About the Series & Workshop

This speaker series, co-hosted by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV), the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW), Larimer Conservation District (LCD) and Rocky Mountain Flycasters (RMF) brings together experts, enthusiasts, and community members passionate about the important 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 monthly speaker series, scheduled for February through September of 2026, 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.

During the summer, we will host in-person, hands-on tours to local beaver restoration projects and natural areas with active beavers, showcasing nature-based solutions to watershed restoration, including beaver mimicry techniques that benefit both people and wildlife.

Questions? Please email Megan Maiolo-Heath at megan@poudrewatershed.org

Schedule of Events

February 19 - “Beavers in Colorado: The Once & Future Ecosystem Engineers” with Dr. Ellen Wohl, Professor, Geosciences, Colorado State University

  • 6-8pm, Location TBD

  • Learn about the beneficial effects of beavers, their historical presence in Colorado, decline, and current reintroduction in limited areas.

  • Registration is required! To register visit:

March 12: “Dam It! Why Beavers are good for Fish” w/ Dr. Niall Clancy, Freshwater Ecologist

  • 6-8pm - Location TBD

  • Beavers and native fish co-evolved for literally millions of years, but with the Anthropocene era now in high gear how well do beavers and native fish coexist? What things should be considered when thinking about beavers and native fish? What role should humans play in ensuring the success of native wildlife like beavers and native fish? Come hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.

  • Registration is required! To register visit:


April 16: “Chew on This: Colorado's Approach to Beaver Management” with Boyd Wright, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW)

  • 6-8pm - Location TBD

  • 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.

May 21: Webinar - Policy Updates & Regulatory Considerations with Jackie Corday, Natural Resources Consultant

  • ZOOM - 6-8pm - Location TBD

  • More info coming soon!

June: Scott Shaverdian, Design Geomorphologist, Anabranch Solitions

  • 6-8pm - Location TBD

  • More info coming soon!

July: Topic TBD

  • 6-8pm - Location TBD

  • More info coming soon!

August: Elkhorn Creek Beaver Restoration Tour

  • Join the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW) and Larimer Conservation District for a tour of a stream restoration project on Elkhorn Creek

  • Time/Date TBD

  • Location: Ben Delatour Scout Ranch, Red Feather Lakes, CO

  • More info coming soon!

September: Topic TBD

  • 6-8pm - Location TBD

  • More info coming soon!