There are many interesting (and social) ways to appreciate Martha’s Vineyard as the Island landscape reveals its more tranquil off-season beauty. Let’s start with the Island’s decades-long tradition of guided winter walks, led by the Vineyard Conservation Society, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, The Trustees, and MV Land Bank, among others. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of birding explorations with knowledgeable guides. Polly Hill Arboretum continues its popular weekly session Balance in Nature, a mindful hour of gentle movements drawn from Tai Chi, along with guided walks.
This fall and winter, look for more offerings geared toward people with limited mobility, seniors, and others with physical limitations, from conservation groups and the Island’s Councils on Aging, Healthy Aging MV, Vineyard Independence Partnership, and other organizations working to make the outdoors more accessible to people of all physical abilities.
Many conservation groups are partnering with town libraries and others to create multi-layered outdoor experiences to appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities, including the Beach Befrienders program set up by the Vineyard Conservation Society. MassDCR is making the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest more welcoming and easier to navigate, and it’s also the setting for several informal natural history programs. Biodiversity Works and the Martha’s Vineyard Bird Club offer a variety of ways to engage with the natural environment.
Check out the Events listing on the free TrailsMV app for details. Get outside and start exploring. Time spent in nature uplifts our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and a shared love of the outdoors encourages new friendships. Experience the off-season on Martha’s Vineyard in all its quiet glory.