ALL1483-HC Second 6 Weeks Tuesday 9:00-10:20 Start Date 17-Mar
Grossman 115 Limit 25
ALL1483-HZ Second 6 Weeks Tuesday 9:00-10:20 Start Date 17-Mar
Zoom Limit 25
An update of the popular Spring 2025 course, this session explores current challenges and emerging solutions for protecting Cape Cod’s clean water. We’ll examine strategies to reduce nutrient pollution from septic systems, cesspools, fertilizers and road runoff—the main drivers of harmful algae blooms that close ponds each summer. Through guest speakers and case studies, we’ll compare ecological restoration, innovative septic technologies, sewer expansion and eco-sanitation—highlighting effectiveness, costs, timelines and community efforts to restore healthy waters.
Steve and I look forward to engaging with the curious and motivated ALL students as we share updates on Cape Cod’s progress toward meeting MA Department of Environmental Protection standards and restoring water health. Our goal is to introduce residents to alternative, affordable solutions beyond costly, slow-to-build sewer projects. MASSTC and local nonprofits have recently expanded their educational programs and clean-water initiatives through major new grants and partnerships.
Coordinator: Jane Ward 
Jane completed 26 years in the US Air Force as an ophthalmologist, flight surgeon and educator. She returned to Centerville in 2017. She is a passionate citizen scientist who works to improve the health of Cape Cod waters and protect the river herring. Jane works closely with pond associations, water focused non-profits, Green Center, MASSTC and the Town of Barnstable to promote urine diversion, eco-sanitation, and sustainable practices for water and wastewater management.
Coordinator: Stephen Waller
After more than 30 years as an Air Force ophthalmologist, Steve joined his medical alma mater’s faculty, advancing to Professor and authoring over 100 scientific papers. His book A Moving Meditation (UMass Press) reflects on Long Pond, Centerville; a sequel on river herring migration is under consideration.