Two significant signs greet visitors to Tobey Pond this week. The first advises beachgoers that cars are now being checked to ensure their owners have beach passes; the second asks visitors to respect the wildlife.
The permits are available at Town Hall and all beach users must have the stickers permanently attached to their windshields. Only Norfolk residents are eligible to purchase the permits at a cost of $85 per pass ($60 for persons 65 and older).
The second sign signals the return of momma snapping turtle to her favorite maternity ward. As they did last year, the lifeguards have circled her nest on the beach with colorful stones and have posted a sign asking visitors to respect the site (we can only hope the racoons do, too).
Momma turtle, christened Teresa by the beach staff, was a little later in laying her eggs this year. She emerged from the town’s pond on June 2nd last year but delayed until the 16th this summer. Last year, Tobey Pond beach administrator Josh DeCerbo hoped the little turtles would emerge for the Tobey Day celebration in mid-August, but nature did not oblige, and the babies finally made their way down to what would become their aquatic home in early September.
Teresa’s late start does not necessarily mean that DeCerbo won’t get his wish this year. Snapping turtle eggs can take anywhere from three to six months to hatch. A warmer climate and good weather conditions allow the eggs to hatch quickly so, if all goes well, Teresa’s latest brood could put in an appearance for the 2025 Tobey Day (TBD).
One thing is certain—Teresa will be a no-show. Notoriously nonchalant about their families, turtles lay their eggs and leave the hatchlings to their own devices.