Beavers are a wonder to behold. They are ecosystem engineers–able to modify their habitats and change landscapes in ways that cultivate biodiversity and create wetlands. That ability makes them keystone species–they have an outsize influence on their ecosystems and the species they live with.
But as a species, they also need help and protection, as do the crucial wetlands they create. All of us can play a part.
Join Britain’s Beaver Trust
Before they were hunted to local extinction 400 years ago, Beavers once shaped Britain’s waterways, creating thriving wetlands and complex river systems that brimmed with biodiversity. Beaver Trust is working to restore beavers to their former range across Britain, which will help build climate resilient landscapes and restore freshwater habitats and the species that rely on them. Help Beaver Trust mobilize widespread public awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for this crucial keystone species.
Get involved by visiting beavertrust.org/support-us
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Become a Beaver-Tracking Citizen Scientist
The recovery of beavers is of high interest to many ecologists and park rangers all across the US – especially in the Pacific Northwest, where they rely on citizen scientists to submit photos of beaver sightings. Join the search for beavers–or any other wild animals and plants–using the free app iNaturalist to take photos and identify animals you spot. The database of images is used by researchers to track species distribution and recovery.
Participate in the Beavers Northwest Beaver Tracking Project at www.inaturalist.org
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Identify Beaver Dams from Space
You can support beavers without leaving your home by participating in the “Beavers From Space” project. Help scientists in Alberta, Canada identify beaver dam locations in regional streams and rivers by searching through satellite imagery for beaver dams and lodges in the waterways.
Become a Dam Detective at scistarter.org
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Champion Accessibility
Like pioneering conservationist Sacha Dench, many outdoor enthusiasts require accessible trails, which offer wide, hard surfaces without steep inclines. Creating accessible trails in parks and wetlands is an important step towards making these wild spaces available to individuals with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs. Land owners and parks and recreation managers can learn more from the National Center on Accessibility.
In the United States, accessible trails can be found in many national and state parks.
Find An Accessible Park at fws.gov
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