Upping the Ante
It’s once again BioBlitz time on Nantucket! Mid-summer is the perfect time for a BioBlitz. It’s peak growing season, height of insects, the tail end of nesting season for many birds, decent weather for beachcombing, and there are lots of people on island to help us count them all!
Current Nature: In The Know About Mosquitoes
Summer on Nantucket brings with it many treasures of nature: sunny beach days, serene trail walks, and picturesque sunsets. But during the warmer months, we always need to remain vigilant against the hazards of being outdoors, such as biting insects, poison ivy, and sunburns. Although ticks have long been the primary topic of conversation when it comes to island insects, they are not the only pests to be wary of.
Current Nature: Nantucket Sharks Share The Sea
Summer has officially arrived on Nantucket, bringing long beach days, warmer waters, and the seasonal return of one of the ocean's most talked-about visitors: sharks.
Current Nature: Find Your Place In Nature
In an age where digital spaces are accessible at the touch of a finger it is especially important to encourage children to explore and learn in nature. Although it can be intimidating at times when your head starts reeling about all the things that could go wrong, there is truly no space better than that which allows endless opportunities. Children learn best from their senses when they are allowed to hear, touch, see, and even smell the world around them.
Current Nature: A Week Of Fieldwork On Nantucket
When people think of ecological research, they often picture lab coats or field stations in faraway places. But have you ever wondered what it looks like right here on Nantucket? It takes careful observation, consistent monitoring, muddy boots, early mornings, and a healthy dose of curiosity.
Current Nature: Biodiverse Butterflies
As the weather gets warmer and more plants begin to flower, we will begin to see more flights of butterflies on Nantucket. Although some butterflies start their seasonal flights as early as April, May through August tends to see a flurry of activity, with a significant peak in June. Butterflies on Nantucket come in all shapes and sizes and are found in a variety of different habitats. Some butterflies, such as the Monarch, are well known, but I am going to highlight less talked about species.
Current Nature: Prairie Dogs Of Nantucket
Nantucket has a wealth of biodiversity, but not so much in the way of mammals. So when a new mammal comes to the island, it’s certainly something of note. That is as true today as it was decades and centuries ago. A lot of us know the story of how deer came to Nantucket. And maybe about the raccoon that was tracked around the island. But have you heard about 10 years of Nantucket’s history, where the island was overrun with prairie dogs?
Current Nature: Featuring Forsythias
Yellow is the definitive color of April on Nantucket as daffodils bloom and people gather to celebrate. Yet today I am going to highlight another beautiful blooming plant with yellow flowers, Forsythia.