As a unique benefit of membership, the Foundation invites you and its other up-to-date members to explore Foundation properties this season with staff from our Properties Maintenance and Science & Stewardship Departments. Select a fun and informational walk at one of the Foundation-owned destinations. On our Mornings for Members (MFM) walks, participants are presented with insights into the history, flora, fauna, and landscape features of the property. On our Science for Members walks, 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 Walks and Scoots
- 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 for the walks are on a first-come, first-served basis and sometimes fill up quickly. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Once your reservation is processed, we will send you an email to confirm the availability of space on your requested walk and directions to the meeting location. If you do not have access to e-mail, please call the Foundation’s office (508-228-2884) to submit your reservation request.
- Walks begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and last approximately two hours. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for inclement weather.
- Participants are also encouraged to bring water, bug repellent and sun protection.
2022 Mornings for Members Calendar
Sign up by clicking the hyperlink of the walk you are interesting in attending.
Friday, June 3rd Squam Swamp (1.8 mi)
A return to guided walks at this island favorite! Be prepared for some adventurous, mucky, uneven trails while you hear about the ecological bounty tucked in the vernal pools and Red Maple swamps of this striking forest. Uniquely shaped trees and vibrant seasonal sights await in the forests of Squam.
Saturday, June 4th Squam Swamp (1.8 mi)
A return to guided walks at this island favorite! Be prepared for some adventurous, mucky, uneven trails while you hear about the ecological bounty tucked in the vernal pools and Red Maple swamps of this striking forest. Uniquely shaped trees and vibrant seasonal sights await in the forests of Squam.
Friday, June 10th Windswept Bog (2.4 mi)
A guided walk around the bogs and forests of Windswept, a recently retired cranberry bog being restored back to a useful, productive wetland. Hear about the ecological history in the making for this island favorite and the cranberry culture that helped sustain Nantucket families after the whaling era.
Saturday, June 11th Windswept Bog (2.4 mi)
A guided walk around the bogs and forests of Windswept, a recently retired cranberry bog being restored back to a useful, productive wetland. Hear about the ecological history in the making for this island favorite and the cranberry culture that helped sustain Nantucket families after the whaling era.
Friday, June 17th Tawpawshaw Bog & the Shawkemo Highlands (2.4 mi)
This walk explores a scenic, hilly area in the Western section of Middle Moors. Highlights include freshwater ponds in various stages of succession, interesting plant species, and stunning views of the Moors and Nantucket Harbor.
Friday, June 24th Ram Pasture (2.4 mi)
Walk briskly and explore the southernmost end of our popular Sanford Farm property, home to some of Nantucket’s rarest plants and animals. Ram Pasture offers spectacular views of the ocean and open grasslands of our adjacent Head of the Plains properties.
Saturday, June 25th Ram Pasture (2.4 mi)
Walk briskly and explore the southernmost end of our popular Sanford Farm property, home to some of Nantucket’s rarest plants and animals. Ram Pasture offers spectacular views of the ocean and open grasslands of our adjacent Head of the Plains properties.
Friday, July 1st The Serengeti (2.2 mi)
Named as Nantucket’s Serengeti due to its undeniable visual similarity to the plains of eastern Africa, this stunning property makes up the southern portion of the island’s largest acreage of undeveloped land, the Middle Moors. See approximately 400 acres of scrub oak shrubland that we have mowed annually since 1998 in our ongoing efforts to restore grasslands to the area.
Friday, July 8th Heart of the Middle Moors (2.2 mi)
This new walk explores the base of Altar Rock through the highlands 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 native and geologic history.
Friday, July 15th Milestone Cranberry Bog (3.0 mi)
See Milestone Cranberry Bog and the surrounding moors on a walk designed to showcase both our cranberry farming operation and an intriguing section of our vast Middle Moors property.
Friday, July 29th Head of the Plains (2.3 mi)
Head of the Plains represents the largest, contiguous acreage of rare sandplain grassland habitat on our properties. Learn about the numerous rare plant and animal species found here and our restoration research and management using disk harrowing and native seed addition.
Saturday, July 30th Tupancy Links (1.3 mi)
Our newest guided walk tells 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.
Friday, August 5th Kettle Hole Ponds of the Western Moors (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.
Friday, August 12th Norwood Farm (2.2 mi)
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.
Saturday, August 13th Norwood Farm (2.2 mi)
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.
Friday, August 19th Masquetuck (1.0 mi)
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.
Saturday, August 20th Masquetuck (1.0 mi)
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.
Friday, August 26th Windswept Bog (2.4 mi)
A guided walk around the bogs and forests of Windswept, a recently retired cranberry bog being restored back to a useful, productive wetland. Hear about the ecological history in the making for this island favorite and the cranberry culture that helped sustain Nantucket families after the whaling era.
Friday, September 2nd Ram Pasture (2.3 mi)
Explore the southernmost end of the popular Sanford Farm. This area is home to some of the island’s rarest plants and animals. Excellent views of open grasslands, the Head of the Plains, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Friday, September 9th Climate Change Awareness Walk (1.0 mi)
During Climate Change Awareness Month, join Dr. Jen Karberg and Neil Foley on a walk to explore how sea level rise and climate change is already impacting natural areas on our island. Using the salt marshes, wetlands, barrier beaches and uplands at the UMASS Field Station, they will guide you through the current stressors of climate and as well as the benefits these natural areas provide to buffer Nantucket from sea level rise.
Saturday, September 10th Climate Change Awareness Walk (1.0 mi)
During Climate Change Awareness Month, join Dr. Jen Karberg and Neil Foley on a walk to explore how sea level rise and climate change is already impacting natural areas on our island. Using the salt marshes, wetlands, barrier beaches and uplands at the UMASS Field Station, they will guide you through the current stressors of climate and as well as the benefits these natural areas provide to buffer Nantucket from sea level rise.
Friday, September 16th Head of the Plains (2.3 mi)
Head of the Plains represents the largest, contiguous acreage of rare sandplain grassland habitat on our properties. Learn about the numerous rare plant and animal species found here and our restoration research and management using disk harrowing and native seed addition.
Friday, September 23rd Squam Farm (1.6 mi)
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.
Friday, September 30th Milestone Cranberry Bog at Harvest (2.0 mi)
Once the world’s largest cranberry bogs, Milestone remains the island’s oldest working farm. Tour the area and see the harvest while learning the intricacies of cranberry growing. A great walk for anyone interested in cranberries or seeing the moors in early autumn foliage.
