Current Nature: Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Celebrating 20 Years

This year, the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) celebrates a remarkable milestone—its 20th anniversary! Since its founding, NBI has worked tirelessly to protect, study, and raise awareness of Nantucket's unique ecosystems and species by supporting researchers and naturalists in these efforts. To mark this special occasion, NBI invites everyone to join a week-long celebration from October 1st to October 6th, 2024, filled with engaging events for the whole community. It's a rare opportunity to meet the people behind these vital conservation projects and to actively participate in the work that helps safeguard Nantucket's diverse ecosystems.

Reflecting on NBI’s 20 years of success, Seth Engelbourg, NBI Chair, highlighted the collaborative spirit that has made this organization such a vital part of Nantucket’s scientific community: “The fact that this organization has existed for two decades clearly supports Nantucket’s tradition of collaboration over competition. As a consortium, NBI has supported dozens of scientists to conduct groundbreaking biodiversity research; greatly expanding our knowledge of our local ecology, particularly in areas that have historically not been the focus of local scientists’ expertise. In addition, NBI has organized 10 biodiversity research conferences and numerous other public participation events. Through NBI, the island has been able to achieve both a sustainable funding mechanism for biodiversity research and a platform for sharing scientific knowledge, that would be difficult for any single organization alone.”

The celebration kicks off on Tuesday, October 1st, with a special virtual workshop on using iNaturalist, a powerful app and tool for tracking and sharing biodiversity data. Participants will learn how to contribute to community science by documenting Nantucket's flora and fauna—skills that will come in handy throughout the week’s many bioblitz events. What’s a bioblitz? A bioblitz is like a nature scavenger hunt where people try to find and identify as many species as possible in a short time!

From Wednesday, October 2nd, through Sunday, October 6th, NBI member organizations will host a variety of bioblitzes, walks, and workshops across the island. These events will provide an excellent opportunity to observe the remarkable work being done to further understand Nantucket's biodiversity.

Participants can enjoy a new adventure each day, such as bird banding to study migratory bird populations up close, a hands-on scallop workshop to learn about sustainable practices for maintaining the island’s shellfish populations, and a forest management bioblitz to understand how Nantucket’s woodlands are being managed for climate resilience. Additionally, there's a coastal resiliency walk to discover how the island is preparing its shores for rising seas and changing environments, as well as a shorebird walk for a morning of birdwatching with local birders while contributing to community science.

Get your feet wet with the marsh life exploration, a chance to delve into the rich ecosystems of Nantucket’s coastal marshes, or check out the cranberry bog restoration bioblitz, where you’ll see efforts to restore and sustain this important local habitat.

Each day will conclude with a wrap-up social gathering, where participants and other interested parties can come together to review the day’s discoveries, share observations, and celebrate the achievements made in documenting the island’s rich biodiversity.

A highlight of the week will take place on Friday, October 4^th at 5pm, at the Nantucket Atheneum. Join us for a special evening presentation where we’ll reflect on NBI's legacy, celebrate its achievements, and look ahead to the future. Whether you’ve been involved with NBI from the beginning or you’re just getting started, we welcome you to join this gathering to reflect on two decades of vital work and renew our shared commitment to preserving Nantucket’s natural biodiversity.

Whether you're interested in learning more about the island's unique species, contributing to conservation science, or simply enjoying a week of outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone. All are welcome to participate in the NBI's 20th Anniversary events. All programs are free, but some require registration. Check out the full schedule of fun, learning, and celebration from October 1st to 6th. Together, we can continue to protect and cherish Nantucket's incredible biodiversity for the next 20 years and beyond.

Full Schedule of Events: NBI 20^th Anniversary Schedule

Learn More about the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative: nantucketbiodiversity.org

NBI’s organizations include Linda Loring Nature Foundation, Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Land and Water Council, Nantucket Land Bank, Nantucket Memorial Airport, Nantucket Shellfish Association, Nantucket Walkabout, The Trustees of Reservation, Town of Nantucket Department of Natural Resources, Tuckernuck Land Trust, Umass Boston Nantucket Field Station

Stay tuned for more editions of Current Nature, a bi-weekly column featuring seasonal topics, natural history information, and advice on the outdoors from the staff at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation.