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.

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.

The Sandplain Grassland Network has published an article summarizing the state of globally rare sandplain grassland habitats in coastal areas of Massachusetts and New York that are rapidly disappearing due to a variety of causes including invasive species encroachment, climate change, and sea level rise.

The article will appear in the Journal of Restoration Ecology later this year but is currently available for early, open access by clicking here.

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.