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Turtle Rock Farm News:
Of riparian zones and Red Sun Fish,
city kids digging potatoes,
cooking sustainably,
watching the amazing Dung Beetle
and recording those haiku moments
 
 
Seining Doe Creek with Oklahoma Conservation Commission's Blue Thumb staff
and other volunteers. As part of a stream monitoring program, there is a fish survey
every five years. Key discovery: great fish population where there is a healthy riparian area between the stream and cropland; no riparian area equals no fish.
 
Jeannie Martin, friend, teacher and United Methodist Deaconess, came from the shores of Massachusetts to the Oklahoma prairie to teach us how to write nature poems, in the form of haiku. It was a wonderful retreat.
 
 
Children from a summer program in Oklahoma City come to the farm for a day, hiking in the country, digging potatoes, seeing how garlic grows and getting to know the animals.
 
Women from Albright United Methodist Church in Ponca City spend the day
learning how to cook the sustainable way.
    Participants in the Prairie Retreat learned how to get to know an ecosystem-
in this case, a prairie ecosystem: its geology during the Cosmic Walk, the habitat
along Doe Creek and a myriad of details through a jeweler's loupe.Thanks and Best Wishes to Alyssa  We say thank you, farewell and best wishes to Alyssa Armstrong, who spent three months with us, as a WWOOF intern. In her last days with us, she watched Dung Beetles with our friend and board member Dorothy Gray, and painted the trim on the hermitage.
What a Great Month at TRF!
Despite drought conditions, over-the-top temperatures and the relentless wind (one evening, up to 70 mph!) we had a great time at Turtle Rock Farm in June. By the time the month came to a close there was relief from the weather (we got some rain) and we savored those 70-degree mornings with their heavy dew and gentle breezes.
We said a sad farewell to Alyssa Armstrong, who interned with us for three months and now is off to the east coast to learn more about organic farming and living in community. She is a remarkable young woman, whose insatiable desire to learn, willingness to work hard, creative talent, cheerful disposition and warmth with people of all ages made wonderful contributions to our work here. The world is in good hands with young people like Alyssa.
There were some firsts this month: our first fish survey at Doe Creek, the sighting of Dung Beetles for the first time in years, the sighting of a horned toad for the first time in years, our first-ever Haiku Retreat. We also welcomed children from the city, couples and individuals making personal retreats in Sallie McFague House (the strawbale hermitage), and had a great weekend exploring the prairie ecosystem during the Women on the Prairie Retreat. You can read more (and keep up with what's happening daily) on our blog: www.turtlerockfarm.wordpress.com
July might actually be cooler than June! No promises, but we've seen it happen. In either case, there are personal retreats scheduled and three of our programmed retreats: two Earth Dinners (the garden is looking good, still, so we can harvest vegetables as we learn to cook sustainably) and Getting To Know Nature for the First Time Through Photography. The Shepherds' Retreat will be held in July as well. And if you're interested in one of the last chances to experience applying lime plaster to the outside of the strawbale hermitage, give us a call at 580.725.3411 or email Ann at annmcferron@hotmail.com. We're hoping to have a group lime-plastering day in July or August.
We hope to welcome you one day this summer.
In beauty and peace, Ann and Pat |
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Thank You Volunteers!
Thank you Fred and Carol.
And the baptism class from Pond Creek First Christian Church.
And Katie and Brok.
Have we got a deal for you!
a day at Turtle Rock Farm (on us)
for 3 hours of labor (yours)
lunch included; lodging is not
As we grow and expand our offerings and our facility, we couldn't get along without the wonderful people who volunteer at Turtle Rock Farm. They have become a cherished part of our community.
If you're interested in helping out, let us know. We'll work together and you can have some retreat time and some community time around a table set with home-cooked fresh food.
Note: This offer does not pertain to our programmed workshops and retreats.
Call us at 580.725.3411 or email annmcferron@hotmail.com; 580.917.6011 or email pathoerth@gmail.com |
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Keep Up with Us Daily on our Blog
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A QUICK LOOK AT TRF EVENTS
July 9
Cooking for the Earth Workshop
July 17-18
Shepherds' Retreat
July 23
Meeting Nature for the First Time
Through Photography
July 30
Cooking for the Earth Workshop
August 13
Getting to Know the Animals
August 27
Gardening and Composting Workshops
Turtle Rock Farm Retreat Center is Eco-Certified Platinum
www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com |
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and coming up...
The Third Annual Prairie Dinner and Concert
OCTOBER 1
Fiddler Extraordinaire Kyle Dillingham will be in concert Kamala Gamble will prepare an amazingly delicious local foods dinner served alongside Doe Creek
Reserve your place at the table at: www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com
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Upcoming
Retreats and Workshops |
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Earth Dinner: Cooking Sustainably
Or, How Eating Can Change the World
July 9
Decisions we make about food not only impact our health, but also the health of the planet. On this retreat participants will learn how food impacts global warming, why it matters what we eat and what we can do about it: where to get food, what kind of food to get and how to cook it. We'll learn about cooking local fresh food using methods that are simple and that create flavorful meals. Half the day will be spent in the kitchen. The retreat ends with a supper we prepare together, and a reminder of the joy of eating together.
To register, go to our website: www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com
Shepherds' Retreat
July 17-18
For United Methodist Lay and Clergy
A 24-hour retreat modeled on the Spiritual Academy with cycles of holy reading, silence, group sharing. The retreat begins and ends with Eucharist and includes Morning and Evening Prayer. For questions and to register, email Rev. Susan Ross at ross-susan@sbcglobal.net or Pat at pathoerth@gmail.com
Meeting Nature Again for the First Time:
Learning to See, Through Photography
July 23
One of the best ways to get to know and appreciate the wonders of nature is to spend relaxed time in careful observation. One of the best ways to observe, is to photograph what we see and try to communicate not only what we see, but what we feel when we see it. After some discussion and instruction, we'll be out in the natural world with our cameras (bring your own.)
To register, go to our website: www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com
Earth Dinner: Cooking Sustainably
Or, How Eating Can Change the World
July 30
See above for details and link to registration.
Getting to Know the Animals
August 13 
We live on this planet with a multitude of species. At Turtle Rock Farm, we have realized that learning from and learning to live with animals is an essential part of an enriched life. During this retreat, Ann and Pat will share our experiences with animals. Writings of others who have "learned from the animals" will also be shared. There will be time spent with the animals that are part of the community of Turtle Rock Farm. To register, go to our website: www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com Gardening and Composting: Building a Raised Bed Garden
and/or a Turnable Composter
August 27 
We've combined two workshops into one. You can come for a full day and build both a four-by-four foot raised bed garden with a hoop and a turnable composter, or come half a day and build one or the other. With a growing awareness of the value to our health and the health of the planet, more and more people are growing some of their own food. In addition to going home with tools to garden and compost, you'll get information about growing vegetables and composting We'll show you our gardens and composting projects.
To register, go to our website: www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com
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Comments from our guests...
"My stay in this hermitage has been the capstone experience to an amazing week. I came jut yesterday directly from a three-day workshop on the ecology of the North Canadian River watershed conducted by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. I find great inspiration from those who are living and working to protect and educate others in awareness and harmonic living within our dynamic ecosystem. Perhaps God is reaching out to us in a silent yet profound conversation as we become more 'in tune' with natural systems. I am thankful for this experience. Peace." -- S.C.
"Turtle Rock Farm experiences are for people who care about the environment now and for future generations. We need to treat our world and others with more respect. (Important vocabulary: we, our, together.)" -- M.A. R.
"Peace on the prairie
In my soul I will carry.
To share and to live
Is the gift I will give."
-- L.A.
"Our time at the hermitage has been a tremendous blessing. The solitude, silence and serenity allowed a sharper focus on our relationship with our Heavenly Father. The labyrinth, the books and your gracious demeanor enhanced our stay. Thank you for your heapin' helpin' of hospitality. Peace and grace to you." -- Jeff and Vicky
"What a treat to be able to stay in the straw bale/adobe hermitage. It reminded me of 'home' in New Mexico! We are looking forward to collecting fish from Doe Creek. May the Lord continue to bless you." -- Jean Lemmon
"A perfect place! Thank you for this sacred space - and for all those sister travelers who have stayed here. Blessings." -- Jeannie Martin
"Thanks to God and to you who have provided this place of rest and reflection. We are blessed by your hospitality. May peace, hope and joy come to all who linger here."
-- Danny and Joyce
"Very nice place to relax and find yourself. Can't wait to return. Wish we could have stayed longer." -- T. J.
"I had a lot of fun. Hope I can come back soon." -- A.M.
"Thank you for letting me stay the night. I liked it. I loved the prairie and I loved all the animals. Most of all I liked spending time with you. Love, E.M."
"Earth Plunge-a great experience and opportunity. Many thanks for this place." -- M.L.
"Thank you for making my 'desert day' a special one. It was good to be with Jesus in his passion while walking the labyrinth. I enjoyed my companions - Maizey and Joe - and everything about this day. I hope this is only the first of many visits to Turtle Rock. May God continue to bless you and the work you are doing." -- D.L.
"Earth Day and Good Friday. An inspiring, relaxed sharing, praying and playing together; to shear alpacas-and have the fleece spun and plied into yarn!; to bless this hermitage, where I am privileged to stay tonight; to share a simple yet delicious meal, and finish off the evening with music and dancing! What a blessed day! Thank you so very much!" -- Sr. Terry
"It's been a very quiet couple of days for me to do some deep and difficult psychological work. I benefited greatly from the energy kinesiology session, the massage, the crickets, Joe the Dog and the quiet." -- A.V.
"Played my flute in the teepee with the wind keeping time by flapping the canvas. Pounded my djembe within these thick walls {at the hermitage} and absorbed the solid, solitude, solidarity. Strummed my ukulele and was softened by the timbre of the taut, short strings. And sang in a voice only God heard. Thanks." -- D.C.
"We really enjoyed the Taize service as well as the quiet and peaceful evening and walks outdoors (although the wind was brisk and a little cool!) -- Maribeth and Greg
"Woke to coyotes howling and geese honking-it couldn't be better. An oasis for a weary soul! Thank you. Blessings." -- N.
"To a beautiful planet! Thank you, Ann and Pat, for great food and a peaceful time."
--Tina, Christopher and Ila
"Thanks so much for your hospitality and great food. We've all enjoyed our time together immensely. This is a ministry of blessing which you so generously share with others." -- Loma Sullivan
"I enjoyed feeding the animals and helping with salad. Hospitality and entertaining are my 'forte.' Thanks for letting me help." -- Loretta Payne
"This is a beautiful place! So quiet and restful. Thank you for the experience."
-- Dorothy Coy Light
"What a beautiful and peaceful place. Thanks for working so hard to make it available to sojourners." -- Steve Roach
"What a wonderful place to retreat. Thank you for all your hard work in making this place happen." -- Frank Denney
"If you want or need a serene, spiritual place to go, Turtle Rock is perfect for prayer and reflection. It has all the elements you need to find God and yourself."
-- Cindy Bullen, Wickline UMC
"If you are looking for the opportunity to slow down so you can think, you will find it at Turtle Rock Farm. The Simpler Living Retreat gave lots of food for thought and helped me to find a focus from it that I can take home and apply to 'real life.' Your life will be impacted in ways unexpected. I feel like I not only gained more ideas for simpler living, but also acquired realistic ideas to coping with and sorting out various areas of stress in day-to-day life. Choose one small positive change you want to work on, commit to it, focus and anything is possible. Thank you Turtle Rock Farm!" -- Michelle Hamilton
"Turtle Rock Farm is a wonderful place to come and be refreshed. To relax with nature surrounding you. To come away a stronger person - more able to cope with all the pressures of our modern lifestyle. I would highly encourage people to 'escape' to Turtle Rock Farm."
-- L.D., Kansas
"It was a perfect retreat...New understanding has dawned illuminating my path with added clarity and compassion...The labyrinth was transforming, as was working with the mud in building inside walls of the hermitage. These three days signified family, roots, births, mothers, grandmother and the Great Mother, Earth. Your perspectives added richness to the experience as did Ann's energy kinesiology session. Thank you both for providing a safe, sacred place and opening it to us. Favorite mental image: Grasshopper dancing in the fields!" -- J.S.
"Thank you Pat and Ann for a wonderful stay. Our Creator God blesses us to be a blessing and that's what you're doing with this farm; allowing it to be a blessing to others, so that they may come and rest in God's awesome beauty and presence and love. Peace and Joy." -- C.H.
"We felt renewed and relaxed (yes, even at the same time!) by the sense of community we experienced. Preparing the healthy and spiritual food was calming and centering for us both. I will always remember watching the momma cat affectionately loving on her white litter of kittens. The afternoon rainstorm was just what the land, and the soul needed! Thank you both!" -- Raven Crowl
"It's been rewarding and inspiring to be with people that love and care about life so much. Thanks for teaching me so many different things." -- Denise Bertoncino
"What fun, what joy, what a solid experience. To see all of us join together to create the hermitage was inspiring. This will continue to inspire me into building my own dwelling. Thank you!!!" -- Cassandra Bachrad
"What a privilege, what a blessing to be part of building the first retreat building on your beautiful property. May the love spread through all who come to experience peace in creation at its best." -- George Kilmer
"It has been a beautiful experience learning about beautiful buildings that help save the Earth and meeting such wonderful people in such a beautiful setting. Thank you all." -- --Jim McKinney
"What a wonderful piece of Oklahoma! I have very much enjoyed the time I have been here and enjoyed the spirit of this place. I wish peace for all who come here. Thanks." --Scott Jordan
"Your kindness and the community that has formed here make me fall in love with Oklahoma all over again. I feel so thankful for the old, open wisdom that has been shared. So many wonderful lives. Love it!" -- Steven Wooley
"Have you ever felt as if you could see the world in every direction? The labyrinth at Turtle Rock Farm is perched on top of a rolling hill, surrounded by wildflowers and prairie grasses and as you walk the sacred path, you can see beauty in every direction. Come and see."
-- Jeni Markham Clewell
"What an amazing experience! Thank you ladies for sharing your love and land with us all. The labyrinth retreat is a must for anyone seeking to dive deeper into themselves."
-- Shela and Kiran, Tulsa
"When you come to Turtle Rock, the world changes. There is an intentional connection to Earth, to the past, to the present, to the future. Turtle Rock is a place of incredible grace, a place of peace." -- Paul Calkin
"Awakened to a world washed clean from thundershowers. The birds are cheerful and greet us with morning song. A lovely retreat to enjoy the wonders of creation! My only sadness - it was much too brief. Eager to return." -- Shelley R.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality and generosity. Our kids had such a blast feeding the animals and using the kayaks and canoe. The fresh eggs were delicious and your home was so cozy and comfortable. We enjoyed being out in nature and being together as a family. The kids LOVED it all!" -- Lisa, Madi and Christian
"Thank you for these great times of our lives. I'm sure we'll come back soon."
-- Bethany
"A blizzard on the first day of spring. I should be worried about getting home, but I can't find it in myself. There's such peace here. Thank you for a quiet place to rest with God."
-- Sara Marie Bodenstein
"We came for a gardening workshop and found so much more. We treasured our time here due to the incredible scenery and lovely people. We felt welcomed and at home. These days helped us rekindle our love and commitment to Earth. Thank you for sharing your land, passion and talents." -- Wendy
"This retreat is a great idea. Women who are military can get together to bond, share their stories and life with others who have the same experience. It is a 'happy' place."
-- J
"Just knowing we, the women of the United States military are not alone is beautiful. Thank you to Turtle Rock." -- Max, US Army
"I loved camping on the hill - beautiful views of the Oklahoma prairie. Beautiful place - thanks for sharing." -- M.C.
"Wow! What a peaceful, lovely place. Thank you for your hospitality. Looking forward to future visits and more peace..." -- Molly Helm
"'Unless you find belonging in your solitude, your external longing will remain needy and driven.' Thanks again for your hospitality in this Sacred Space. Gracias! Blessings! Namaste!" -- Mary Lou Bender
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"Retreat is neither whim nor luxury nor self-indulgence, but a rock-bottom staple of a healthy life. We need retreat as surely as we need oxygen or protein. While any given retreat may start out as a joyride - a few days away from spouse, kids or job; a chance to spread one's wings, loosen one's belt, kick up one's heels - it always winds up as a pilgrimage. We start to look for what really counts." -- Philip Zaleski, The Recollected Heart
How does one 'do' a Retreat?
A
"retreat" at Turtle Rock Farm is a chance to get away into the quiet
and beauty of the prairie. But not everyone is used to the quiet and
find the idea a bit intimidating, even if they know they long for it.
A
retreat can be a time when you sleep, listen to music, read, walk,
visit, play musical instruments, do art, bask in silence, get a
therapeutic massage, sit in a rocking chair on the porch, visit with a
spiritual director, receive an energy kinesiology session, explore nature, walk the labyrinth, feed an alpaca, gather eggs, garden, kayak or swim in the pond, sit at a farm table...alone, with friends, family, or with the community gathered here at the farm.
It can be what you need and what you want it to be. We are happy to guide and assist, or give you solitude.
To reserve your individual, group, couple or family retreat:
email or phone pathoerth@gmail.com; 580.917.6011
or annmcferron@hotmail.com; 580.725.3411
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our partnership
with GreenConnections...
The First Annual Green Connections
Dinner on the Prairie - October 2009
Green Connections is a 501c3 Not-for-Profit corporation committed to helping people connect with Earth, be healed in it and learn to live more sustainably. In addition to supporting the mission of Turtle Rock Farm through its programming, our dream is to build a retreat center and hermitages with sustainable building methods, including straw bale construction.
If you believe in the work of Green Connections, please consider gifting us with your supportive wishes and hopes, with your volunteer labor, and with your dollars. All gifts, large and small, would be appreciated. If you have questions, please call 580.725.3411 or 580.917.6011.
We are seeking sponsors...
...for the Prairie Dinner and Concert.
And we are seeking grants and donations for the building of a retreat center.
You may send tax deductible donations to Green Connections, 5900 CR 90, Red Rock, OK 74651. Or, go to our website - www.turtlerockfarmretreat.com - and click on Green Connections Partner, and use Paypal to send your donation. Or, click here:
Green Connection Board members meet the Alpaca
Meet our board members:
Green Connections: Kay Adair, Beverly Alexander (treasurer), Elizabeth Box Price, Dorothy Gray, Pat Hoerth, Stephanie Jordan, Ann McFerron, Mary Moloney, Claudia Scribner, Alan Ware (president.)
Turtle Rock Farm Advisory Council: Barbara Hagan, Bruce Johnson, Tom Temple, Corey Williams
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We Support the Buy Fresh Buy Local Movement
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Turtle Rock Farm LLC:
A Center for Sustainability, Spirituality and Healing
Mission Statement
Connecting with the Natural World
We believe that Earth - part of the Creator's good creation - has intrinsic value.
We believe that human beings are interdependent with all of creation and that the Creator is calling humans to re-connect with creation, with Earth,
and participate more consciously in the web of life. We want to provide
opportunities for people to experience our connectedness with creation
in three distinct ways:
+ organizing and leading retreats that afford people the experience of our
connection and interdependence with the web of life: all of creation, each other and the Divine.
+ promote healing - of Earth, creation and humans, through connecting with
Earth which, we believe, can heal us - as well as through the various modalities of holistic health care including Energy Kinesiology.
Learning to Live Sustainably
+ living sustainably and teaching and supporting others in their efforts to live sustainably. By sustainability, we mean honoring, bringing, enabling life rather than harming and disposing of life; learning practical things to do to sustain life on Earth. Because we believe this is done in community, we hope to promote community life.
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