There is something artificial about the effort to replace natural grass with manufactured turf. What if it fades? What if it turns out to be carcinogenic? What if it disintegrates into our aquifer? What if it proves much more expensive than predicted? And most of all, why?

I recently walked across the Vineyard with the land bank, 21 miles absorbing the beauty and wonder of the natural environment that surrounds us. The last thing I want is to pay for an artificial replacement for that natural charm.

Tom Jones sang one of my favorite lines: “It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.” Will I have to revise those lyrics in my mind?

Tom Dresser
Oak Bluffs