Shale, a rock formed from ancient sea mud, is everywhere on the land. If you look closely, it often contains fossils from the earlier life forms that were both pulled up from the shallow sea that used to line the ancient Catskill mountains, millions of years ago, and churned up from old rivers when glaciers changed the face of the region.

There are many Indigenous nations with creation accounts that communicate that the land where we stand was formed on a turtle’s back. Many turtles have plates on their shell that parallels the 13 moon cycles, with 28 days in between. They are ancient beings that carry a key to the cosmos. Turtle’s presence in our habitat reflects our clean water and healthy ecosystems. At Reunion, we are grateful to support these ancient creatures, who in turn have been hosting all others since time immemorial.

The honeybee is the classic example of not knowing the scope of your impact on the world around you. In foraging for their own food, bees pollinate the environment and serve as a cornerstone of entire ecosystem.

Maple sap begins to flow from the tree during the first signs of the spring, where the days are slightly warmer and the nights are still freezing. Maple breaks the frozen fast induced by the region’s harsh winter.

Spiders keep the balance. They regulate the environment by protecting us from challenging insect species. Whether they inspire fear or awe, they undoubtedly move with precision and grace. Sometimes our greatest teachers come in unfamiliar forms. We understand spiders as a grandmother because of powerful Navajo and Hopi creation stories, which allow us to understand the full scope of their power.

Toads are abundant on the land, and they often feel as if they carry a message from the other side. They contain mysteries and multitudes: the physically grow as they age, and while they do stick to a territory, they are often on the move. They dig themselves deep into the earth in the winter, and their appearance carries the portent of spring, rain, wellbeing, and the unending cycles of life.

Frogs are an indicator of environmental health. When pollutant levels rise, frogs are often the first to suffer. We are grateful to have them in abundance, and to hear their gentle music that fills our quiet nights.

We learned throughout the years that despite their prickly exterior (be careful with the quills, which are barbed and difficult to remove) that porcupines have elaborate mating rituals that are quite loud! This elaborate prickly dance can last for weeks and keeps these otherwise solitary creatures close throughout the season.

Reishi mushrooms are an adaptogen, which helps the body manage stress and balance chemical processes that boost your immune system. We often find Reishi on the land, where it is able to grow on fallen hemlock trees. It shows up in surprise sunbursts of red and gold, among a cluster of friends. We harvest it carefully and with gratitude.

Chanterelles emerge bountifully in summertime. Their health and timing depends on the rain. When they show up they dot the trail edges with a delightful orange gold that makes you feel like you’ve landed at the end of a rainbow. But! They caution us to be discerning: while Chanterelles are extremely healthy, full of vitamins, antioxidants, and prebiotics, false Chantrelles--like Jack’o’Lantern mushrooms will make you sick!

The strawberry plant begins with clusters of sweet white flowers. The Haudensaunee consider the strawberry the leader of the berries—it is the first to cover the ground, and often shows up in full glory on the first day of summer. Strawberries are a gift to receive, that we are committed to share.

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