Snapping Turtle Says Thanks

There’s no better reminder of why we do this work than coming face-to-face with the wildlife that calls these waterways home. During our Speed River cleanup last evening, we were treated to a remarkable encounter with a large snapping turtle tucked along the bank. These ancient reptiles depend on clean, healthy riparian habitat to thrive, and seeing one up close made every muddy step worth it.

For over two hours, we waded in and worked the banks to pull out over 20 kilograms of debris and recyclables: plastic waste buried in the riverbed, construction material, and plywood. Getting into the river to retrieve shopping bags and drop sheets was hard, physical work, but also deeply connecting to the environment around us.

Every cleanup tells a story about what our rivers have been quietly absorbing, and what’s possible when people show up and do something about it. The snapping turtle we encountered isn’t just a cool sighting; it’s a sign that this ecosystem has life worth protecting. Glad we got our feet wet to make a small difference on this stretch of the Speed River.