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 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 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.
2023 Mornings for Members Calendar
Sign up by clicking the date of the walk you are interested in attending.
Friday, June 2nd Tupancy Links (1.2 mi)
Discover 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.
Saturday, June 3rd Tupancy Links (1.2 mi)
Discover 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, June 9th Windswept Bog (1.1 mi)
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 learn 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.
Wednesday, June 14th Squam Swamp (1.8 mi)
Unique trees and vibrant seasonal sights await in the forests of Squam. Prepare for exploring some adventurous, mucky, uneven trails while you hear about the ecological bounty tucked in the vernal pools and
Red Maple swamps of this striking hardwood forest.
Saturday, June 17th Squam Swamp (1.8 mi)
Unique trees and vibrant seasonal sights await in the forests of Squam. Prepare for exploring some adventurous, mucky, uneven trails while you hear about the ecological bounty tucked in the vernal pools and
Red Maple swamps of this striking hardwood forest..
Friday, June 23rd Tawpawshaw Bog & the Shawkemo Highlands (2.4 mi)
This walk explores a scenic, hilly area in the Western section of the Middle Moors. Highlights include kettle hole bogs and freshwater ponds, interesting plant species, and stunning views of the Moors and Nantucket Harbor.
Wednesday, June 28th Head of the Plains (2.1 mi)
A bountiful and bustling walk through the blooming sandplain grasslands in our Head of the Plains property. Experience calm forested paths and wide open views as you learn of the incredible diversity in plants and pollinators that we have cultivated through strategic habitat management.
Friday, July 7th Windswept Bog (1.1 mi)
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 learn 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.
Wednesday, July 12th Heart of the Middle Moors (3. mi)
Explore from the base of Altar Rock through the trails and hills 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.
Wednesday, July 19th Ram Pasture(2.0 mi)
Traverse the southernmost end of our popular Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture property and see why this is a must visit for many. Take in the spectacular views of the ocean and open grasslands in bloom while you hear about the rare and endangered species that thrive with our protection and management.
Saturday, July 22nd Ram Pasture (2.0 mi)
Traverse the southernmost end of our popular Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture property and see why this is a must visit for many. Take in the spectacular views of the ocean and open grasslands in bloom while you hear about the rare and endangered species that thrive with our protection and management.
Friday, July 28th Walk to Altar Rock (3.0 mi)
Our newest guided walk exploring the rolling hills and ridgelines of the Glacial Outwash Plain. Hike with us up from the flat open fields of the Serengeti to one of the most beautiful and iconic vistas on Nantucket.
Wednesday, August 2nd 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 12th Squam Farm (2.1 mi)
Explore the retired pastures, forested paths, and 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.
Wednesday, August 16th Windswept Bog (1.1 mi)
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 learn 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.
Friday, August 25th Leedsmoor (2.7 mi)
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.
Saturday, August 26th Leedsmoor (2.7 mi)
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.
Wednesday, September 6th Norwood Farm (2.0 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, September 15th Kettle 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, September 22nd Windswept Bog (1.1 mi)
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 learn 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.
Wednesday, September 27th Milestone Cranberry Bog at Harvest (2.6 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.
