Beyond the island’s unique historic and cultural appeal is its sheer natural beauty and unparalleled environmental integrity, making it an ideal destination for spring travelers who take pleasure in biking, hiking, fishing, nature study and other outdoor relaxation. Nantucket has long been a pioneer in the area of land conservation. Since the 1960s the non-profit Nantucket Conservation Foundation has vigilantly defended the island’s rare habitats, endangered plants and animals, and sprawling open spaces, and today has an astounding 8,500 acres of land under its stewardship. In 1984, Nantucket became the first community in the United States to institute a Land Bank. Thanks to the efforts of these two organizations—and a host of other, smaller groups-over 40 percent of Nantucket is protected forever. Within this land, along its roads and well-delineated trails, a plant enthusiast can find any number of rare species of fauna, and birders can catch glimpses of the dog-eared owl or the northern harrier, endangered predators of the plain grasslands. For those who prefer adventure of the offshore variety, Nantucket’s waters are among the cleanest in the nation and support hundreds of different animal species. Gray seals spend the winter frolicking off the Nantucket coast and can be seen in the Sound and in the surf around Tuckernuck and Muskeget (two islands off the Western shore). It’s also not unusual to see schools of whales passing through the island’s waters. And of course, there is fishing! Running the gamut from offshore and surfcasting to pond fishing, Nantucket is rich with opportunity for anglers of every stripe. Early spring fishing revolves around the island’s many fresh water ponds, until the month of May arrives. Then, most anglers head for the beach, for a shot at the elusive striped bass or the feisty bluefish. Stripers make their debut as early as May 1st. Nantucket’s tackle shops are full of gear to rent or buy, information on fishing guides and charters and helpful people who know where they’re biting! One of the best ways to tour Nantucket Island is by bicycle, especially on a spring day. Since the island is just 14 miles by 3.5 miles, a dedicated cyclist can bike around the entire island in one day. Round up the family, pack a picnic lunch and explore Nantucket from shore to shore. With nearly twenty miles of paved bicycle paths - bikers, walkers, and runners - may share the trails. There are plenty of events and happenings to enjoy, beginning with the official kick-off to spring The Annual Daffodil Festival Weekend, as well as other annual spring events including the Figawi Race Weekend, Nantucket Wine Festival, Nantucket Spring Restaurant Week, Nantucket Film Festival and much more! Check out the Spring Calendar of Events for more information on upcoming happenings. 2010 Spring on Nantucket Calendar of Events (PDF) Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend (Video) 2009 Nantucket Wine Festival Wrap Up (Video) 2009 Figawi Race Weekend Wrap Up (Video) 2009 Nantucket Film Festival Opening Night (Video) For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 508-228-1700.