Although the chill in the air is a trade-off, Nantucket’s most celebrated season is finally here! Yesterday, marked the beginning of recreational scallop season, a time-honored tradition loved by residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The secret is out: September is the best month to be on Nantucket. Most people will tell you this is the sweet spot of nice weather without hectic crowds- for the most part, anyway. Later this week is the first official day of fall. Time to break out maple, pumpkin and apple everything! At LLNF, we’re stoked for the astounding color that comes this time of year. New England has long been famous for stunning fall color, but Nantucket is often overlooked in this department. Fear not, we won’t miss out on the fun! Our landscapes will be changing dramatically in the coming weeks- here’s what to look for.

September is Climate Change Awareness Month on Nantucket. When we think of climate change on-island, many of us immediately think of erosion on the east and south coasts, flooding at certain roads, or too-hot summers. But there are other impacts to our island that are both directly and indirectly caused by our changing climate.

I equate the seasons to being like the flow of time throughout the day. Winter is the still, early hours when you are too cold to get out of bed; spring is the vibrant morning when everything seems full of life; summer is the hot midday; and fall is the beautiful, but ephemeral sunset. As we near the end of August and approach fall, now is the time to get your fill of warm-weather activities to make summer last a bit longer. One of Nantucket’s most unique summer activities is taking a nighttime swim in the bioluminescence.

Summer on Nantucket is one of the most gorgeous times of year. With sprawling ocean views and wonderful foliage, you can spend hours outside admiring the island’s natural beauty. This is also the time of year to see all the hard work that has gone into the spectacular gardens and landscaping around the island. As you take inspiration from the spaces around you, it is important to keep in mind not only the types of plants but if they are native species to Nantucket!

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.