event

Beaver Ecology and Restoration Part 1: Introduction

Mature beaver crouching in the water, snacking on a willow branch. The water is clear and you can see the river rocks clearly.

Supporting beavers is a nuanced and complex process. Barks beaver program approaches this work from three angles- education and outreach, science and data collection and habitat restoration. Through education and outreach, we aim to spread the message of beavers as vital keystone species worthy of protecting. We use science and data collection to understand more about where beavers and beaver modified habitat areas are within Mt Hood National Forest and the surrounding areas. We then share this data with scientists and land managers in order to be a resource for further beaver and beaver modified habitat protections. We use a new survey form to upload our habitat data directly into a statewide database that can be shared by non-profits, ODFW, Forest Service, academics and more. We then do on the ground restoration work, such as willow planting and beaver dam analog installation, to enhance and create beaver habitat. This makes space for both beaver reintroduction as well as natural beaver migrations into new areas. Through combining these pillars of work, Bark is able to meaningfully combat climate change and habitat degradation on Mt. Hood National Forest.

This event will be the first part of a 2-part series. Intro to Beaver Ecology and Habitat Surveys will discuss some basic beaver biology, ecology and fun facts as well as go over beaver legislation and regulatory hurdles to beaver reintroduction. We’ll also go over our survey methods and the different things we look for during our Beaver Habitat Surveys. We’ll also cover all the logistics you’ll need to know to get out with us for surveys. Part 2 will take place in the field where Meg, Barks Restoration Program Manager, will further discuss Beaver Habitat Surveys and show examples of what to look for on field days.

If you want to do Beaver Habitat Surveys with Bark this year, the Intro class is the ideal way to lay the groundwork!

Location: Bark Office, 351 NE 18th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232

Date and Time: Wednesday, 5/27. 6pm-8pm.