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Long-time beaver friend Linda K. sent this list of “Beaver Firsts”. It is worth reading aloud to a friend or co-worker. I originally met Linda at the bridge after she read the June article in the Contra Costa Times announcing that there was at least one kit. That morning was her very first beaver sighting, and as we stood together and talked we saw Dad swim by with not one but two babies on his back. For a first visit, that was some amazing beaver luck. In fact, you can faintly hear her “Oh my god!” on the footage in And then there were two. Here is what she wrote:

Before the beavers I had never:

• spoken up at a public meeting
• known so much about beavers
• known so much about tidal activity
  
• gotten up in the middle of the night and gone out in the rain to keep watch over something I cared so much about
• spoken to strangers
• smiled at strangers
• spoken to people who had the appearance of having much different value systems than I
• cared about the pollution in Alhambra Creek
• learned to shut up and listen to opposing opinions
• written a letter to the editor
• sent emails to city officials
• researched the brown act
• dared to express a conflicting opinion at a public meeting
• actively campaigned for a cause
• had the tiniest belief that the Martinez city government was responsive to the wishes of its citizens (it remains to be seen if this will remain the case)
• helped to organize a public event
• been interviewed by a newspaper reporter
• been interviewed by a television news anchor
• purchased anything at Luigi’s store.
• eaten at bulldog Barbeque
• Actively recruited people to come to a city council meeting
• met Martinez residents who feel the same way that do about many issues, not just the beavers.
• Been proud to be a Martinez Resident (at least for a while).

That’s quite a list. And you know there are many more (possibly hundreds more) lists like this out there. Why not send me yours and help document what a keystone species can do in a town that honors its influence.

Heidi P. Perryman, Ph.D.

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