The Vineyard Conservation Society and Sense of Wonder Creations are collaborating for a short trip to West Chop lighthouse and beaches.

Against a backdrop of rising seas rising and receding shorelines, it feels as though the Vineyard gets a little smaller every year. But one town is actually a bit bigger than it once was.

On Sunday afternoon about 40 hikers (and several dogs) gathered for a guided walk through the Frances Woods Preserve in West Tisbury. “Fran Woods emailed this morning to say ‘enjoy the walk,’” said Brendan O’Neill, executive director of the Vineyard Conservation Society.

In Massachusetts, land used by a charitable organization qualifies for a tax exemption under state law. But a recent case in the town of Hawley, now going before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, could have wide implications.

Vineyard Conservation Society leads a guided winter walk at Woods Preserve on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m.

The gift of 17 small parcels valued at $3.7 million represents an important conservation gain in the rare heathlands of Aquinnah, conservation leaders said.