2024 Winter Walks
Winter Walks are back beginning in January 2024! Please note that our community tours are free and open to all members of the community. If you would like to make a contribution to NCF and our mission to permanently conserve and protect the island’s rare resources and special habitats, you may call us at 508- 228-2884 or make an online donation here.
General Information for Walks
- To register, please click on the date of the walk below that you would like to attend.
- 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.
- Walks begin promptly at 11 AM (Unless otherwise noted) and last approximately 90 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, and be prepared for inclement weather.
January 6th- Squam Swamp
Start the year with a guided walk along a favorite island trail. This hardwood forest contains history, beauty, and ecological importance that can be seen year-round. Bundle up and tag along to hear the stories tucked into the vernal pools of Squam.
January 20th- Tupancy Links
Hear the story of restoring a golf course into the sprawling native grasslands they are today and the species that share it with us. Known as one of the best dog walking trails and sunset viewing spots on the island, come find new things to appreciate about this island treasure.
February 3rd- Southern Pine Beetle Walk
An important and targeted walk with Wildlife Research Ecologist Danielle O'Dell to see the effects of Southern Pine Beetle infestations up close. Learn the signs to look for and understand the significant impact this southern species could have on our island forests. Paired with Danielle's talk on Friday 2/2 at the Atheneum with Emily Goldstein Murphy of the Nantucket Land Bank.
February 7th- State of Climate Change on Nantucket via Zoom @ 5:30pm
How is climate change impacting Nantucket today: this talk will explore the definitions of climate change and current impacts including sea level rise, erosion, rising groundwater, and storm surge. We will explore the models used to predict these impacts and get a solid understanding of the terminology as well as the current and future island trends. Drs. Jen Karberg (NCF) and Sarah Bois (LLNF) will share their extensive knowledge about Nantucket’s coastal ecology, including in-depth discussion of coastal processes, climate change, and what it means for Nantucket’s coastal habitats, current nature-based coastal resilience efforts and potential future coastal responses. The lecture is FREE and open to all, but registration is required.
February 9th- Folger’s Marsh Field trip 10am-12pm
Building off of the lecture, State of Climate Change on Nantucket, Drs. Jen Karberg and Sarah Bois will tour Folger’s Marsh and the surrounding habitats owned by UMASS Boston Nantucket Field Station and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. Participants will be able to see direct impact of climate change discussed in the lecture and envision future change to the landscape. We will also talk about hope for the future and learn about. This is an interactive field trip and come prepared for winter weather! Participation in or watching a recording of the previous lecture on the State of Climate Change on Nantucket is encouraged. The field trip is FREE and open to all, but registration is required and space is limited.
February 17th Winter Wellness Walk at Squam Swamp 1pm-230pm
The return of a free series sponsored by the Nantucket Land & Water Council and Fairwinds. Focused on moving our feet and getting out in Nantucket's off-season beauty. At the start of each walk a member of Fairwinds, Nantucket's behavioral health center, will give a brief introduction and background on the services they offer.
February 24th- Masquetuck
Travel the short loop through a small, fascinating sunken hardwood forest that extends to the shores of West Polpis harbor with opportunities to see winter ducks, talk shellfish, and see the benefits to other residents of this ecologically rich area.
March 2nd- Ram Pasture
A return to the shrubby drumlin on Ram Pasture to see how winter settles into the glacial outwash. Move your feet with other year rounders and catch a look at the changes happening due to Southern Pine Beetle.
March 16th- Squam Farm
A winter favorite! Walk with us through the sheltered paths and open pastures around this hidden gem. Learn about the trees in Nantucket’s regenerating hardwood forest and the creatures that can reside here all winter.
March 20th- Coastal Ecology of Nantucket 5:30 pm via Zoom
This lecture will explore the different coastal habitats found on Nantucket including their ecological importance and how they will adapt to predicted climate change. Topics covered include general ecology and natural history of coastal Nantucket, discussion of coastal processes, current nature-based coastal resilience efforts and potential future coastal responses. This lecture is stand alone but will build off information from the previous lecture. The lecture is FREE and open to all, but registration is required. Please register for the zoom
March 22nd- Millie’s Bridge Field trip 10am-12pm
Building off of the lecture, Coastal Ecology of Nantucket, Drs. Jen Karberg and Sarah Bois will tour the Millie’s Bridge area of Madaket. We will explore multiple coastal habitats, visit a changing system, and learn about resilience and restoration efforts. Participants will be able to see direct impact of climate change discussed in the lecture and learn more about ways various organizations are mitigating for some of these impacts. Participation in or watching a recording of the previous Climate Change Summit is encouraged. The field trip is FREE and open to all, but registration is required and space is limited.
April 6th- Windswept Bog
The watershed-level restoration project at Windswept Bog is underway! Be amongst the first to explore these retired bogs after phase one construction and at the start of the 2024 growing season. See the work we've done so far, understand the transitional journey of this property and hear the plans for phase 2.
April 13th- Southern Pine Beetle Walk
An important and targeted walk with Wildlife Research Ecologist Danielle O'Dell to see the effects of Southern Pine Beetle infestations up close. Learn the signs to look for and understand the significant impact this southern species could have on our island forests.
April 20th- Folger’s Hill
A new guided walk experience to a lesser-known hill in the Moors with a spectacular view. Not as easily findable as Altar Rock, but it holds a higher elevation and the experience is worth the hike through the sandy roads of the Eastern Moors.