I fell in love with a turtle today.

so much to discover in the world

dear northern turtle

your Salvador Dali mustache smile

captured me.

Blanding your name

mesmerized I watched

your neck stretch to snake-like length,

skin palpitating with each breath.

May we all fall in love

to protect and care for you

may you flourish forever.

Blanding’s Turtle may be seen at the Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake, MN. Named after the naturalist William Blanding, this species was classified as a threatened turtle in MN in 1984. Blanding’s Turtle may live over 70 years, making it one of the longest lived turtles. Please watch this video from the Ontario Wildlife Video Series.