This Week @ Monday Creek: Turtle! Turtle!

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Recently, we found a baby snapper walking on our sidewalk. This is not unusual as our yard is a turtle highway to Monday Creek. Large, medium, and small snappers frequent our back and front yards this time of year. If the baby turtle had been in the grass, he probably would have been squished by a horse hoof, human, lawnmower, or ATV. The little guy is fortunate he wasn't snatched by one of our predator birds. Luckily, we spotted him and carried him to safety. 

You can tell a snapping turtle by their straight tail. You don’t want to keep snappers as pets – if a snapper bites, legend is they won’t let go until lightning strikes!

In regard for this three-inch little turtle (who we called Ninja) and his tenacity, here’s a short story to brighten your day.

Snapper!

In the verdant heart of Ohio, nestled within the dense foliage and meandering streams, a diminutive baby snapping turtle named Ninja embarked on an odyssey to find his way to the illustrious Monday Creek. Ninja, though small in stature, possessed an indomitable spirit and a carapace that gleamed with the promise of future grandeur.

Snapping turtles, known scientifically as Chelydra serpentina, are formidable creatures even from a tender age. Their robust beak-like jaws and serpentine necks render them adept hunters, capable of ambushing unsuspecting prey with a swift, decisive snap¹. Ninja, however, was still mastering the art of predation, often practicing his ambush techniques on errant leaves and twigs that floated by in the placid waters of his natal pond.

The journey to Monday Creek was fraught with perils and challenges. The creek, a sanctuary of biodiversity, flows serenely through a lush landscape. Despite the environmental adversities, over 85% of the watershed’s land area remains cloaked in dense forests, providing a haven for a myriad of species.

Ninja’s path was illuminated by the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above, casting an ethereal glow on the forest floor. He navigated through the labyrinthine underbrush, his tiny limbs propelling him forward with unwavering determination. Along the way, he encountered a cavalcade of woodland creatures, each offering a snippet of wisdom or a morsel of encouragement.

A wise squirrel, perched majestically on a gnarled branch, mussed softly, “Remember, young Ninja, the journey is as important as the destination. Embrace each moment with curiosity and wonder.”

As Ninja drew closer to Monday Creek, the air grew cooler, and the sound of babbling water became a soothing symphony to his ears. The creek, with its crystalline waters and verdant banks, was a sight to behold. It teemed with life, from darting fish to croaking frogs, all coexisting in harmonious symbiosis.

With a final burst of energy, Ninja plunged into the welcoming waters. The cool embrace of the creek invigorated him, and he swam with newfound vigor, exploring his new home. The creek, despite its history of pollution and erosion, has been revitalized through the tireless efforts of conservationists.

In a whimsical twist of fate, Ninja discovered a hidden grotto adorned with bioluminescent algae, casting a magical glow that danced on the water’s surface. It was here that Ninja decided to make his abode, a sanctuary within a sanctuary, where he could grow and thrive.

Ninja’s journey to Monday Creek came to a triumphant end, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with adventure, discovery, and the timeless beauty of nature’s resilience.