Sheriff's Meadow Foundation

What we do:
Founded in 1958, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation is a nonprofit land conservation group on Martha’s Vineyard, accredited through the Land Trust Alliance. Over the past 65 years, Sheriff’s Meadow has protected 3,220+ acres, much of which is open to the public for passive recreation, with properties in all six island towns. The free TrailsMV mobile app, developed by Sheriff’s Meadow in 2018, is a comprehensive interactive map of the island’s 114 conservation properties and 220+ miles of public trails. In 2022, TrailsMV underwent a complete rebuild using state-of-the-art ArcGIS geospatial mapping technology to help residents and visitors discover new places to connect with nature on Martha’s Vineyard.

Where and When:
Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and TrailsMV are based at the Wakeman Conservation Center at 57 David Avenue, PO Box 1088, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. The office is open year-round during regular business hours.

Our Goal:
A major initiative for Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and TrailsMV this year is our Accessibility Project, to evaluate Sheriff’s Meadow properties and trails for people with disabilities and limited mobility and work collaboratively with our island conservation partners to share ideas on how to improve access and accommodations at conservation lands across Martha’s Vineyard.

The TrailsMV mobile app will communicate details about accessible properties, as well as develop recommended walking and wheelchair routes that explore a variety of natural habitats, vistas, geological features, and historic and cultural experiences. Some of the island's conservation properties are challenging for people with mobility constraints to navigate, and some could be made measurably easier with relatively minor improvements to parking, trail surfacing, and better information. We will also support organizations or groups looking for guidance on potential walks or other outings.

There is ample evidence that time spent in nature provides many physical, emotional, and mental benefits and can enhance a sense of belonging and community. Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and TrailsMV hope to broaden and strengthen those connections for more people on Martha’s Vineyard.