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 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 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.
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.
