A sunny morning in May was the perfect time for learning all about beavers!
Led by Drew Johnson, our group gathered at a special spot in Ashfield to observe active beaver habitat and to learn about beavers’ many adaptations that make them such resilient creatures and environmental engineers.
Before heading out on our walk, we circled up for an introduction to beaver basics. It’s unusual to spot beavers during broad daylight – they’re more active during dawn and dusk. Instead, we got up close and personal with beaver artifacts passed around the circle.
Did you know that a beaver pelt has more hairs per square inch than are on an entire human head? This adaptation keeps Castor canadensis individuals warm in chilly temperatures, while oil secreted in sacs under the tail helps waterproof their fur.
Beavers give new meaning to “long in the tooth” – their sharp, hard teeth grow continuously throughout their lives! Hard enamel on the outside gives beaver teeth their yellow hue, and helps the teeth wear down in a chisel shape for efficient gnawing.
After a stroll down a quiet dirt lane, we arrived at the first of several beaver dam terraces, visible just feet away from the edge of the road. We paused to observe the dam, and to learn about the many other species who benefit from the habitat beavers create, such as moose and herons.
We rounded off our walk with the perspectives of the beaver pond’s neighbors, who shared what it’s like to live next to these creatures. Over the years, they’ve watched the beavers build and rebuild dams, attract diverse wildlife, and expand their lodge to a two-chambered complex.
And as a bonus, a rose-breasted grosbeak paused overhead just before we closed! Thank you to participant Calvin Clark for sharing this beautiful photograph of our feathered visitor.
Thank you to Drew, our Ashfield neighbors who welcomed us into their yard and shared what it’s like living next to a beaver family, and everyone who joined us for a morning of learning and connecting on the land!
For more wildlife learning, plus poetry, hikes, and more, join us at an upcoming event!
