Lucas Thors

Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, known to many as two of the most sought-after destinations in the country, are facing a defining moment. The natural beauty of these two islands draws year-round residents, seasonal homeowners, and day-trippers.

Seasonal leaf blower regulations are now in effect in five Martha’s Vineyard towns, marking a step toward reducing noise, air pollution, and fossil fuel use across the Island. In 2025, a group of citizens from across the Island, with support from the Vineyard Conservation Society (VCS), studied the impacts of leaf blowers and proposed regulations establishing limits on when they can be used while setting a path toward phasing out gas-powered models.

For decades, green lawns have been the default in American landscaping — neat, uniform, and for many, a symbol of success. But on Martha’s Vineyard, a movement is gaining momentum, pushing homeowners, landscapers, and local officials to question that standard and embrace a more sustainable, biodiverse alternative. Native plants support biodiversity, require less water, and eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Yet lawns remain ingrained in Vineyard culture and aesthetics.