As colder temps set in this time of year, it's not unusual to find stunned animals – bats, birds, turtles, and marine mammals. We are grateful to work with two amazing rescue groups here on island: the Marine Mammal Alliance of Nantucket and Nantucket Animal Rescue.

A few weeks ago, we received a call about a bat in the Burnt Swamp Lane neighborhood. A kind neighbor found the bat on the ground while raking leaves. The bat wouldn’t fly and stayed in the same location for quite some time. Concerned that it may be injured, they reached out to our friends at Nantucket Animal Rescue who notified our Wildlife Ecologist and “Bat Lady,” Danielle O’Dell.

Danielle was able to collect the Silver-haired bat and ascertain that it was not injured. It was likely a little cold-stunned and had a hard time flying up from the ground. Danielle warmed the bat up and once it was acting feisty and ready to fly, she released it with no issues.

A silver-haired bat rescued by NCF's Danielle O'Dell.

A stunned sea turtle rescued by NCF's Danielle O'Dell.

What should you do if you find a stunned or stranded animal?

Bats: Call or email Danielle: (978) 254-4062 or dodell@nantucketconservation.org

Remember to never handle with bare hands. While it is extremely rare, bats are a rabies vector species. Danielle has a rabies vaccination and is permitted by the state to handle bats.

Seals, Dolphins, Sea Turtles, and Whales: Call the Marine Mammal Alliance 24-hour hotline (833) 667-6626

Under agreement and permit with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Division, MMAN team members may approach marine mammals and take any necessary action. MMAN maintains a 24 hour hotline to respond to any reports of entangled, injured, or deceased marine mammals. 



Birds, Sea Turtles, and other wildlife: Call Nantucket Animal Rescue (508) 332-1270

The NAR team is experienced at working with local, state, and federal agencies to address animal rescues, especially for birds who are stuck, stunned, or entangled. NAR is also a leader in addressing shoreline debris, including removing washed-up fishing equipment that can lead to entanglements.

A rendering of the view of the Milestone Center from the Milestone Cranberry Bog parking lot.

What is the Milestone Center?

The Milestone Center will include housing for NCF staff, as well as a LEED-certified research and education center to strengthen our ecological research, enhance our environmental education, and further support our land management, all for the public benefit of the island.

Where is the Milestone Center going to be located?

The entrance will be at 220 Milestone Road, a familiar access point to the Cranberry Bogs and Middle Moors properties. However, the Milestone Center site is on the left edge of the property, tucked into an existing hillside and not visible from Milestone Road.

How was this location chosen?

At the onset of our planning process, the NCF staff and board conducted a comprehensive analysis of our properties. First, we identified properties that had existing disturbed areas where additional building could take place. This study was supported by Viridian Landscape Studio, a firm with deep expertise in ecological site planning. Ultimately, the Milestone location was chosen as the best fit, advancing NCF's objective to best support conservation on Nantucket.

What is currently at the Milestone Center site?

This location has long been used for land management operations, including agricultural facilities, equipment storage, and truck access.  As it is currently, there is minimal vegetation in the area. This location was chosen, in part, for the limited ecological disruption.

Is the Milestone Center going to impact the Milestone Cranberry Bogs?

The Milestone Center will complement and strengthen the work happening in the Milestone Cranberry Bogs. While they share the same entrance point, The Center is located nearby on property to the west of the bogs. A critical component of the Milestone Center is building housing for a small number of year-round employees, including the Cranberry Bog Foreman. The addition of nearby housing will support more responsive, year-round stewardship and help ensure the bogs continue to thrive.

Will the Milestone Center effect recreational use of the area?

There will be no impact to local trails and our community will still be able to use them freely! The site of the Milestone Center is set back from recreational areas, as seen in the rendering above. We have worked closely with the architectural team to ensure that the building design is thoughtful and minimal in view.

Current conditions at the future site for NCF Staff Housing, which will be limited to three modest-sized, Nantucket-style homes.

Current conditions at the site for the Milestone Center, which will include a Research Laboratory, Herbarium, and NCF workspace.

Sunday, December 28

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC), organized by the National Audubon Society, has been a Nantucket tradition since 1954, growing from just three volunteers to more than seventy local and visiting birders. For 24 hours on Count Day, teams spread across eight island sectors to record every bird they see, creating a valuable snapshot of Nantucket’s winter birdlife. At day’s end, volunteers gather at the UMass Nantucket Field Station to compile results and celebrate their findings. If you’re interested in joining this long-running community science effort, we invite you to take part in this year’s Count and help continue a cherished island tradition.

Please be aware that shotgun season continues through December 13.

We still have Nantucket cranberries from our very own Milestone Cranberry Bog for all of your holiday needs! The last batch of online orders will be shipped on Monday, December 22.

A chilly walk for the last section of the Coast to Coast Series co-hosted with the Nantucket Land Bank.

Dr. Emily Junkins and Jisun Reiner checking on water-quality loggers at Medouie Creek.

The Coast to Coast trail covers almost 24 miles across Nantucket.

Members of the NCF Team selling cranberries at the Sustainable Nantucket Holiday Market!

Cranberries covered in an early morning layer of ice after a below-freezing night.