There are many different organizations and agencies that share a common interest in the protection and preservation of Nantucket’s open spaces. While all have a slightly different focus to their work, many have similar names. The following is a list of the organizations and agencies that the Foundation regularly collaborates and partners with on land conservation and natural resource protection-related efforts.
Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative
The mission of the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) is to conserve the native biodiversity of Nantucket through collaborative research, monitoring and education. NBI is a collaborative effort of the following non-profit organizations, academic institutions, government agencies and businesses: Linda Loring Nature Foundation, Maria Mitchell Association, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Islands Land Bank Commission, Nantucket Land & Water Council, Nantucket Walkabout, Town of Nantucket Airport Commission, Town of Nantucket Department of Natural Resources, Trustees of Reservations, Tuckernuck Land Trust and UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station. Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative website
University of Massachusetts Boston Nantucket Field Station
180 Polpis Road, Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-5268
http://www.umb.edu/nantucket/
This research and educational facility, located on the Foundation’s Nantucket Field Station property, offers undergraduate courses utilizing the island as a natural science laboratory. The Field Station also provides facilities and technical support for research projects conducted by other universities and conservation groups on marine biology, coastal plant communities, coastal geology, and other topics regarding the island’s natural history.
Nantucket Islands Land Bank Commission
22 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-7240
http://www.nantucketlandbank.org/
Formed by an act of the state legislature in 1984, the Land Bank is charged with the responsibility of administering funds derived from a 2% tax on all real estate transactions. The first program of its kind in the United States, the commission was created to acquire, hold, and manage important open spaces, resources and endangered landscapes for the use and enjoyment of the general public. It is now the second largest land owner on Nantucket.
Nantucket Land & Water Council, Inc.
6 Ash Lane Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-2818
http://www.nantucketlandcouncil.org/
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to protecting Nantucket’s natural world and rural character by holding and enforcing conservation restrictions, commissioning scientific research, monitoring development proposals, engaging in legal proceedings to protect natural resources, and educating the public on local environmental issues.
The Sconset Trust, Inc.
PO Box 821, Siasconset, MA 02564
(508) 228-9917
http://www.sconsettrust.org
The Sconset Trust seeks to preserve the unique character of the east end of Nantucket through conservation of areas of open land and preservation of structures of historical and architectural significance in Sconset.
The Trustees of Reservations
Headquarters:
572 Essex Street, Beverly, MA 01915
(508) 921-1944
http://www.thetrustees.org/
The Trustees are a state-wide non-profit organization that was established in 1891 by the state legislature. On Nantucket, The Trustees own properties at Great Point, Coskata, and Coatue and jointly manage the area with the Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Maria Mitchell Association
Two Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-9198
http://www.mariamitchell.org/
This membership-supported, nonprofit organization provides scientific resources and educational programs for the community, uses Nantucket Island as an exceptional natural laboratory in which to study science and the environment, and maintains research and/or representative collections of Nantucket’s biodiversity.
Massachusetts Audubon Society
Headquarters:
South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
(617) 259-9500
http://www.massaudubon.org/
Not to be confused with the National Audubon Society, this state-wide group is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. On Nantucket, it owns sanctuaries on Hummock Pond and Sesachacha Pond, and conducts various research projects involving Nantucket’s bird, plant, and animal populations. It is a nonprofit organization supported by membership dues and donations.
The Linda Loring Nature Foundation
110 Eel Point Road
Nantucket, MA
508.325.0873
http://www.llnf.org/
The Foundation was established in 1999 by Linda Loring as a private operating foundation in Massachusetts. The property along Eel Point Road contains 86 acres of pristine natural habitat adjacent to the Head of Long Pond. The Linda Loring Nature Foundation is dedicated to being stewards of the property and fostering learning that promotes environmental literacy.