PROJECTS
Madaket Conservation Association (MCA) is seeking proposals for projects that fit our mission. Anyone with a suggestion for a suitable project can contact Bill Grieder or the Madaket Conservation Association for a project application form. Tax-deductible charitable contributions can be made to the Community Foundation for Nantucket website, and specifically designated to the Madaket Conservation Association Project Fund.
Projects Overview: MCA President Bill Grieder states, "Since 1958, the MCA's mission has been to preserve and protect Madaket. We are grateful to the past and present members of the MCA for enabling us to contribute toward these important projects, and are privileged to be part of the effort to preserve and protect a large part of Madaket and Nantucket for the future."
The Bubbler: If you ride or walk along the Madaket bike path, chances are you have seen the rest area across from the Fire Station. MCA received permission from the Town to adopt the water fountain area as a continuing project. The addition of a mature tree, plants and grasses has created an attractive rest area where for bike path travelers.
Madaket Shellfish: The MCA Board of Directors approved a grant request to the Nantucket Natural Resources Department for a project, called Northern Quahog Stock Enhancement, spanned (3) years and planted (615,000) seed quahogs in the Madaket harbor. The budget of $21,000 was funded by several Nantucket organizations: Nantucket Land & Water Council, Maddequet Admiralty, Madaket Conservation Association, Community Foundation for Nantucket and the Nantucket Shellfish Association.
Head of the Plains Purchase: The Head of Plains land conservation area includes about 120 acres. In 2015, the Madaket Conservation Association was instrumental in building support and finding funds to purchase the land from the Federal government to preserve it as open space. The coalition included The Town, the Nantucket Land Bank, the Nantucket Land & Water Council, the Community Preservation Committee, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, the Madaket Conservation Association, the Madaket Residents Association and Sheep Pond property owners. The property is owned by the Nantucket Land Bank and is part of the Cross Island Trail system.
Oyster Farming: MCA awarded a grant to Madaket Marine for an oyster-growing in Hither Creek to improve water quality. Oyster spat was cultivated in the creek by staff from Madaket Marine. When the spat grew to the appropriate size, the oysters were transferred to established oyster farms in Polpis harbor. The Nantucket Department of Marine Resources deemed the project a success. Madaket Marine is formulating a plan to continue the growing effort.
Beach Grass Planting: MCA awarded a grant to the Nantucket Department of Natural Resources to conduct a pilot program to plant beachgrass at Millie’s pond in an area where the “stilt” house was located. Over the last few years, the dunes have built up due to a snow fence installation. The pilot program installed beachgrass plugs in the entire area to help stabilize the new dunes. This planting is a continuation of an earlier project at the end of Madaket Road.
Madaket Buildout Analyst: MCA awarded a grant to the The Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) to fund a buildout analysis of the Madaket area. As the Town continues to plan for sewer expansion out to Madaket, the residents and the NLWC are concerned about how access to this new infrastructure may significantly increase development pressure and potential in those neighborhoods. The study evaluated the increased buildout of Madaket with Town sewer so that the Madaket community can address questions about how to plan for its future.
