Leave it to the Beavers

Beaver Restoration Speaker Series and Workshop - March 2024

 

About the Series & Workshop

This speaker series and workshop, co-hosted by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW) brings together experts, enthusiasts, and community members passionate about the pivotal role beavers play in creating resilient ecosystems. In addition, learn about low-tech, process-based restoration projects in the Poudre Watershed that are improving habitat and encouraging the return of beavers!

The three-part speaker series will include presentations from leading experts in beaver ecology, conservation, and watershed management. We will learn about the ecological significance of beavers, their impact on water systems, and the crucial role they play in maintaining biodiversity.

We will end the series with an in-person, hands-on workshop on March 31st designed to provide practical insights into beaver habitat restoration techniques. From LTPBR simulations to habitat assessment exercises, participants will gain valuable skills and knowledge to actively contribute to restoration efforts.

Questions? Please email megan@poudrewatershed.org

Schedule of Events

March 5: Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter with author Ben Goldfarb

  • March 5, 7-9pm at Odell Brewing Co. RSVP >>

  • In Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb reveals that our modern conception of a healthy ecosystem is wrong, distorted by the fur trade that once eliminated millions of beavers from North America’s waterways. The consequences of losing beavers were profound: ponds drained, wetlands dried up, and species from salmon to swans lost vital habitat. Today, a growing coalition of “Beaver Believers”—including scientists, farmers, and passionate citizens—recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier than those without them. From the Nevada deserts to the Scottish highlands, Believers are hard at work restoring these industrious rodents to their former haunts. In his talk, Ben will discuss the history and biology of this world-changing species; how beavers can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, and climate change; and how we can coexist with this challenging but vital rodent. 

  • If you can't make it in-person, you can sign up to watch the livestream on Zoom! We will also send the Zoom link to people waitlisted for the in-person talk a day or two before.

March 12: Webinar - Regulatory Considerations with Jackie Corday, Natural Resources Consultant

  • March 12 at 6pm on Zoom

  • Sometimes beaver need a helping hand to be able to return to their historic habitat, such as when riparian vegetation has been substantially reduced. Restoration case studies indicate restoring the stream via low-tech, process-based restoration (LTPBR) can often lead to beaver being able to return to take over the restoration work. This session will cover how certain types of LTPBR restoration projects can fit within the 2023 stream restoration bill SB270 that provided exemptions for having to obtain a water right for certain types of stream restoration work. You'll learn about what types of restoration projects fit within the exemptions, which may not, options on how to proceed in either case, other key legal language in the bill, and guidelines to reduce risk of potential conflicts for restoration projects.

  • Registration is required! To register for this webinar CLICK HERE.

March 19: Saving the Dammed with Dr. Ellen Wohl

  • March 19 at 6:30-8:30pm (New Belgium Brewing Co. Community Room) RSVP >>

  • Rivers throughout the contiguous United States have been simplified and homogenized by channel engineering, flow regulation, and removal of beavers and large wood. This has led to loss of resilience to disturbances including floods, droughts, and wildfires. This talk explores how beaver dams, ponds, and canals modify rivers and increase resilience, using examples from the Colorado Front Range.

  • If you can't make it in-person, you can sign up to watch the livestream on Zoom!

March 31: In-person Workshop - Co-existing With Beavers w/ Nick Hagan and WRV

  • March 31, 10am-3pm at NoCo Potters’ Guild (209 Christman Dr #4, Fort Collins, CO 80524)

  • How do two ecosystem engineers coexist on the same real estate? For most, the answer is "we can't," leading to beaver dam removal and trapping or killing of the beaver colony. In this one-day workshop, participants will learn about devices that can be used to manage beaver behavior and protect property and infrastructure while still leaving enough for the beaver to thrive, all at a fraction of the long-term cost of the lethal alternative.

  • Space is limited and registration is required for this workshop. Register >>