As a keystone species, beavers make have a huge impact on their environment. It seems they have a pretty large impact on people as well. I have said before that I never made a video before they paddled into my life. Now they’re adding a few more transformations to their resume.
Our own Cheryl Reynolds, whose remarkable photos have decorated these pages for the past year, has decided to launch a photography show. Persuaded by our beaver friend and artist Frogard Butler, she has recently joined the East Bay Artist Guild. As a new member she gets a large display space in the shop window where they currently feature artists. You can see her work near the Pleasant Hill theater storefront, at either 55 or 105 crescent drive. She’s still making the final choices for her showing, so if you have a favorite photograph, check out her website and let her know.
Beavers inspire a host of artists, as we learned at our crowded John Muir birthday-earthday contest. I recently discovered this site with a unique protagonist called “Da Beaver: Environmental Hero!”. It’s drawn by Alex Humbolt, who describes himself as “an environmentalist who dislikes being arrested”. It’s a creative way to look at some of the big challenges we face. I love his concept, but I’m thinking Alex needs to visit Martinez and spend some more time with beavers, so that he can learn a little more about their habits and character. (They don’t live in the dam, for instance, and their actions improve the environment even without super powers!) Still, the idea is first rate, and I’m sorry his efforts trailed off after the second issue. Maybe a visit on Amtrak would reinspire him?
