Have you noticed any purple flowers with bright yellow centers this summer? If you have, you’ve likely seen sandplain blue-eyed grass! Sisyrinchium fuscatum, more commonly known as sandplain blue-eyed grass, is a rare species of special concern according to the Massachusetts Endangered Species List. Despite its name, sandplain blue-eyed grass isn’t a grass but rather a wildflower member of the iris family. It also has a yellow eye, not a blue one as its name also suggests.

‘Tis the season to be outdoors. Beach days, gardening, yard games, and summer camp are in full swing and many of us on Nantucket are spending more time outside these days. Blooming flowers, ripening berries, buzzing insects, and fledgling birds abound this time of year. 

Nantucket is known for its rich history, tight-knit community, and stunning natural beauty. But did you know that this charming island is also home to a diverse and thriving population of native bees? In recent years, a regional study on pollinators has revealed that Nantucket has one of the highest native bee diversities in the Northeastern United States. These fascinating creatures, particularly the solitary and ground-nesting bees, play a crucial role in maintaining the island's delicate ecosystem. As National Pollinator Month comes to a close, let’s explore the world of Nantucket's native bees, the importance of their habitats, and what we can do to support their well-being.

Nantucket may be known for its beaches, but our inland water resources are spectacular too. If you have visited any, you already know our ponds are gems. They are a great place to see birds, interesting plants, and cool insects. Many of Nantucket’s ponds were once treasured swimming holes. Although that legacy remains, today these ponds are unfortunately becoming known for their algal blooms, which typically ramp up this time of year and can persist through fall.

One of the most frequently discussed topics on the island is “Where do you get your weather?” Everyone has their trusted app, website, or local weather forecaster that they depend on to give them accurate predictions. Nantucket has always had unpredictable weather patterns; one day, torrential downpours may be predicted, but then the winds will shift, and the storm will bypass the island completely, leaving only clear and sunny skies. There is also Nantucket’s famous fog, the Grey Lady, who is known to either overstay her welcome or disappear without even saying goodbye. One of my co-worker’s favorite sayings is, “If you want to experience all four seasons of weather in one day, head to Nantucket.” Since the weather can change so dramatically, it is best to prepare as much as possible in advance.

Have you ever picked warm, juicy blueberries from the side of a trail on a Nantucket summer day? If so, congratulations! You are a budding forager.

Foraging is the practice of finding and harvesting materials from nature for use as food, medicine, or craft supplies. Generally, foraging refers to plants and fungi; fishing, hunting, and trapping are related activities but fall into their own categories.

Around the island, it is hard to miss the birds that are hard at work building nests and getting ready to raise their young. Recently, I’ve spotted birds in my neighborhood whizzing by with a bill full of grass and seen osprey clutching sticks in their talons. When you think of a bird’s nest, you probably imagine a small cup of woven sticks on a tree branch- usually made by songbirds. While many birds build nests like this, nests vary widely in shape, construction, materials, and placement. Birds are like nature’s little architects and real estate agents and have a diverse array of homes that do not need to go through HDC permitting.

Looking carefully at nature, you will notice that each month has a unique color that dominates the landscape. April is noticeably yellow, with its blooms of forsythia, dandelions, and the most famous of all- daffodils. This pop of bright color brings joy to many on Nantucket, especially after enduring the pale grays and browns throughout the winter.