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Look for our completely redesigned website
launching January 7th, 2011
We are currently taking applications for our Junior Ranger and Junior Scientist programs. Apply online.
For more information, contact the Field Station at (508) 228-5268 or (774) 836-5035.
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Self-Guided Tours
The field station property is open for self guided walks on our trails from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week during the winter. Please sign in at the visitor board outside of the lab. Parking is available in two lots. Tours of the property can be arranged throughout the winter via appointment by calling 508-228-5268 during business hours.
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Quick Links
 This newsletter was designed and written by the UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station communications team.  |
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Signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the Field Station Oct. 8 are (left to right) NCF Board of Trustees President David B. Poor, NCF Board Vice President Arthur Gosnell, NCF Executive Director Jim Lentowski, and UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley. Photo provided by Craig Spery.
UMass Boston and Nantucket Conservation Foundation Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Future of Field Station
A group of representatives of the University of Massachusetts Boston and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) along with community members involved in both organizations gathered at the UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station (NFS) as the sun set over Nantucket Harbor on Friday, October 8. The special occasion was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UMass Boston and NCF outlining terms of a new collaboration to establish the Nantucket Field Station as a world-class, environmental science institute designed to attract researchers from around the globe.
Under the terms of the MOU, the University committed to investing $1 million this year to upgrade the facilities at the Nantucket Field Station and issued a challenge grant of another $1 million to be matched dollar-for-dollar to endow academic programs at the new Institute.
The NFS has provided more than 45 years of continuous service as a learning center for environmental education and research. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation entered into an agreement with the Trustees of the University in 2004 to purchase the 107 acres on which the Nantucket Field Station is located for $22 million. The Foundation now holds title to the entire property, thanks to the generosity of Nantucket residents, subject to an arrangement that enables the University to continue to occupy and use and operate the Field Station's modest facilities in perpetuity.
In signing the MOU, NCF Board of Trustees President David B. Poor said, "This Institute will be a worldwide magnet attracting an unprecedented number of graduate and post-graduate scholars and researchers here to Nantucket. The spirit of our two organizations and the dedication of all of you gathered here will ensure the success of plans for this vision."
UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley, signing the formal document on behalf of the university, said, "Although we currently have a significant number of active year-round research, education and outreach programs here at the Field Station involving faculty from the UMass system and other institutions, inner-city youth and the Nantucket community, we look forward to broadening our reach and taking our scientific influence up to a whole new level. We are committed in our partnership with NCF to bringing this plan to reality."
Others taking part in the recent ceremony included UMass Boston Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Winston E. Langley, UMass Boston Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, Dr. Andrew Grosovsky, UMass Boston Field Station Director Dr. Sarah Oktay and NCF Executive Director Jim Lentowski.
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A year in Review and Full Steam Ahead
The past year has been an exciting one for the UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between UMB and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation underscores the University's renewed financial and philosophical commitment to the Field Station and is the first step toward creating a research institute that better serves the needs of all the current and potential Field Station users while encouraging and fostering new partnerships. The new National Science Planning Grant helps us survey stakeholders and users to determine how we can best attain our education, scientific and outreach goals and allows us to solicit expert advice from other field stations around the country. Our new web site launches the Field Station into the dynamic world of social media and will be a vast improvement for database capability and in communicating with teachers, students and scientists who come to the Field Station.
We survived the winter storms of the past week and are upgrading our field equipment in anticipation of the 2011 field research season. This week the Field Station hosted marine mammal graduate students from the University of New England and the Nantucket Christmas Bird Count participants. Our summer college course schedule is finalized, repairs are underway on some of the field station buildings, and a strategic plan is in the works. Student applications for internships and volunteer position have been pouring in. We are digitizing our field station records and revitalizing the lab. Rocks, pH paper, and fossils abound as we conduct hands-on science classes for the Lighthouse School, the Nantucket New School, and the Nantucket Public Schools. For 2011, we will be featuring our first student video contest for college students and student researchers to submit short videos about what it's like to study at the Nantucket Field Station.
None of this would be possible without the kindness and generosity of Field Station supporters on Nantucket and around the world. For the first time, we've created specific giving opportunities for a variety of projects, programs, and capital needs. Please consider the Nantucket Field Station in your end of the year charitable gift planning. For more information, contact our Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Gina Cappello at 617-287-5335 or email Sarah Oktay or donate online and learn more about the various opportunities at Field Station Gifts.
We are looking forward to seeing you on the trails or in the lab. Here's to a happy, productive, sustainable, and fulfilling New Year!
sincerely,
Sarah Oktay, Len Germinara and our many tireless volunteers
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News from the Nantucket Field Station 
