As Harwich enters its first week of mandatory two-day-a-week water restrictions, the Conservation Commission convened a special workshop on May 2 to explore how the town’s premier golf course maintains championship conditions with minimal environmental impact. Sean Fernandez, Superintendent of Cranberry Valley Golf Course, detailed a transition to sustainability that has seen the facility move to a 95 percent organic-based program, providing a potential roadmap for residents struggling to balance lush lawns with the town’s increasingly fragile water resources.

Fernandez, a Harwich native and UMass Amherst turf management graduate, emphasized that modern turf care is a far cry from the chemical-heavy practices of the 1970s. Everything I do is based on soil tests, Fernandez told the commission. Every two years we test both water and soils; that is my roadmap. We work with the environment with as few inputs as possible. He explained that while the course manages 48,000 rounds of golf annually, his team has eliminated phosphorus from fertilizers except during specific seeding windows and relies on wetting agents—including simple solutions like Dawn dish soap—to ensure water penetrates the soil rather than running off into nearby embayments.

The technical presentation sparked significant interest from board members looking for actionable advice for Harwich homeowners. Conservation Agent Amy Usowski asked what specific questions residents should pose to their lawn care providers. Fernandez responded that the education of the homeowner is the most critical factor. The first thing is a soil test. Every property owner is different, Fernandez said, noting that Cape Cod lawns generally only require fertilization three times a year. He recommended using drought-tolerant fescue and micro-clover for natural nitrogen fixation, rather than high-nitrogen synthetic alternatives. Vice Chair Mark Coleman praised the approach, stating it was a fantastic presentation and that every property owner ought to listen and take this advice.

The discussion turned toward the broader environmental health of the town, particularly as Harwich faces a contentious $35 million sewer extension debate at the upcoming Town Meeting. Member Wayne Coulson raised concerns about the long-term impact of landscaping chemicals on the town's aquifer. One of the concerns this commission has is chemicals percolating down into our drinking water, Coulson noted. Fernandez pointed to ongoing studies at the Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster, which suggest that when applied correctly, turf plants consume the nutrients before they can leach into the groundwater.

However, resident and environmental petitioner Patrick Otton challenged the notion that current practices are sufficient. Citing a 90 percent decline in the health of Cape Cod’s embayments, Otton questioned how his proposed citizen petitions to limit fertilizers and pesticides would impact the golf course. Fernandez argued that 85 percent of the nitrogen problem is tied to septic systems rather than turf, and warned that local regulations stricter than state standards could strip the town of state technical resources. Education is the key, Fernandez maintained, favoring better practices over outright prohibition.

Soil science expert Rob Mor added a different perspective, suggesting that the root of the problem often lies in the construction phase. He argued that building codes should require a minimum of five or six inches of topsoil to prevent leaching and ensure turf success. Homeowners are the biggest problem; they think more is better, Mor said, adding that a good builder shouldn't be losing loam; that is liquid gold. Vice Chair Coleman agreed, criticizing the common practice of selling off-site topsoil during excavation as a ridiculous waste that forces future homeowners to use more chemicals to sustain their grass.

The workshop also highlighted cost-effective environmental fixes. Fernandez described how the golf course addressed algae blooms in its irrigation pond by using fountains for oxygenation and beneficial bacteria rather than a projected $50,000 chemical overhaul. Chair John Ketchum closed the session by reminding the community that these landscaping issues intersect with several high-profile articles at the Monday night Town Meeting, including the Phase 3A sewer system expansion and the Herring River pedestrian bridge project. We want to run the full gamut and let people know what's going on here in Harwich, Usowski added, noting that future sessions will focus on native landscaping.