In Chicago recently a not-at-all-large adult beaver made a stir by choosing to be captured in film and posted on Reddit by Urban Rivers. So of course they are having a naming contest. Fortunately no Justin’s in the running. I just wish that instead of saying the beaver might be pregnant she responded to his question about the population growing by saying that beavers only reproduce once a year.
This was the fun little study making its way in the world lately. Beavers wouldn’t be at all surprised.
New research reveals how hundreds of species influence Earth’s surface processes, from vast termite mounds visible from space to hippos carving drainage systems and beavers creating entire wetlands.
“This research shows that the role of animals in shaping Earth’s landscapes is much more significant that previously recognized,” said Professor Gemma Harvey, a researcher at Queen Mary University of London.
“From beavers creating wetlands to ants building mounds of soil, these diverse natural processes are crucial, yet we risk losing them as biodiversity declines.”
“From tiny ants shifting soil to salmon reshaping riverbeds, the study highlights the diversity and scale of animals’ impact across all freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.”
You don’t say! You mean those things just didn’t happen all by themselves? Shocking!
This research shows that the role of animals in shaping Earth’s landscapes is much more significant that previously recognized,” said Professor Gemma Harvey, a researcher at Queen Mary University of London.
“From beavers creating wetlands to ants building mounds of soil, these diverse natural processes are crucial, yet we risk losing them as biodiversity declines.”
“From tiny ants shifting soil to salmon reshaping riverbeds, the study highlights the diversity and scale of animals’ impact across all freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.”
Did you year that sound? It was the collective gasp of 20 million beavers all over the world smacking their foreheads at the same time,
“Termites build vast networks of mounds in Brazil, some covering thousands of square kilometers, while salmon spawning can shift as much sediment as annual flooding,” the researchers said.
“Even ants, through their tiny but countless actions, alter soil structure and drainage.”
Nearly 30% of the identified species are rare, endemic, or threatened, meaning vital geomorphic processes could cease before their full significance is understood.
This loss could have profound consequences for ecosystems and the landscapes they support.
“This research provides new insights for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration,” Professor Harvey said.
“Rewilding and species reintroduction projects, such as the reintroduction of beavers to restore wetlands, show how harnessing these natural processes could help combat environmental challenges like erosion and flooding.”
Better not lose any more species if you like the way things used to look. Nice little planet you got here, shame if something were to happen to it.
The world is getting more dangerous. There are traps around every corner that we need avoid.
Once again beavers are leading the way.
Maybe it’s just me. But do you sometimes get the feeling that the entire state of Colorado is just trolling us? Showing off with their big mountains and lovely vistas and crystal waters?
I am definitely having that feeling now based on the chat I had this week with Nicole Fox of “Give A Dam” who is putting together the first ever Beaver festival for this summer in Rotary Park.
Give A Dam is thrilled to announce Durango’s first-ever Beaver Festival, June 14th, 2025, at Rotary park in Durango, Co centered around the theme “When We Partner With Nature, Everyone Wins.” This exciting event will bring
together many diverse organizations to highlight the numerous benefits of beavers and showcase the innovative 
work being done locally to maintain and restore our watersheds. By partnering with nature’s most skilled water engineers—beavers—we can enhance water quality, recharge our water table, reduce flood risks, create fire resiliency, and support biodiversity.
The festival will serve as an educational platform to raise awareness of how beavers contribute to healthier ecosystems and sustainable water management. Local conservation efforts, beaver habitat restoration projects, and successful partnerships between communities and beavers will be featured throughout the day. Families, children, and other attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts to learn about the science behind beaver ecology, and explore how supporting these remarkable creatures can create long-term environmental benefits.
By joining together to celebrate the incredible role of beavers in our watersheds, the Beaver Festival will demonstrate that when we partner with nature, everyone—from wildlife to local communities—wins!
Mind you Rotary park is right along the beautiful Animas river where actual beavers live because (Not to sound bitter mind you) of COURSE it is. With parking and restrooms and paved pathways. Plus a big beautiful Gazebo for the band that is so pretty people get married there, because of course they do. And cherry on top chef’s kiss this is a park where founding parents Sherrie Tippie and Skip Lisle actually intalled a flow device many years ago.
Because of COURSE it is.
I tried to be helpful and offer suggestions about using portable audio for tours and how to make picket signs and using the word “neighborhoods” instead of “Communities” for childears. But honestly all I can think of when I look at this is that for ten years our trashy beaver park used to get called “BUM PARK” by the nice ladies in recreation and my one presentation to Rotary left me permanently scared with Janet yelled at me for not being nicer to the city and the lesbian pastor advised later I should to be “More Forgiving”. Overall the city treated us with such affection that one year they actually ripped out the paved trails and streets around the park the DAY BEFORE THE FESTIVAL without telling us.
Ahh those were the days!
But hey. That’s blood under the bridge. And so what if Worth A Dam cut its teeth on serrated steel. Give a Dam is headed for beautiful times. And that is great news. Another beaver festival in the world. Have a wonderful festival Durango! Send us lots of photos!
