Protecting Nantucket's Natural Resources:
The Milestone Center
Through the strategic planning process, it became increasingly clear that enhanced infrastructure is critical for positioning NCF to achieve its forward-looking strategic priorities related to housing, ecological research, community engagement and education, and land management.
A LEED-certified Research & Education Center will serve as a catalyst for delivering on our mission and strategic priorities.
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“NCF is proud to invest in facilities that will significantly benefit the community. The new Center will provide dedicated lab space for staff, visiting research fellows, and island partners. Located within the NCF’s Milestone Cranberry Bog property, the Milestone Center will serve as a hub for research, environmental education and community engagement, supporting our broadened scope of conservation work."
CORMAC COLLIER, NCF PRESIDENT & CEO
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A comprehensive analysis of all NCF properties identified Milestone as the most strategic location for the Center. Its landscape, shaped by centuries of agricultural use, has been altered over time, minimizing the environmental impact of the new infrastructure. The site also serves as a gateway to thousands of acres of open space in the Middle Moors, inviting visitors to explore one of our signature properties.
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Ecological Research & Stewardship
Our research impacts Nantucket and beyond. Key projects demonstrating our leadership in ecological research include the Windswept Bog Restoration, Oyster Reef and Saltmarsh Restoration at Medouie Creek, and Native Seed Propagation projects.
By elevating our science infrastructure, we can attract leading investigators and graduate students to conduct and collaborate with our staff ecologists on environmental research. This investment will enable us to facilitate more comprehensive studies, forge stronger partnerships with top academic and community institutions, and draw top-tier talent. Our approach will not only solidify our position as a leader in ecological research but also strengthen collaborative efforts to address environmental and climate change-related challenges.
The Research & Education Center will provide for the following ecological research spaces:
- 1,000 square foot ecological research laboratory
- Herbarium for botanical research and collection
- Native plant propagation and investigation landscape
- Innovative workspace for visiting researchers and graduate students
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Community Engagement & Education
Expanding our community engagement space will enable staff and visiting researchers to host lectures, lead workshops, collaborate on programming with conservation partners, and offer diverse educational opportunities for our supporters and Nantucket residents. This enhancement will advance our mission and reinforce our reputation as a leader in the conservation field.
The Research & Education Center will allow for the following community engagement and education spaces:
- 850 square foot community engagement and collaboration space
- Exterior gathering space for environmental learning
- Constructed wetlands for innovative wastewater treatment
- Nature-based stormwater management areas
- Native plant demonstration garden and landscaping
- Gateway to more than 4,000 acres of open space in the Middle Moors
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Stable & Secure Housing for NCF Personnel
Investing in increased housing capacity will ensure stable, affordable housing for our year-round and seasonal employees and visiting researchers.
Increasing our housing capacity will guarantee reliable, affordable living options for both our full-time staff and visiting researchers, thereby supporting staff retention and upholding our responsibility as an employer on Nantucket. Our future housing sites will create a variety of dwelling types to support the needs of our employees and are strategically chosen to respect ecological sensitivity and integrate within existing residential neighborhoods, ensuring that future development adheres to both the regulations and character of the community. This expansion will also enable us to host researchers and graduate students from our academic partners and allow us to foster the next generation of ecologists.
NCF conducted a 10-year housing plan to assess existing and projected needs. We evaluated all NCF properties, including those with existing housing and infrastructure, to integrate them effectively into our housing plan. This initiative builds on our ongoing efforts, which have been developed incrementally over the years to match the pace of our programmatic growth.
To ensure long-term viability for the organization, the Foundation must invest in stable and secure housing for current and future employees.
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“Since 1963, the Foundation has been at the forefront of stewarding and protecting Nantucket’s ecosystems to be a resource for all Nantucket residents and visitors. The Milestone Center is a natural evolution of our work, providing stable and secure housing options for our employees, a dedicated space to expand our research capabilities and educational outreach, and remaining steadfast in our mission of land stewardship."
CORMAC COLLIER, NCF PRESIDENT & CEO
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For more information about the Milestone Center, please contact info@nantucketconservation.org