VCS Winter Walks

Join your friends at VCS this winter for the always fun and informative Winter Walks series. Each will feature an interpretive component drawing on a theme of "flora and fauna."

All walks start at 1:00 and are FREE to the public. Better than free, actually, as cider and cookies will be served.
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Featherstone Walk Rewards the Intrepid

Twenty-nine brave souls met at Featherstone for a wintry walk through the nearby Southern Woodlands. Richard Toole, who led the walk, spoke passionately about the history of the area from a conservation lands perspective, including the unique and often contentious efforts to protect these properties from development. 
 
Birds were hard to find, but our volunteer experts, Rob and Wendy Culbert and Margaret Curtin, added their expertise to the walk and offered many interesting comments about the transition of the woodlands and its impact on both the forest make-up as well as wildlife. The multi-trail property gave the walkers a chance to see habitat in a state of change, including increases in lichen and moss growth, and nature’s reclamation of the old campgrounds. 
 
Featherstone Gallery Director Ann Smith was a gracious host, offering a warm reception after the walk and inviting everyone to view the newest art exhibit at the gallery. Thanks to Ann and all who attended, and we look forward to seeing you at our final walk next month!

For more information on the history and ecology of the Southern Woodlands, see here, 2nd column.

This year, the VCS Recycling Initiative, led by board member David Nash, conducted a survey of recycling efforts on Martha’s Vineyard. The team’s report explores the recycling methods available to government, restaurants, caterers, and other small businesses, with special attention to impacts on our marine environment and the challenges of recycling “on the go.”

The survey found that while recycling is already quite widespread and effective on the Vineyard, many areas for improvement remain. Suggestions are provided based on the results of the survey, ranging from the simple (reminders on the office fridge) to the ambitious (town-wide mandatory recycling). In addition, they identified setbacks, such as reductions in curbside pickup, and other obstacles to expanding recycling efforts that could be addressed with future advocacy.

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Government and Small Business

Part 3: Recycling "On-the-Go"

Part 4: Restaurants

Part 5: The Marine Environment

Part 6: Final Thoughts

Walking Martha's Vineyard

Get outdoors this off-season and enjoy the tranquility with the new 4th edition of Walking Trails of Martha's Vineyard
featuring several new trails!

Available for $15 at many island locations, including The Bunch of Grapes Book Store, Edgartown Books, Alley's General Store, Cronig's, Brahmhall and Dunn, The Secret Garden, Felix Neck, Allen Farm, and the Vineyard Conservation Society office.

It can also be purchased online through our donation site by selecting the $20 donation option (price includes shipping).

VCS Board member Virginia Jones has recently released Fresh from the Vineyard, a cook book to showcase and support island agriculture and fishing. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book will benefit VCS and the Island Grown Initiative.

You can find the book at many island stores and farms, including Bunch of Grapes, Cronig's, Larsen's Fish Market (Menemsha), Allen Farm, Morning Glory Farm, Mermaid Farm, Nip N' Tuck Farm, and Fiddlehead Farm Stand.

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