You can enjoy Nantucket best by following rules which help make the island a better place. These guidelines will help to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment for visitors and residents alike. Nearly half of Nantucket is protected conservation land. Several areas and habitats – natural groups of plants and animals – are rare to this region and even the world. Although the island’s protected lands are owned by several groups with diverse missions, the goal of preserving Nantucket unique natural resources is shared by all.
Protect our fragile dunes, grasslands and heath-lands. Nantucket’s soils are extremely fragile and extremely eroded. Plant material, whether living or dead, helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Many of Nantucket’s plants are rare and endangered and protected by law.
Keep vehicles and bikes on well-established roads and paths. Driving over fragile plants just once will leave scars that take years to heal and cause severe erosion problems, especially in sand soils near the shoreline.
Leave wildflowers for all to enjoy. Removing wildflowers prevents them from setting and dispersing seed, thus jeopardizing the next generation of plants.
Respect private property. Most of Nantucket’s protected open spaces are accessible to the public, some with limitations. Many are bordered by private property. Please join our efforts to be good and responsible neighbors.
Be aware of one-way streets. Numerous streets in town were laid out in the 18th century. They are narrow, with high curbstones, and most are one-way. Watch for one-way signs and obey them, both in a vehicle and on a bicycle.
Dress appropriately. Bare feet and beach attire belong on the beach, not on the streets of town, in shops or restaurants. Please dress appropriately when you know you will be out.
Avoid excess noise. Many people visit and live on Nantucket to escape noise. Those who create noise pollution, whether human or vehicular, infringe on the rights of others. The noise ordinance on Nantucket starts at 10 PM and goes through 7:30 AM. Please refrain from excessive noise, loud music, etc. during these hours.
Dispose of garbage properly. Please use trash receptacles throughout town and at the beach. You may also dispose of garbage and recyclables at the landfill. Hours: May 1 – Sept. 30: Monday – Friday (7 AM – 3 PM) Saturday & Sunday (8 AM – 12 PM.) October 1 – April 30: Monday – Friday (8 AM – 3 PM) Saturday & Sunday (8 AM – 12 PM.) Closed on federal and state holidays.
Want to do more to help? The Nantucket Clean Team volunteers meet each Saturday, May – November, rain or shine and picks up trash around the island for under an hour.