Are you curious about North America’s largest rodent species? Beavers live all around us and fundamentally shape our wetland ecosystems. Come join us at the Squam Lakes Association on Tuesday, July 8th, from 10am- 12pm, for a discussion about beavers and then a short kayak trip through Piper’s cove to observe the beaver dam. Participants will learn about how and why beavers make their dams and how these dams create important ecological niches for other wetland species. We will also discuss human/beaver conflicts and successes, including historic fur trapping and how ecologists are using beavers to restore degraded habitat.

This invitation should come with a warning. I seem to remember I was curious about beavers once and use to walk blocks from my home just to see them.

Participants should meet in the SLA building at 9:45 to fill out liability forms and then gather in the great room to talk about the basics of beavers. Next, we will go down to the docks and launch kayaks into Piper’s Cove, where we will go explore our own resident beaver dam and take a closer look at how they are constructed. This will be an about 0.5 mile round trip, but we will take our time and meander at the beaver dam, so it will be a very leisurely paddle. SLA will provide all boats, paddles and life vests. SLA members often spot these beavers in the cove, so hopefully we might see one while we are boating in! Participants should bring plenty of water, as well as snacks, sunscreen and bug spray.

For more information, or to sign up for this Adventure Ecology program, visit the SLA website (squamlakes.org) or contact the SLA directly (603-968-7336). The SLA also offers other Adventure Ecology programs throughout the year. These free programs are open to the public and cover a variety of nature and conservation related topics. The Adventure Ecology programs are presented by the LRCC AmeriCorps members at the SLA who perform important conservation work in support of the Association’s mission.

The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners the SLA promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.