schedule of events
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
Tuesday, October 6th
10 AM: Native Flower Arranging and the Ecological Importance of Native Species with the Linda Loring Nature Foundation
Join staff from the LLNF to learn about the importance of native plants in our ecosystems and their phenology. In this workshop we'll discuss the varied reasons for collecting plants- ranging from scientific to aesthetic, how to forage ethically, and the importance of herbaria. Each participant will also have the opportunity to arrange their own bouquet of native flowers to take home and join us in celebrating Nantucket's unique botanical diversity. Free and open to participants aged 18+. After the program, a casual lunch will be provided.
1 PM: Ornament Making with Native Seeds with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation
Join Native Plant Propagation Manager Stacey Cooper in creating ornaments with native seeds. In this workshop, we will learn about how native plants support biodiversity on Nantucket. Each participant will then make an ornament that they can take home to bring them some botanical cheer.
3 PM: Watercolor Wildlife - Nantucket's Reptiles and Amphibians with the Maria Mitchell Association
Discover the beauty of Nantucket’s reptiles and amphibians through watercolor! Join MMA artist Nikoline Bohr for a guided painting session, while Natural Science Museum Manager and Master Herpetologist Elisa Kermani shares fascinating insights into our local wildlife and how we can protect them. Plus, get an up-close look at the live museum animal ambassador collection! Perfect for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Wednesday, October 7th
10 AM: From Field to Frame: The Art of Herbarium Specimens (Part 1) with the Artists Association of Nantucket
Join artist and educator Charlie Usadi for a two-day workshop exploring the art, science, and history of botanical collections. Combining field observation, environmental stewardship, and hands-on studio work, participants will discover how herbarium specimens help document biodiversity, support conservation efforts, and inspire artistic practice.
Day one begins with an illustrated presentation examining herbarium specimens as both scientific records and artistic objects, tracing their use from historical botanical collections to contemporary art practices. Participants will then visit Nantucket conservation land, where Charlie will discuss ethical plant collection, standards of botanical documentation, and the important role herbaria play in understanding environmental change and protecting Nantucket’s unique biodiversity. Through observation and discussion, participants will learn how specimens are selected, collected, and preserved while gaining a deeper appreciation for the stewardship of fragile ecosystems.
Non Member of AAN: $75
Member of AAN: $67.50
1 PM: World Migratory Bird Day with the Tuckernuck Land Trust
This year's theme for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is "Every Bird Counts: Your Observations Matter!" Learn about the birds that migrate through this area and the work that TLT is doing monitoring shorebirds on Tuckernuck. Attendees will receive a checklist of common migratory birds to look for as well as information about how they can participate in community science projects by reporting their observations. Youth will receive a Junior Birder Journal & Activity Book (while supplies last).
3 PM: Sand Canvas: Wind, Tides & Footprints with Nantucket Walkabout
Go for a walk with Nantucket Walkabout’s guide, Peter Brace, on Smith’s Point at low tide to discover a daily mosaic of marine life imprints on the sand, tidal sand formations, beach grass scrapings and learn about the beach wildlife and plants thriving on sand flats and dunes.
Thursday, October 8th
10 AM: From Field to Frame: The Art of Herbarium Specimens (Part 2) with the Artists Association of Nantucket
On day two, participants will work with pre-pressed and dried plant specimens provided by Charlie to create their own mounted botanical artwork. Drawing inspiration from both scientific and artistic traditions, participants will explore composition, design, and preservation techniques while creating a finished piece inspired by Nantucket’s native flora and landscapes.
1 PM: Walk and Nature Hammer Art with the Nantucket Land Bank
Join the Nantucket Land Bank for a lovely fall walk through Gardner Farm while we collect plant species alongside the trails. We will utilize hammers for releasing the pigments of the plants onto blank cards to be used for any occasion!
3 PM: Sand Canvas: Wind, Tides & Footprints with Nantucket Walkabout
Go for a walk with Nantucket Walkabout’s guide, Peter Brace, on Smith’s Point at low tide to discover a daily mosaic of marine life imprints on the sand, tidal sand formations, beach grass scrapings and learn about the beach wildlife and plants thriving on sand flats and dunes.
Friday, October 9th
8 AM: Marsh Madness Biodiversity Survey with the UMass Nantucket Field Station
Join Yvonne Vaillancourt and AJ Paprocki as we revisit the life found in the biodiversity plot in Folger's Marsh.
10 AM: Marsh Mural with the UMass Nantucket Field Station
Contribute to our Marsh Mural, as we capture in our mural, the marsh observations from the morning.
5:30 PM: Celebrating Community Science and Art: Wrap Up Party at 2 Vestal St.
Join all of NBI and partners in celebrating community science and art together. We will use this space to discuss the importance of community science, the power of art, and the work NBI does to support research on Nantucket.