Nantucket Official Guide | Page 9

W elcome to Nantucket

©Michael Galvin

Welcome to Nantucket Island – designated by The Nature
Conservancy as one of the last “Great Places on Earth.”
Among the numerous accolades our island has received include “Best Island in the World”
bestowed by National Geographic and “One of America’s Greatest Main Streets” conferred
by Travel & Leisure. While these designations highlight some of Nantucket’s most strikingly
beautiful features, they ultimately recognize the hard work and passion devoted to preserving
the island’s natural and built environment. The twin efforts of preservation and conservation
have maintained Nantucket in its pristine condition, and will remain the forces that sustain
her future.
As a result of its proximity to the Atlantic’s Gulf Stream, Nantucket is home to some of the
earth’s most unique habitats. A naturalist’s paradise, the island attracts rare animal and
plant species owing to its geographic location midway between the northern-most reaches of
southern species, and the southern-most reaches of northern species. Visiting birders delight
in the ability to spy unusual birds during Sunday morning walks and, interestingly, marine
biologists discover baby tropical fish in August when they are swept into Madaket Harbor by
swirling eddies from the Gulf Stream.
Historically speaking, Nantucket’s rich architectural heritage is promoted by a number of
island organizations and town committees. Passionate commitment to building or renovating
“with Nantucket in mind” is critical in preserving the authentic character of our buildings
and roadways. Those glossy travel magazine photos of rose-covered cottages, sea captain’s
houses and Quaker-style homes are the real thing, having been maintained and lovingly
preserved since the 18th century.
To insure a sustainable Nantucket requires residents and visitors alike to carefully monitor
electricity demand, water use and recycling. In recent years, we have learned about the
deleterious effect of fertilizers on water quality and watched electricity demand reach
alarming heights. Each Saturday morning – regardless of weather – the all-volunteer Clean
Team does a fabulous job retrieving litter along the island’s roadways and bike paths. Our
island is also renowned for recycling 90% of its trash! Every proactive gesture makes a
difference in helping to preserve Nantucket’s singular beauty and make it the special place
you call “home” for some part – or all – of the year.
Sincerely yours,
Janet E. Schulte, Ph.D., Executive Director
Cover Photograph: Cary Hazlegrove
Design and Production: Litos Strategic Communication • Printing: Recycled Paper Printing, Inc.
The Official Guide to Nantucket is published annually by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce.
©2016 Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this
publication by any means without