Blog

Wetland Wonders: Welcoming Back Beavers – Event Series

Meet the orange-toothed, tail-slapping engineers of the natural world. 

 

 

Please join us for this three-part celebration of beaver brilliance:  

1. Join a virtual webinar with Ben Goldfarb on September 6th at 6:00 pm 

Ben Goldfarb is the author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. His work has appeared in publications including the Atlantic, Science, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. His next book, Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, will be published by W.W. Norton & Co. in September 2023. Registration required.

2. Bring the kids to the Bainbridge Island Library on September 9th at 11:00 am 

Children’s book reading and activity session all about beavers with librarians at Kitsap Regional Library’s Bainbridge Island branch. No registration is required.   

3. Learn, Discuss, Explore at Islandwood on September 17th from 12:00 – 5:00 pm

Learn from educational presentations by BeaversNW, King County Department of Natural Resources, Wild Fish Conservancy, Kitsap County Planning and Environmental Programs, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Discuss beavers in the Living with Beaver Neighbors panel discussion focusing on beaver management strategies and resources for landowners. Our panel consists of representatives from BeaversNW, Kitsap County Planning and Environmental Programs, the City of Bainbridge Island Water Resources, and the Little Andersen Creek Watershed Working Group.

Explore Islandwood’s beaver pond with a self-guided hike.

Registration required.

 

Please register at www.islandwood.org.

We look forward to your participation in Wetland Wonders: Welcoming Back Beavers, as we come together to protect and preserve the natural beauty and function of our local watersheds.

 

This event series aims to provide a space for community members to learn about beaver ecology, their role in the ecosystem, the history of beavers, and how to live harmoniously with these fascinating creatures. These events are featured as a part of our Watershed Initiative, a conservation effort dedicated to protecting the natural resources and wildlife habitats in the watersheds of Bainbridge Island. 

The Watershed Initiative focuses on the restoration of wetlands and streams, which play a vital role in maintaining water quality and quantity, as well as supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species. By understanding and appreciating the importance of beavers in this ecosystem, we can work towards creating sustainable and healthy environments for all. Whether you have a personal interest in beavers or are involved in land management and conservation, this event will provide valuable insights and knowledge. 

During this series, you can expect to: 

1. Learn about beaver ecology: Discover the fascinating behaviors, adaptations, and ecological functions of beavers. Understand their role as a keystone species and how they shape their environment. 

2. Explore the history of beavers: Delve into the historical significance of beavers, their impact on human societies, and their role in shaping landscapes throughout time.

3. Discover coexistence strategies: Gain practical insights and techniques on how to peacefully coexist with neighboring beavers. Learn about innovative solutions, such as flow devices and beaver management practices that promote harmony between humans and beavers.

Join us on this exciting journey of understanding and appreciation for beavers and their significance in our local ecosystem.