As a unique benefit to membership, the Foundation invites our members to explore Foundation properties this season with staff from our Science & Stewardship Department. Select a fun and informational walk at one of the Foundation-owned destinations. On our Ecology Excursions, the locations and topics discussed feature the ecological resource management and research being undertaken by the Foundation’s Science & Stewardship Department. All programs bring members into contact with the special places and rare resources they are helping to protect.
Please note that this program is reserved for up-to-date members of the Foundation. If you are not currently a member or are unsure about your membership status, you may call us at 508- 228-2884 or enroll here.
General Information for Excursions
- Due to the popularity of the program, reservations may only be made for a limited number of walks. Requests for additional walks will be wait-listed so that we may accommodate as many members as possible. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly. If your plans change, lease contact us as soon as possible to allow someone from the waitlist to attend.
- Once your reservation is processed, we will send you a confirmation email. If you do not have access to e-mail, please call the Foundation’s office (508-228-2884) to submit your reservation request.
- You will receive directions to the meeting location 24 hours before the event.
- Ecology Excursions are planned for around 2 hours in length and start at various times of the day.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for inclement weather.
- Participants are also encouraged to bring water, bug repellent and sun protection
Spring Wildflowers of Squam Forest June 10th 9-11am
Join NCF Plant Research Ecologist/Botanist Kelly Omand for a loop tour of the emerging spring plants found in Squam, through the more open landscapes of Squam Farm and the vibrant understory of Squam Swamp. Learn the spring and early summer wildflowers of our forests and fields and view the forest in the early season just after leaves have emerged.
Birding Folger's Marsh June 13th 8-9am
A new collaborative program between NCF, Egan Maritime Institute 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 showcases 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.
Folger’s Marsh Kayak Paddle June 15th 10am-12pm
Returning for a second year, these popular paddles in collaboration with Egan Maritime Institute 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. Register through Egan Maritime at eganmaritime.org/events.
Shorebird Walk June 21st 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 can get wet. Space is limited.
Folger’s Marsh Kayak Paddle July 11th 9-11am
Returning for a second year, these popular paddles in collaboration with Egan Maritime Institute 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. Register through Egan Maritime at eganmaritime.org/events.
Creatures of the Night Encounter July 11th 8-10pm
An exciting night-time adventure in the woods to learn about predator-prey relationships in Nantucket’s Pitch Pine forests. Hear about Danielle O’Dell’s research on endangered northern long-eared bats. Experience how we capture, identify, band, and study these nocturnal creatures. Neil Foley will be spotlighting for moths and other flying insects to observe and catalog our bats’ prey. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see these fascinating and mysterious creatures. Space is very limited.
Stump Pond Kayak Paddle July 14th 9-11am
In partnership with the Nantucket Land Council, an exploration of a historic reservoir built for the cranberry growing operation at Windswept. Skirt around ancient Red Maple stumps and diverse islands of bog habitat, learning about the value of protecting unique freshwater ecosystems 30 miles out to sea. Space is limited. Registration through the Nantucket Land Council.
Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle July 18th 10am-12pm
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.
Creatures of the Night Encounter July 18th 8-10pm
An exciting night-time adventure in the woods to learn about predator-prey relationships in Nantucket’s Pitch Pine forests. Hear about Danielle O’Dell’s research on endangered northern long-eared bats. Experience how we capture, identify, band, and study these nocturnal creatures. Neil Foley will be spotlighting for moths and other flying insects to observe and catalog our bats’ prey. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see these fascinating and mysterious creatures. Space is very limited.
Native Plant Landscaping Tour July 20th 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 species for our insects and wildlife.
Shorebird Walk 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 August 8th 9-11am
A new ecology 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 Wildlife Research Ecologist 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 August 9th 9-11am
Returning for a second year, these popular paddles in collaboration with Egan Maritime Institute 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. Register through Egan Maritime at eganmaritime.org/events.
Native Plant Landscaping Tour 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 species for our insects and wildlife.
Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle August 15th 10am-12pm
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.
Botanical Preparation Workshop 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 approaches collection and preservation to represent each species in a scientific collection. Materials will be provided.
Nantucket Climate Change Summit September 6th 4-6:30pm
A partnership of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and 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 impacts and potential adaptation directly on Nantucket 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 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 nature-based solutions for now and in the future.
Native Plant Landscaping Tour August 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 species for our insects and wildlife.
Climate Change Awareness Walk September 9th 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.
Polpis Harbor Kayak Paddle September 12th 10am-12pm
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.
Climate Change Awareness Walk 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.
Birding Folger's Marsh September 26th 8-9am
A new collaborative program between NCF, Egan Maritime Institute 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 showcases 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.