Beavers Back in Time
Crane Creek, Oregon – Part 1 1925 – 1936 Read this delightful story of one operator’s experiences when beavers were removed from his property, and then returned again.
THE BEAVER EFFECT
What is the relationship between the beaver and the environment, other animals, and us? What actions lead to what reactions? The stories below highlight the connections between beavers and other animals and the ecosystem we all share.
Beavers are American Engineers!
Not long ago, water held longer on Oregon landscapes as beavers occupied streams through every corner of the state. Waters were slowed, valley bottom floors widened over time as sediment, and rich soils built up, which increased forageable areas. These stream flows remained throughout the year, even during severe drought. All of this is thanks …
Frogs need water
Frogs need water. The word amphibian comes from Greek meaning double life- one on land and one in water. Colombia spotted frogs are a combination of olive green and light brown with a mix of black spots. They have a light-colored strip along their upper lip. Their back feet are webbed more than other frogs …
Trumpeter swan and beaver
A call like no other The beaver builds the ponds that the trumpeter swan looks for. The swan glides in with a wingspan of 8 feet. This bird is the biggest waterbird in the air, the original jumbo jet. They’re a graceful big bird, a cursive shape made up of bright white feathers and black …
Remember to Play
It’s easy to be a little jealous of otters. They have the DNA to juggle rocks, use tools, and play well with each other. They are naturally irresistible. According to Indigenous beliefs, otters reminds us of the power of play; life is a gift; don’t worry so much; stop fighting the current. Detach from problems, …
Trees! Beavers! Woodpeckers!
Wildlife trees, beavers, and Lewis’s woodpecker A Lewis’s woodpecker collected by Meriweather Lewis during the early 1800s expedition is the one remaining specimen from that collection. It is kept at Harvard university. These birds need our help to boost numbers today. At least beavers are helping. How? It’s all about snags which become safe havens …
Pollination and Fertilization
Bats are not flying rodents. Strange as it sounds, it would be more accurate to call them flying people. Their DNA is much closer to humans than mice or any other rodent. Bats are great for pest control and pollination. If you like to eat bananas, avocados, peaches, mangoes, rice, corn, sugarcane, beans, tomatoes… the …
The Chinook and the Beaver
The Chinook and the Beaver What’s the relationship between Oregon’s official fish and animal? Chinook salmon know their way over a beaver dam. They weren’t born yesterday. How do you think they’ve been making the journey from rivers to oceans and back for five million or so years? Beaver ponds are sanctuaries for young salmon. …
Meadows of Mutuality
Meadows of Mutuality The sage grouse knows what it loves. It loves sagebrush and meadows. The beaver knows what it loves. It loves a pond. The beaver can build what it loves. It has known for so long. Maybe for thousands of years. Actually, it has known for millions of years. What one loves creates …
Our thanks to guest blogger - Mary Ann Peterson - for sharing her thoughtful and delightful perspectives.