studying the effects of large-scale sand washover on a salt marsh and how to improve dune building and resilience. This iconic area experienced a massive washover during a storm event in October 2017, with waves from the ocean pulling apart the dune and spreading the sand thickly over salt marsh as well as filling a large part of the open water at this end of Hither Creek. This one storm significantly altered this end of the island. After studying the sand depth and native species growth for 3 years, we realized that the salt marsh was not going to recover, but, thanks to strategically placed dune fencing, a large dune field was building. NCF partnered with the Town of Nantucket and with funding from the Madaket Conservation Association, we planted native beach grass across the dune face to enhance and stabilize the building dune. The initial grass planting has thrived, spread and increased dune elevation and stability by trapping moving sand, providing a buffer for Millie’s Bridge and the surrounding homes along Hither Creek.
To stabilize the growing dune at Hither Creek, volunteers planted over 5000 plugs of beach grass across the open sand near Millie’s Bridge.
Medouie Creek Oyster Reef
With climate change bringing rising sea levels, higher storm surges, and more intense storm waves, healthy and intact salt marshes are key to protecting our shorelines and providing resilience to our coast. In late 2021, the Foundation permitted and installed Massachusetts first intertidal oyster reef designed to reduce the effect of tide and wave action while also improving water quality and providing oyster habitat. This oyster reef is in East Polpis Harbor, adjacent to the Foundation’s Medouie Creek salt marsh which has experienced soil erosion in recent years. Placing the oyster reef just offshore provides an intertidal barrier that slows wave impacts during regular tide cycles but also during larger erosive storm events. Since the installation of the reef, we have been collecting data on how the reef affects tidal water direction and intensity, salt marsh elevation and revegetation, sediment accumulation, and the growth and health of the oysters. We are still in early stages of this groundbreaking pilot project but, so far, all measurements indicate that it is very beneficial and successful and this might prove to be a good model project for other small properties around Nantucket Harbor and elsewhere in the region.
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge Resilience
The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, made up of the Haulover, Coskata Pond, Great Point and the long swoop of Coatue, is a dynamic barrier beach system, constantly shifting and adapting to moving sand. This outside beach curve also creates and protects Nantucket Harbor. The Refuge is managed through a partnership between the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and the Trustees to protect key wildlife and rare ecological resources while providing public access. Impacts of rising sea level and storm erosion are already experienced on the Refuge – the Trustees and NCF are collaborating to understand and enhance the resilience of this area.
We are at the beginning of our assessment and intervention planning on the Refuge. Consultants from Woods Hole Group have modeled the impacts of future storms and predicted sea level rise on key areas of the Refuge, identifying the Haulover and the outside east beach at Coskata Pond as priority locations for intervention. We are assessing resilience adaptations to maintain the ecological integrity of the salt marshes, Coskata Pond, and the barrier beach to protect Nantucket Harbor.
To raise awareness about the project, we partnered with Yellow Productions (an island film company) to create a documentary about the Refuge, climate change and our hope for the future. The film has been accepted to both the Nantucket Film Festival and the Woods Hole Film Festival and we will premiere it on island at the Dreamland, August 24th.
Oyster Reef construction offshore of the Medouie salt marsh in East Polpis Harbor.
Low tide showing oyster castles with oysters growing. Visit
documentary trailer.
SUPPORT THE NANTUCKET CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
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We love when you, our neighbors, enjoy the experiences of visiting, walking, running, or biking our 9,000 acres of properties throughout the island. Land management and trails maintenance are a costly endeavor, and we count on contributions from our members to keep our properties as pristine as possible. Please consider becoming a member, gifting a membership, or renewing your membership with us today.
Native Plants
Gardeners, landscapers, and conservationists are becoming more in line with the idea that planting native plants is the best thing you can do for your property. Native shrubs and flowering plants can provide the same aesthetic beauty of colorful landscaping plants while needing no fertilizer, reduced watering, and being acclimated to our soils and climate. Planting native can also be the best way to fill your yard with birds and beneficial pollinators! To help spread the word about these and many more benefits to planting native, we have set up a series of events to educate and bring this work to the community.
Dr. Douglas Tallamy, bestselling author of “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” and “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants”, will be the Keynote Speaker at our Annual Meeting, Thursday August 10th at 5pm. Dr. Tallamy will talk about his work and research on the many benefits of using native plants in landscaping and his efforts to create Homegrown National Parks and habitats across the United States. This event is free and open to the public so please come join us and hear from a national leading expert on promoting small-scale ecology in your own backyard.
Our Community Book Club, in Partnership with ReMain Nantucket, will be discussing Dr. Tallamy’s book “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in
Your Yard” on August 10th from 5pm-7pm at the Nantucket Yacht Club. Thanks to generous support from ReMain Nantucket, copies of the book will be provided for free ahead of time at Mitchell’s Book Corner, but you can also borrow a copy from the Nantucket Atheneum or support local booksellers wherever you find them (Like Mitchell’s and Bookworks). This is a great opportunity to read the book, discuss the material with a group, and then meet the author!
To see examples of the best native landscaping plants for our island and how they can be utilized, Kelly Omand, our incredible Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist, will be giving her popular Native Plant Landscaping Tour on Friday August 11th at 9am at the NCF office (118 Cliff Road). Explore the demonstration garden created by Kelly, Champoux Landscaping, and NCF Staff that showcases the beauty and diversity of Nantucket native plants. This tour takes place the morning after Dr. Tallamy’s talk and will help to solidify a great week of native plant programming at NCF. Join us as we continue to grow a new understanding of stewardship in island lawns and gardens.
Wellness Series
Our Summer Wellness Series has returned for the 2023 season and is better than ever before. We believe that free opportunities to improve health and wellness are beneficial for our community and a crucial part of stewarding the trails and properties donated to us. Your physical and mental wellbeing should not have a price tag attached, so we offer these amazing programs led by expert guides for free to members and non-members alike.
Our outdoor yoga, led by the talented Lynne Begier as well as fantastic instructors from Yoga 1111, have expanded to two sessions a month through September as well as an evening restorative yoga session once a month. Drop in and shake loose the stress of the season in a beautiful outdoor setting. Adventurous mountain bike rides through the Middle Moors led by Land Use Manager Jim Olney are unlike any other tour on the island. Jim’s experience maintaining the trails across the heart of the island and years of work as a cyclist make him a great guide for a morning ride. Your own off-road bikes and helmets are required, but the 6-mile Guided Bike Tour or faster-paced Mountain Bike Adventure Ride are an experience you won’t forget!
Also new this year is our series of Plein Air Workshops led by renowned artist Illya Kagan. His years of experience capturing the landscapes of Nantucket and the world at large will inform your foray into the world of outside art. Materials, easels, and an inspiring landscape is provided by Illya and the Foundation for painting what is sure to be a beautiful September scene 30 miles out to sea.
Register for these and other programs on our website or email us at info@nantucketconservation.org. Take advantage of exploring the island with us before the seasons change!
Jim Olney leading a bike tour through the middle moors.
Plein Air Workshop at Tupancy Links.
Excursions August to September
AUGUST
Masquetuck (1.0 mi) (Wednesday, August 2nd 830-1030am)
One of the Foundation’s real gems. Travel through a small, fascinating hardwood forest that extends to West Polpis Harbor with chances to see herons, egrets, shellfish & other inhabitants of this ecologically rich area.
Shorebird Walk (Thursday, August 3rd 9-11am)
Take a beautiful beach walk out to Eel Point and see shorebird conservation in action. Led by ecologist Neil Foley and our shorebird monitor, 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.
Southern Pine Beetle Walk (Tuesday, August 8th 9-11am)
A new science walk taking a deep dive on the looming threat of Southern Pine Beetles. The range of this southern species is expanding into northern forests due to climate change and poses a risk to the health and stability of our Pitch Pine forests. Walk with Danielle O’Dell as she describes the problem we face, what to look out for, and what NCF and other island groups are doing to understand and manage for this threat.
Folger’s Marsh Kayak Paddle (Wednesday, August 9th 9-11am)
Returning for a second year, these popular paddles in collaboration with Egan Maritime are a spectacular opportunity to paddle through this beautiful and vibrant ecosystem at Folger’s Marsh. Drift along with our ecologists and better understand the true value of a saltmarsh ecosystem. Critically important for our coastal resiliency as an island and rich with biodiversity, these habitats take center stage on this kayak adventure. Space is limited. Registration through Egan Maritime Institute. Community Book Club with ReMain Nantucket (Wednesday, August 9th 5-7pm)
Join the Nantucket Community Book Club, a partnership of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and ReMain Nantucket, in reading “Nature’s Best
Hope: a New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” by best selling author Doug Tallamy. This discussion will kick start a conversation about the importance of native plants in local gardening.
Annual Meeting (Thursday, August 10th, 5-7pm)
Please join Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Advisors, and staff for the 59th Annual Meeting of the Members at the Nantucket Yacht Club at 5pm. There will be a brief business meeting, address by keynote speaker Doug Tallamy (author of Nature’s Best Hope, Bringing Nature Home, and others), and refreshments following.
Native Plant Landscaping Tour (Friday, August 11th, 9-11am)
Diverse plantings of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and grasses can boost your enjoyment of nature at home, while supporting wildlife and connecting conservation lands. NCF Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand gives a tour of our office at 118 Cliff Rd to explore the changes to our office gardens from removal of invasive species to a biodiversity meadow and the addition of native plantings and educational signs sponsored by a generous Nantucket Garden Club Grant. Learn the value of planting native to the insects and wildlife around you.
Squam Farm (1.6 mi) (Saturday, August 12th 830-1030am): Explore the retired pastures, forested paths, & 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.
All Levels Yoga Flow (Monday, August 14th & Monday, August 21st 9-10am)
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.
Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle (Tuesday, August 15th 10-Noon)
Join Dr Jen Karberg and staff from the Town of Nantucket’s Natural
Resources Department 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.
Windswept Bog (2.4 mi) (Wednesday, August 16th 8301030am):
A re-envisioning of this favorite island walk. As we further the process for our watershed-level wetland restoration of this former cranberry farm, we will the bog’s history, talk about the complex plans that will soon be implemented, and look forward to what Windswept could look like within the next several years. Hear about how we will be improving the ecological resources while maintaining public access on this beautiful and beloved property.
Guided Bike Tour (Thursday, August 17th 8-10am) 7.5 Miles
Join avid cyclist and Land Use Manager Jim Olney to tour our popular bike trails in the Middle Moors. Space is limited. Helmet and a mountain bike suitable for rougher roads is required.
Belle
Cruise (Tuesday August 22nd, 9-11am)
A special harbor launch on the Belle led by our Science and Stewardship staff, each of whom lends their expertise to the outings. These tours are a fun, informative way to enjoy special parts of Nantucket as we show our appreciation to a very important group of people. See Coatue from the water and cruise through the morning as you discuss the important role it plays in our island ecology.
Leedsmoor (1.8 mi) (Friday, August 25th & Saturday, August 26th 830-1030am):
Another new walk exploring the heart of the island. Travel through the covered shrublands, oak forests and old fields and learn the stages of vegetative succession on Nantucket. Visit some sites of incredible Nantucket history hidden in the winding trails of the Middle Moors.
Outdoor Restorative Yoga (Monday, August 27th 7-8pm):
A new offering this year as part of our Wellness series. 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.
Mountain Bike Adventure Ride (Tuesday, August 29th 8-10am)
An adventurous mountain bike ride for the more experienced cyclists looking for a high intensity route led by avid cyclist and Land Use Manager, Jim Olney. Space is limited. Required: A helmet and your own mountain bike suitable for rougher trails.
Botanical Preparation Workshop (Wednesday, August 30th 9-11am)
A new workshop for the plant lovers. Join Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand in collecting, pressing, and mounting plants for botanical preparation and recording finds on iNaturalist. Learn how a trained botanist approached collection and preservation to represent each species in a scientific collection. Materials will be provided.
SEPTEMBER
Guided Bike Tour (7.5 mi) (Friday, September 1st 8-10am)
Join avid cyclist and Land Use Manager Jim Olney to tour our popular bike trails in the Middle Moors. Space is limited. Helmet and a mountain bike suitable for rougher roads is required.
Norwood Farm (2.2 mi) (Wednesday, September 6th 8301030am):
In the heart of the old Nantucket Farm Belt, Norwood Farm represents some of the most diverse areas including hardwood forests, freshwater bogs and kettle hole ponds. These habitats support rare species of plants, moths, and birds of prey.
Nantucket Climate Change Summit (Wednesday, September 6th 4-630pm):
In partnership with The Linda Loring Nature Foundation and sponsored by Great Harbor Yacht Club, The first Nantucket Climate Change Summit launches during Climate Change Awareness month and explores our current understanding of climate change and impacts on this island. This community gathering will bring awareness and a common language to discuss climate change impacts and features local research and projects directly addressing impacts on Nantucket.
Climate Change Awareness Walk (1.0 mi) (Thursday, September 7th 9-11am):
Continuing Climate Change Awareness Month, join Dr. Jen Karberg and Dr. Sarah Bois (Linda Loring Nature Foundation) on a walk through Nantucket exploring current climate change impacts and discussing possible naturebased solutions for now and in the future.
Native Plant Landscaping Tour (Friday, September 8th 9-11am)
Diverse plantings of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and grasses can boost your enjoyment of nature at home, while supporting wildlife and connecting conservation lands. NCF Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand gives a tour of our office at 118 Cliff Rd to explore the changes to our office gardens from removal of invasive species to a biodiversity meadow and the addition of native plantings and educational signs sponsored by a generous Nantucket Garden Club Grant. Learn the value of planting native to the insects and wildlife around you.
Climate Change Awareness Walk (1.0 mi) (Saturday, September 9th & Thursday September 21st 9-11am)
During September’s Climate Change Awareness Month, join Dr. Jen Karberg at Folger’s Marsh and journey on a walk through Nantucket’s current climate change impacts and explore the importance of existing natural landscapes and the potential for nature-based adaptation for now and in the future.
All Levels Yoga Flow (Monday, September 11th & Sunday, September 24th 9-10am)
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.
Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle (Tuesday, September 12th 10Noon)
Join Dr Jen Karberg and staff from the Town of Nantucket’s Natural Resources Department 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.
Plein Air Workshop with Illya Kagan (Tuesday, September 12th & Thursday, September 14th 4-6pm)
In partnership with the Artist Association of Nantucket, the first of our guided art offerings incorporating the beauty of vistas and landscapes on NCF property. With the practiced instruction of renowned Plein Air artist Illya Kagan, take in a beautiful scene and learn how best to translate it to canvas. Space is very limited, materials and equipment provided.
Kettle Hole Ponds of the Western Moors (1.8 mi) (Friday, September 15th 830-1030am):
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.
Mountain Bike Adventure Ride (Tuesday, September 19th 8-10am)
An adventurous mountain bike ride for the more experienced cyclists looking for a high intensity route led by avid cyclist and Land Use Manager, Jim Olney. Space is limited. Required: A helmet and your own mountain bike suitable for rougher trails.
Windswept Bog (2.4 mi) (Friday, September 22nd 8301030am):
A re-envisioning of this favorite island walk. As we further the process for our watershed-level wetland restoration of this former cranberry farm, we will the bog’s history, talk about the complex plans that will soon be implemented, and look forward to what Windswept could look like within the next several years. Hear about how we will be improving the ecological resources while maintaining public access on this beautiful and beloved property.
Birding Folger’s Marsh (Tuesday, September 26th 8-9am)
A new collaborative program between NCF, Egan Maritime and Linda Loring Nature Foundation explores the active birds and history of Folger’s Marsh. Viewing the marsh from Egan Maritime’s Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, this program incorporates the importance of seabirds and waterfowl in storied maritime history, to enrich and inform membership of all 3 organizations. Register for free through Egan Maritime at Eganmaritime. org/events.
Milestone Cranberry Bog at Harvest (2.0 mi) (Wednesday, September 27th 830-1030am):
Once the world’s largest cranberry bogs, Milestone remains the island’s oldest working farm. Tour the area just before dry harvest begins and learn the intricacies of cranberry growing. A great walk for anyone interested in cranberries or seeing the moors in early autumn foliage.
Profiles
Property Spotlight: Sanford Farm
One of our best known and most popular holdings, this 780acre property consists of: Sanford Farm, Ram Pasture & The Woods. This region of Nantucket was part of approximately 29,000 acres on the island that was set aside as “common land” by the 27 original shareholders, who settled Nantucket in 1659. It was used during the 17th and 18th centuries by these settlers and their descendants for grazing sheep and cows, farming, and harvesting wood. Sanford Farm is now best known for its well marked trails, spectacular vistas, and ocean views. This popular site provides walkers, runners, dog owners and bicyclists with a respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby Town.
Highlights of the property are the great views of North Head and Hummock Ponds, the sandplain grassland area at Ram Pasture and the spectacular undeveloped beach at the southern boundary. An historic barn is located near the middle of the property on a hill that offers excellent views of the southern shoreline
Employee Spotlight: Nick Larrabee
Nick Larrabee and his family have been involved with growing cranberries for the Foundation since its inception. Nick started working for the Foundation at the age of 14, mowing grass at the cranberry bog. In 2017, after graduating from Stockbrige School of Agriculture at University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nick officially joined the staff of the Foundation as the Nantucket Cranberry Bog Manager. In 2022, Nick took on the role of Director of Land Management without giving up the role of bog manager to continue the tradition of cranberry growing on Nantucket.
Species Spotlight: Spotted Turtle
This uncommon species of turtle is a resident of freshwater wetlands and hardwood forests. Dappled with yellow spots on the shell and orange on the neck and face, this smaller turtle has found a stronghold in the red maple swamps of the Middle Moors. Nantucket has one of the most healthy and robust populations in the state, where off island these turtles are highly impacted by road mortality and habitat fragmentation due to development. Their movement and ecology on Nantucket is being externsively studied heavily by Danielle O’Dell at Windswept Bog, Squam Farm, and Medouie Creek.
Trustee Spotlight: Daphne Mitchell
Daphne Mitchell has a long family history with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. Her Grandfather, Teeny Sanford, was on the Board and then President from 1978-80, followed by her Father George Fowlkes, who was the President of NCF from 1980-1998. First coming to the island in 1969 as an infant, Daphne became involved with NCF in 2001 as one of the first Associate members when the group was formed. She than become the President of the Associates and was asked to join the Board in 2011. She is involved with many aspects of the organization, including being the Chair of the Bash in the Bog Committee. Daphne enjoys escaping to Sanford Farm and Ram Pasture for walking her dogs and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation.
Land Management
The hard, year-round efforts of our Land Management Department ensures that access to and enjoyment of our trails is carefully maintained.
We are thrilled to welcome Angel Landaverde to our Year-round team as a Land Management Assistant. A local who graduated from Nantucket High School, Angel has jumped feet-first into a busy season maintaining many of the trails and properties around Nantucket. Most people can’t believe that five local guys are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of hundreds of miles of trails through over 9000 acres of open space. It’s quite a feat and we are grateful to have Angel’s skills and hard work ethic to assist us throughout the year.
Several sections of the Serengeti where woody Scrub Oak growth and roots were treated with mowing and harrowing this past winter are steadily growing in again, promoting new herbaceous grassland plants from the seed bank that would otherwise be shaded out or kept dormant by scrub oak cover. Rotational mowing performed by the Land Management department has limited the growth of scrub oak in parcels across the island, carefully guided by our Ecology department and MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.
Finally, Owen Wilson, a local Eagle Scout seeking to complete his service project requirement, built and installed a few handmade benches in the Serengeti at gorgeous vistas and trail intersections. Go explore these fantastic trails through rolling open country and appreciate Owen’s hard work!
If you see something unusual or illegal happening on one of our properties, please email nlarrabee@nantucketconservation.org or give our office a call at 508-228-2884.
OPEN SPACES
Nantucket Conservation Foundation
PO Box 13, Nantucket, MA 02554
Give someone the gift that will last forever: the gift of open space.
Do you know someone who cares for Nantucket as much as you do? A gift membership to the Foundation is a great way to celebrate your common commitment to preserve open spaces and natural habitats for rare and endangered species on the island. Each membership comes with a subscription to the Foundation’s newsletter and publications, property map, membership decal, and invitations to the Mornings for Members and Science Excursions during the year.
To gift a membership, scan the flowcode below or visit our website at www.nantucketconservation.org/support
