Year in Review: Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket
January 24, 2025
First year birds give insight into our year ahead and our past determines where we fly into the future. 2024 was a great year for the Islands region. From preschoolers to young adults we mentored, shared, and learned from each other to protect the nature of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. And now we embark on a path to allow even more access to nature with our All Persons Trail campaign. Explore our year in review to learn more.
Felix Neck's New All Persons Trail
Nature should be enjoyed by everyone and that is why Mass Audubon is committed to creating accessible opportunities at all our sanctuaries. You may already know about Felix Neck’s Accessible Initiatives, and now we are aiming even higher with a proposed almost half mile All Persons Trail. Thousands of people flock to Felix Neck each year and the All Persons Trail will allow even more to have safe access to the outdoors and ensure that people of all abilities can experience the wonders of nature year-round.
The All Persons Trail Campaign will help us convert existing trials and grounds to accessible standards, develop universally-designed visitor materials, and provide inclusive customer service. We are thankful for a $130,000 lead gift from Mass Trails to kick off the campaign in 2025 and inspire others to give. Fundraising efforts have launched, so please help us break ground this year by emailing [email protected].
Nantucket Vision
Mass Audubon’s Nantucket team is part of the Islands Region, which includes Martha’s Vineyard, and is supported by all departments at Mass Audubon including conservation science, education, and advocacy.
Our long-term vision on Nantucket is to leverage our wildlife sanctuaries by enhancing biodiversity, creating greater coastal resiliency, increasing public access to our properties, and empowering youth and early career individuals to steward our lands and wildlife.
Fern & Feather Preschool & Camp
Mass Audubon at Felix Neck’s Fern & Feather Camp celebrated its 60th year of sharing nature with Island children. It was a fantastic season with over 225 campers participating in 430 camp sessions. Campers explored and learned about marine life, coastal habitats, local flora and fauna, climate change, and more, outdoors and in the Education and Camp Barn. They created friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
Fern & Feather Preschool is providing its sixth year serving the need for early education for our community. Last June, the class of 2024 graduated eight preschoolers eager and ready to move on to Island kindergartens. This school year kicked off with new faces and families. Preschool continues to be an integral part of our serving our community with a long waitlist for each year. Our program helps families get the care they need and students dive deep into local natural history through age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games, while exploring Mass Audubon’s 200-acre sanctuary.
Meet the Nantucket Youth Enrivonmental Stewards
Nantucket Sanctuaries’ Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Program is an early career opportunity for Island high school and college students. Stewards learn about local habitats, wildlife, and build skill to help manage nearly 1,000 acres of open space on Nantucket.
Emma Marshall
My name is Emma Marshall, and I grew up on Nantucket. From a young age, my dad and I would go on walks to explore new places and enjoy the outdoors. We loved discovering different trails and immersing ourselves in nature. In school, I was always drawn to science-based classes, finding it fascinating to learn about the natural world. When I saw this job opportunity, I knew it would be a perfect fit. It allows me to be out in nature and offers hands-on experience in a field. I am considering studying in college.
Dylan Marks
My name is Dylan Marks, and I am a returning Youth Steward. I am a Nantucket native and graduate of Nantucket High School. Through my school’s Environmental Club and the Youth Climate Committee (YCC) under Mass Audubon’s Youth Climate Leadership Program (YCLP), I was introduced to the Youth Environmental Steward program. This opportunity allowed me to engage directly in conservation work, which I found incredibly rewarding.
Over the summers, I have fallen in love with this job. Meeting and working with new people has also been a highlight. One of my consistent goals throughout my time with Mass Audubon has been to improve my bird identification skills, focusing on both coastal waterbirds and general island species.
Cheryl Weinstein
Hi, my name is Charlotte Weinstein. I live in Connecticut but spend my summers on Nantucket. Growing up in Bermuda sparked my love for island habitats. I’m thrilled to be an Environmental Steward at Mass Audubon, where I look forward to learning more about Nantucket’s plants and wildlife. I’m excited about shorebird monitoring.
Currently, I’m studying political science in college with aspirations to pursue a career in Environmental Law or a related field. I believe that hands-on experience in conservation, is invaluable for learning how to protect the environment!
Get Involved in 2025
After such a successful year, 2025 looks even brighter! Thank you to all that have visited and supported Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. In the upcoming year, we invite you to visit our island wildlife sanctuaries, learn more about the nature of Massachusetts, and get involved.