2025 Winter Walks
Winter Walks are back beginning in January 2025! 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 11th- Squam Farm 1pm-2:30pm
As part of the Land & Water Council’s Winter Wellness Walk Series Sponsored by Fairwinds Counseling Center
A winter favorite! Start the year by walking 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.
January 25th- Ram Pasture 11am-1230pm
Explore the southernmost end of the Foundation’s popular Sanford Farm property, which is home to some of Nantucket’s rarest plants and animals. This area, which is also rich in cultural history, offers spectacular views of the ocean and the open grasslands of our adjacent Head of the Plains properties.
February 8th- Nantucket Field Station 11am-1230pm
Join us for an exploration of the historic and vibrant Nantucket Field Station. Scope for winter birds in the salt marsh and Harbor-facing bluff and learn the importance of this island treasure.
February 22nd - Folger's Hill 11am-1230pm
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.
March 8th- Masquetuck 11am-1230pm
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 22nd- Eels and Oysters Encounter 11am-1230pm
Visit with Jisun Reiner and Isaac Hersh as they further their research into Nantucket’s vibrant population of American Eels. Learn the unbelievable natural history of this species, see them up-close-and-personal and discover the winter ecology of our artificial oyster reef and salt marsh habitat.
April 5th- Windswept Bog 9am-1030am
The watershed-level restoration project at Windswept Bog is underway! Be amongst the first to explore these retired bogs after phase two construction and at the start of the 2025 growing season. See the work we've done, understand the transitional journey of this property and get ready for diversity to flourish here at Windswept!
April 12th- Southern Pine Beetle Walk 11am-1230pm
Partnered with the a talk at the Nantucket Atheneum on 4/11 & The Nantucket Land Bank's Walk on Sunday 4/13
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.
Also, the Little Nature Explorers program with the Nantucket Community School is returning for 6 weeks in January and February!
For Nantucket kids 5 and under with their, parent(s), friends, or sitters!
Sign up on their website today!
14-Jan Squam Farm
21-Jan Masquetuck
28-Jan The Serengeti
4-Feb Nantucket Field Station
11-Feb Squam Swamp
18-Feb NCF Headquarters
