ROBIN 5K R u n F o r

A community event that brings everyone together to celebrate the life of Robin Harvey while supporting the Harvey Foundation. For more information visit: harveyfoundationnantucket.org

A closer look at the Maria Mitchell Association’s vast species catalog he Maria Mitchell Association has long been known for helping to educate Nantucketers of all ages on the natural science of the island, but it’s in the Research Center at 2 Vestal Street that the true treasure trove exists. Here, over 10,000 species of birds, plants, insects, mammals and ocean critters scour the shelves—each telling a different story of the island.

“Although our collection is tiny compared to something like the American Museum of Natural History … no museum could have everything, and ours is very local,” field ornithologist Ginger Andrews says of the countless drawers of preserved species displayed around me.

“[The collection] tells us about what was here at a particular time and place.” ndrews uses the barn owl as an example. The medium-sized bird is known for its white heart-shaped face, but here on Nantucket, it has seemingly replaced the short-eared owl, which nested in the dunes and was more common when Andrews was growing up. “Barn owls, as far as we know, pretty much stay here. It would be interesting to compare them and see how isolated of a population we are, which has implications for adaptation to climate change, and what happens when you have remnant populations, which is one of the big concerns in biodiversity,” she explains. It’s the extensive species catalog at Maria Mitchell that helps to make these comparisons, as well as conclusions about how Nantucket’s habitat has changed and is changing. It even illustrates species density, which right now favors the yellow warbler, which the research center has drawers of.

Other species within the catalog tell other stories, like the golden eagle, which documents the only verified instance of the bird on Nantucket.

According to Andrews, it was seen alive November 14, 1962, only to be found dead the following day under a utility pole near Sesachacha Pond. Or there’s the white ibis, which was found in a patch of snow in the Mothball Pines in 1965. To this day, its appearance here is an unsolved mystery—none have been seen on the island since. Of course, the collection tells stories beyond birds. The spotfin butterflyfish, traditionally a tropical fish, is one example. Andrews says that some tropical species are carried north as larvae, and then lack the strength to return south for the winter as adults. Patterns like this document ocean currents, as well as a way to track climate change.

When it comes to collecting the specimens, Andrews and the team generally rely on the public and get calls from islanders and summer residents when they find anything interesting. But for the moment, this has been put on pause—at least for new ornithology finds—due to concerns over the bird flu. It doesn’t mean that research has stopped, though. The specific ornithology collection displayed on one large, long table during my visit was just used by college students at UMass, who studied the species to see the adaptations of birds’ bills and feet, as well as different plumages.

“As you look at the change between the foot of a fish eater or a rabbit eater, you can see how plastic life really is—not plastic in the sense of the clothing we wear, but the ability to shift, change and grow,” Andrews explains. “And that is what gives me hope.”

The catalog, in general, is used constantly for different programming and reasons, whether for college students, research, children’s education or even art classes. But in all, the feathers, fur and exoskeletons that are kept below the research center truly show how constantly life moves and adapts—and yet, with 10,000-plus species, there’s still so much to learn. Andrews adds, “[Nantucket] is basically roughly the size of Manhattan, if you count the sandy parts, and there’s still so much we don’t know about it.” She references a saying from biologist E.O. Wilson, who thought that humans could continue to survive, but only if we preserved half of the biodiversity in the world. “If we could preserve half of Nantucket, is that going to be enough? That’s the big question,” she counters. “I don’t think half is quite enough. We have so much more to learn about the world, even just the world of Nantucket.”

Blue Water. Cool Breezes. Warm Welcome.

Welcome to John’s Island. A sunny, cherished haven enjoyed by generations who have discovered the undeniable allure of life by the sea. With 1,650 pristine acres, miles of private beaches and a thriving community, this is ocean to river living at its finest. From sunrise to sunset, members of our by-invitation-only John’s Island Club enjoy a legendary lifestyle and world-class amenities - including three championship golf courses, 17 Har-tru tennis courts, pickleball, squash, croquet, an abundance of water activities, a health & wellness center, and the savory dishes served at any of our three Clubhouses. Indulge in gorgeous architectural details, tranquil living areas and lush grounds - all a stone’s throw from ocean, river or golf. We invite you to indulge in a life of bliss in John’s Island.

If you are going to find yourself stuck in traffic on

Beyond the obvious Jeeps, Land Rovers and Broncos, there are plenty of fun alternatives to navigate the island.

Moke America

BY KIT NOBLE

WRITTEN BY REBECCA SETTAR

Brigitte Bardot, Princess Margaret and the Beach Boys are only a handful of well-known names spotted with a Moke—and now, you can add Nantucket’s residents to the list thanks to Tim Bruno, president of Moke America Kennebunkport. Bruno’s dealership marks the brand’s first New England expansion. “Mokes are for relaxing and savoring the summer, which in New England goes by far too fast,” Bruno says. The open-air car comes in a rainbow of colors, is fully electric (one single charge can last up to 40 miles), and can be customized from top to bottom. Also, the new 60 Years of Bond edition ensures that you’ll always travel in style thanks to a midnight blue exterior, mango tree wooden dashboard, wood steering wheel and more. mokeamericaofKPT.com

Bmw Isetta

Produced for the German market after World War II, the Isetta was designed to minimize gas usage and steel while providing practical and inexpensive transportation. These highly collectible, singledoor vehicles were designed by an Italian refrigerator company called Iso, and adapted into some of the most efficient cars of their time. Weighing approximately 750 pounds, and getting over 65 miles per gallon, the car operates on a one-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle engine—and also happens to be perfect for parking. bmw.com

Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

What started as a stripped Volkswagen Beetle chassis with all-terrain tires created by California engineer Bruce Meyers has since turned into one of the oldest and most collectible all-terrain recreational vehicles available.

“[Meyers’] groundbreaking creation became an American classic for both its whimsical design and its remarkable performance,” says Hagop Kalaidjian, creative director at Meyers Manx. He notes the Manx 2.0 Electric as his favorite model due to its “authentic feel and heritage of the original Meyers Manx, reimagined for the contemporary age with an environmentally friendly ethos.” In general, all of the models are completely customizable and are made specifically with a lightweight body and engine over the back wh eel—perfect for cruising along the island’s notoriously deep sand beaches. meyersmanx.com

Sandy Pedals

Biking has been a staple on Nantucket for over a century, but adding electricity to the mix makes it even better for seeing all of what the island has to offer. “E-bikes are simply awesome for getting around Nantucket,” Thomas Holt, owner of Sandy Pedals Bicycles, says. “Think about it—you get to enjoy the island’s stunning landscapes, cool sounds and unforgettable scents while avoiding the hassle of heavy traffic.” And all at 15 miles per hour. The e-rental shop, which features a bike share program app for easy booking, is the largest on island. “Essentially, with an e-bike, you’re taking in the true vibes of Nantucket at the perfect pace,” Holt says. This summer, clients can check out the shop’s brandnew private rental fleet, which will deliver any number of cherry red bicycles directly to your doorstep. Plus, a new partnership with Bern, a well-known helmet company, is making the rental rides even safer. sandypedalsbikes.com

Sealegs

It takes all the difficult things out of boating,” says Sealegs’ U.S. service manager Josh Bird about the line of versatile amphibious boats. Born from a cocktail napkin sketch, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-esque vessel has evolved over the past 20 years into one of a handful of amphibious craft on today’s market. The retractable wheels take the craft-like experience from land to sea, making the typical laborious boat launch from a trailer disappear. Of all the models available, the 12-meter Cabin RIB redefines cool. Think optional add-ons of kitchens, up to four berths and room for up to nine passengers—with optional twin 425-horsepower outboard engines. sealegs.com

Road

One of the most exceptional turn of the century homes on the island, this timeless treasure is rich in character throughout. The porch is the hallmark of the house and the essence of summer in 'Sconset. The offering includes two additional conforming buildable lots abutting conservation land on the West side of Baxter Road

One of the most exceptional turn of the century homes on the island, this timeless treasure is rich in character throughout The porch is the hallmark of the house and the essence of summer in 'Sconset The

72 Pocomo Road

Rare private six acre sanctuary on the most spectacular part of Pocomo Point. Abounding views across Coatue and a beautiful vista over the Medouie Creek estuary The setting is unmatched on Nantucket with over 400 feet of coastal beach and your boat right out the door

Rare private six acre sanctuary on the most spectacular part of Pocomo Point Abounding views across Coatue and a beautiful vista over the Medouie Creek estuary The setting is unmatched on Nantucket with over 400 feet of coastal beach and your boat right out the door