Sandplain grasslands are extensive on the Cape and Islands and include a variety of grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. But it is the native grass little bluestem that creates the ochre hues in fall, and helps sustain the diversity of the grassland ecosystem.

Inside a large copper mash tun at Offshore Ale House, nearly 250 gallons of malted grain mixed with water were slowly beginning the process of changing into beer.

Forgiveness is a hard topic, so hard most people prefer to avoid it until it’s too late.

It was a busy week of travel and league competition for the Vineyarders, as everyone except the girls’ soccer team suited up to play this past week.

Rosalie Powell is devoted to the 19th century of art hooking, teaching and practicing the skill at her West Tisbury studio. This year, she won a major award at a hand-hooked rug competition. "To rug hookers it's a huge prize, like a Pulitzer," Ms. Powell said.

Coordinating the entire system of school buses is Jimmy Flynn, who has been managing school transportation since 2004. Mr. Flynn likens the process to fitting together a puzzle. “All of the pieces have to fit to make this work,” he said.