The Foundation’s Land Management and Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration Departments develop and implement effective management strategies to ensure that the land and natural resources under our ownership is properly maintained, monitored and protected.
Listed below are examples of some of the important land management work that we are undertaking.
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Properties Stewardship
Acquiring a parcel of land to set aside as open space may seem like the final step in the process of protecting habitat – but in reality, it is just the first step.
Southern Pine Beetle Management
In July, 2023, staff from NCF's Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration Department confirmed the first detected infestation of southern pine beetle on Nantucket. Suppression and preventative management planning are currently underway.
Wildfire Risk Reduction Program
The goal of our Wildfire Risk Reduction Program is to reduce highly flammable vegetation on Foundation properties in conjunction with ecological management objectives.
Freshwater Pond Management
The Foundation is moving forward with projects that address two serious threats to our freshwater pond ecosystems: harmful algae blooms and invasive plant species.
Invasive Plant Species Management
Detection and management of invasive plant species on the Foundation’s properties is an important component of our mission to conserve, maintain and manage natural areas and habitats.
Native Seed Collection and Plant Propagation
Propagating native species for use in restoration plantings is an important component of the Foundation’s efforts to address trail edge erosion and invasive species removal disturbance.
Native Plant Landscaping & Education
In 2020, we began transitioning the landscape around our 118 Cliff Road office to a native plant garden, to help educate the public about the importance and beauty of native plants and boost the ecological value of our office landscape.
Shorebird Monitoring and Protection
Each year, we monitor and protect the piping plovers, least, and common terns and American oystercatchers that nest on our beachfront properties to perpetuate populations of these rare shorebird and colonial waterbird species.