The Cycles of Life on the Land

There is purpose in all that happens on the Land.

A deer has walked their last steps and taken their last breath on the Land. Where they lay silent, there is also new growth and life: their laid body becomes important nutrients for the soil & the interconnectedness of other beings happens in this very spot as well.

The cycles of life and change are also continuing for female Snapping turtles. In early to mid June, she knows to find an area where the soil is warm, dig a hole & lay her eggs. Her job ends as “mother”, but the growing process carries on, as the eggs stay warm & protected. The clutch of 20-50 ping-pong ball-sized eggs continues to develop in the soil and grow into a turtle hatchling, ready to move to water. In September, the nest of baby snapping turtles hatches, and they find their way to open water. Last year, they were helped by the caring, small hands from the Fall 2025 TreeSchool class.

Our team will go on to monitor the nesting sites and steward the hatchlings in any way we can.