My View
By Jim Lentowski
Can you believe it? Spring may actually be here. At last, many of us will be able to break out of the weather-resistant cocoons that we've occupied since last fall. We are excited - I certainly am - by the prospect of rediscovering our favorite Nantucket out-of-door places, both on land and on the water.

Most of us realize that Nantucketers have long taken their role as custodians of the island's uncommon historical and natural resources very seriously. They are proud that they were among the earliest in the nation to understand the need for establishing a historic district and advancing land conservation efforts.

As beachgoers, bicyclists,

hikers, dog walkers, nature

lovers, boaters, etc., many of us will soon be sharing and enjoying the incredible inventory of open spaces owned and managed by the island's largest conservation organization, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. It is best known for its collection of beaches, moorlands, ponds, grasslands, forests, salt marshes, and cranberry bogs.

The Foundation is a nationally recognized, member-supported, non-governmental, nonprofit organization established in 1963 by a small though farsighted group of year-round and seasonal islanders.

Staying focused on protecting out of town open spaces, the Foundation has acquired through generous gifts and carefully selected purchases over 8,900 acres - about 29 percent of the island's land area - properties that are often marked by the Foundation's distinctive maroon, road-edge logo posts. Among its most enjoyed properties are the Sanford Farm, the Tupancy Links, Squam Swamp and Farm, and a vast area along the Milestone Road nicknamed the "Serengeti." The Foundation also owns and operates the island's two cranberry bogs.

Through the voluntary financial support of its annual dues-paying members, Foundation lands are managed for scientific, educational, and natural resource conservation purposes, and are open to the public for compatible and responsible uses.

In addition to the responsibilities of management, scientific study, and interpretation of the Foundation's extensive open spaces, its staff regularly collaborates with their conservation colleagues from on-island nonprofit organizations and with public agencies including the Land Bank Commission, Land Council, 'Sconset Trust, and Nantucket Field Station.

At present, the Foundation is immersed in its boldest acquisition ever, a $22 million purchase that, when paid, will permanently protect the 110 acre, harborfront Nantucket Field Station. This spectacular Quaise open space and modest collection of buildings has quietly helped shape the futures of hundreds of college students including, in recent years, several island high school students. With the expanding need for scientific research into Nantucket's land, freshwater, and marine resources, its early settlements and island way of life, the preservation of the Field Station as an enduring focal point for such scholarly pursuits represents exciting opportunities for students and professionals with such passions. The funds needed must be raised.

Before walking the Field Station, a part of which is operated under the umbrella of UMass/Boston, or other Foundation properties over the next several months, take time to get to better understand all of the private organizations and public agencies that are furthering Nantucket's tradition of public enjoyment of open spaces. Also, remind yourself and others of the surprising sensitivity of island soils, plants and animals to human contact. By doing this our hope is that everyone will end up having a greater appreciation of their roles as the beneficiaries and stewards of Nantucket's rare experiences and resources, ensuring many years of enjoyable outdoor activities for all.

The Foundation welcomes everyone's support and participation. For additional information

visit www.nantucketconservation.org. I

Jim Lentowski is executive director of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation.