Preparing A Turtle Environment

Kids grow so fast! I can still feel their baby breath on my neck as I held them after feeding them. How wonderful it was to carry them as I sung a lullaby to help them sleep. Now grown up, I have other great experiences as we share grown up conversations; as I observe how they manage to gain a living, or as we laugh while they talk of life issues.

My three children came from my womb, but with different intelligences. We are all unique, with different talents and desires...from those differences diversity is found. My older son used to involve himself in amazing projects which ended up involving the whole family. He has changed but he has not stopped being one of my babies; even though he has a beard!

My son got two turtles and wanted to prepare a natural environment. This mom got caught once again into his idea and she wrapped along Mr. Froggy213. We started to capture the basics steps of his project that turned into a team challenging work assignment.

A cooperative project is an experience that definitely requires a level of maturity and patience with each other. Accepting others ways is hard in moments when things have to be done one way from all the ideas of the group. Respect is a social value to guaranty that future projects will add growth to each other.

Before I share the project I recommend this wonderful song of growth for parents and for those of us that are still growing.

There are many types of land and marine turtles. Species like: the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Green Turtle, and the Loggerhead; have their nesting grounds located around the world.

The beaches of Puerto Rico, particularly the north coast and the islands of Culebra and Vieques are prime nesting grounds for the endangered sea turtle Leatherback (Tinglar). We consider ourselves lucky to witness one of nature's greatness, when dozens of flippers hatch and begin their long and venturesome journey.

The Northeast Ecological Corridor (Corredor Ecologico del Noreste ) is a stretch of about 6¹/₂ miles of coastline, from Luquillo to Fajardo. The area had been designed as a nature reserve. Since 2005 in the month of April, Luquillo celebrates the annual Learthback Turtle Festival (Festival el Tinglar), in cooperation with the Sierra Club; to promote awareness and conservation of the beautiful natural environment.

The first step was to define the project idea.

I try my best to save money and to do so I search around the house to see what can be used or recycled. I found a tank that was almost becoming a waste since the real use for it was not viable. Recycling is a necessary activity that turns materials that would become waste into valuable resources.

The second step was identifying possible solutions and alternatives.

We all were observing the land for a place where it best fit. Observation is an ability that not necessarily the fact of seeing will give good results. I think that some people have a capacity of eye measuring first than using a ruler. Common sense is really handy in this step.

The third step was to identify technical and economic need.

Planning how to deal with the land formation and the roots encountered in the excavation for the beams was very challenging. This step was frustrating. Focusing that it was to provide a natural environment for turtles had us managing what was being invested by talent, time, kindness and money. Measuring, cutting, decorating and dealing with unexpected situations is what makes a project interesting, as well as providing bonds to the group.

After the project is done, the pride reflected on a face has a value that could not be bought.

Enjoy the homemade video and blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill