‘Something different every day’: HCT Winter Talk focuses on managing Harwich’s natural resources

Staying on top of Harwich’s bountiful natural resources takes a lot of work. There are shellfish to grow, herring runs to keep clear, water to monitor and the occasional interlude with a marine mammal.

“You never know what your day is going to be like,” said Stephanie Ridenour, the town’s Natural Resources Director. “I got a few laughs the other day when I was late to a meeting because I had responded to a seal pup on the beach.”

Ridenour will share her wide-ranging experiences at a Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Winter Talk from 1 to 2 p.m. on Feb. 7 in the auditorium at the 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building (204 Sisson Rd., Harwich).

Titled “Shellfish and Herring and Water Quality, Oh My! Adventures with the Harwich Natural Resources Department,” the program will focus on how the town protects, preserves, and enhances the splendid natural assets that help define the community, and that residents and visitors hold dear.

For those interested in recreational shellfishing in Harwich, the talk will be a great way to get familiar with regulations and harvest locations. The town purchases oyster and quahog seed each year, grows it to a larger size, then broadcasts the bivalves into waters offshore. Ridenour will break down the growing process and talk about possible plans to expand the program.

Keeping herring runs clear

An important part of Ridenour’s job is making sure the town’s herring runs are in good shape. “We’re lucky to have one of the most productive runs in the entire state of Massachusetts,” she said. “I will try not to go full fish nerd in the presentation, but I will talk a bit about their biology and about management.”

Keeping the runs flowing is “a big part of the physical work we do when we get out in the field,” said Ridenour. “Whether it’s myself or the state Division of Marine Fisheries, or Harwich Conservation Trust volunteers or other volunteers, it’s essential for management that we make these efforts to remove any impediment to fish passage.”

Like many Cape communities, the town works with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) for cyanobacteria monitoring in ponds.

In addition, “the town of Harwich has a long legacy of water quality monitoring at various ponds and also in our harbors and estuaries,” said Ridenour. “The Harwich Ponds Coalition coordinates volunteers for the town sampling of several different ponds. And then the Natural Resources Department, with assistance from volunteers, samples Saquatucket Harbor, Wychmere Harbor, Allen Harbor, and the Herring River.”

In essence, Ridenour’s HCT talk will be like riding along with the town’s Natural Resources Department from the comfort of a cozy auditorium. “It’s something different every day,” she said.

Stephanie Ridenour, Harwich Natural Resources Director, will present a Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Winter Talk titled “Shellfish and Herring and Water Quality, Oh My! Adventures with the Harwich Natural Resources Department,” from 1 to 2 p.m. on Feb. 7 in the auditorium at the 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building (204 Sisson Rd., Harwich).

HCT’s Winter Talks Series continues on February 28th with another great program:

Saturday, February 28th, 1 to 2 p.m.
A Cape-friendly Landscape: Discovering the Nature Connection
Presenter: Kristin Andres
Location: 204 Cultural Center Auditorium (204 Sisson Road, Harwich)

Gardens and yards offer exciting opportunities to support nature, right outside your own door! Find out how plant choices and lawn care practices can make a big difference for local pollinators, birds, and butterflies. Join Kristin Andres, Director of Education & Outreach for the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), the Cape’s leading science-based environmental advocacy nonprofit, and learn how our landscapes and gardens play a vital role in the health of the Cape’s environment. Wildlife will appreciate your thoughtful approach, and you’ll love the beautiful results — use your green thumb to be a good steward!

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.