Viewing Jamaica Bay from the perspective of diamondback terrapins underscores the need to rethink how we use land and coexist with other species. The terrapins’ dual reliance on land and water reveals the critical importance of preserving natural transitions and addressing humanmade barriers, such as hard shorelines and habitat fragmentation. By tackling these challenges, including the threat of poaching, we can protect the terrapins’ nesting grounds and contribute to the long-term health and balance of Jamaica Bay’s ecosystem.