NLWC News

NLWC’s Annual Meeting to feature Guest Speaker Edwina von Gal

April 25, 2025

We Invite You to Join Us!

Tuesday, August 5 at 5:00pm

Nantucket Hotel Ballroom

Reception to follow

Join Us August 5th for NLWC’s Annual Meeting Featuring Guest Speaker Edwina von Gal. We are proud to welcome Edwina von Gal, a nationally recognized leader in ecological design and toxin-free land care. Her presentation is part of our Grow Native for Nantucket initiative, supported in part by Remain, which encourages the use of native plants and sustainable landscaping practices to protect Nantucket’s unique ecosystems, safeguard our water resources, and support local biodiversity.

Edwina brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to the conversation around sustainable land stewardship. Whether you’re a gardener, landowner, landscaper, or someone who appreciates the beauty of our island, this is a special opportunity to hear from one of the most respected voices in the field. Her work challenges us to rethink what beautiful landscapes can be—and how they can support the health of people, wildlife, and the planet. We are honored to welcome her to Nantucket. Don’t miss what promises to be an inspiring and informative evening. Click HERE  for more information about this event!

"A leading voice in sustainable gardening and landscape design, Edwina von Gal founded the Perfect Earth Project in 2013 to promote ecological, toxic-free land care for the health of people, their pets, and the planet. 

As principal of her eponymous landscape design firm, Edwina created landscapes with a focus on simplicity, sustainability, and beauty for private and public clients around the world. Her work has been published widely, including in The New York Times, Vogue, and Architectural Digest, and her award- winning book Fresh Cuts.

In 2024, she was named one of the top 50 Creatives in America by Wallpaper magazine. She has served on boards and committees for a number of horticultural organizations and currently serves on the board of What Is Missing, Maya Lin’s multifaceted media artwork about the loss of biodiversity, Longue Vue’s National Council, and is a member of the Native Plant Trust’s Council. Her awards include the Long House Visionary Award from Long House Reserve, the New York School of Interior Design’s Green Design Award, the Isamu Noguchi Award, and Guild Hall's Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award for the Visual Arts."

Photo credit: Inez and Vinoodh

Help Protect Nantucket's Waters: Concerns with the Mass Ready Act

June 12, 2026
The Massachusetts Senate recently passed S.3064 , known as the Mass Ready Act, a sweeping environmental bond bill that would invest over 3 billion dollars in climate resilience, water infrastructure, flood protection, PFAS remediation, conservation, and municipal environmental projects. Many of these investments align closely with priorities long championed by the Nantucket Land & Water Council, including funding for clean water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and the protection of natural resources. However, several amendments added to the bill during the Senate process have raised serious concerns among environmental organizations, municipalities, conservation commissions, and clean water advocates across Massachusetts. These provisions would weaken local municipal authority to protect wetlands and water resources and would disadvantage communities like ours that have adopted stronger environmental safeguards than just those required by state law. 

Nantucket is in a drought. What does that mean for you as a resident?

June 12, 2026
Nantucket has officially been designated as being in a Level 2 Drought Condition, triggering mandatory water conservation measures for properties served by Wannacomet Water. Although the current green lawns and foggy mornings of June may not make the island feel particularly dry right now, drought determinations are based on more than appearance alone . State officials evaluate long-term precipitation trends , groundwater conditions , and other indicators of water availability .

NLWC Appeals Surfside Crossing to Protect Critical Water Resources

May 20, 2026
Once again, Nantucket Land and Water Council (NLWC) has filed an appeal in Superior Court of the latest decision of the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) about the controversial Surfside Crossing c. 40B project on South Shore Road. This is the third such appeal after two prior successful cases in which the Court ruled in favor of NLWC. Both the Town of Nantucket’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and Tipping Point residents group have also filed appeals of the same HAC decision. “The NLWC appreciates the need for affordable and attainable housing on Nantucket, and recognizes the level of effort and the significant progress being made by the Town. We also know that the protection of our water resources, particularly our drinking water, is critical to the health of our community.” Emily Molden, Executive Director said about the NLWC’s move to appeal. “Creating much-needed housing on the island does not need to come at the expense of clean water. We can do this differently, but all parties need to be willing to work towards a solution”.
MORE NEWS