Lost Farm Sanctuary

Discover a hidden world at Lost Farm Sanctuary, a sprawling 90-acre property on the eastern edge of Hummock Pond. Your journey begins across a landscape in quiet transformation, where former vegetable fields are giving way to native shrubs and young pines. This unique Nantucket ecosystem sits within the island’s oldest outwash plain, offering a glimpse into the natural reclamation of the land. The path ahead invites you into one of the most significant forested areas on the island, a place of serene beauty and surprising wilderness just a short distance from popular Cisco Beach. As you venture deeper, you will find yourself enveloped by an extensive pitch pine forest, home to some of the tallest pines on Nantucket. Trails meander through this tranquil woodland, where the sound of the wind rushing through the needles creates a constant, whispering melody. Listen closely for the echo of bird calls that fill the air and keep an eye out for white-tailed deer moving silently between the trees. This immersive walk is a sensory experience, connecting you with the sights and sounds of a true Nantucket forest. The trail eventually leads you along the eastern shore of Hummock Pond. Here, the landscape opens up to reveal a vibrant aquatic habitat. Watch for mute swans gliding on the water, great blue herons stalking the shallows, and ospreys circling overhead. The pond is also home to snapping and painted turtles, often seen poking their heads above the surface. Your walk concludes by crossing a small walkway over a cattail-choked inlet, a final picturesque moment in this diverse and captivating sanctuary.