It seems like a million years ago now that I was invited to give a beaver talk at the SF waterboards in the Elihu Harris building in downtown Oakland. It was a huge and massive government hi-rise with a metal detector and lots of state employees hurrying about. I can’t even remember what the group was like but I remember they had been softened up by years of positive beaver news from Ann Riley, who was the reason I was invited.
It was probably the most official thing I ever did for beavers, and I was especially excited about it because the SF waterboards has influence over MARTINEZ of all places. And it was fun to imagine that I could influence their thinking about beavers for the future.
Well yesterday I randomly came across a Estuary scientist who retweeted my Op-Ed and talked about how important beavers are. Which was a nice surprise. I wrote to thank her for helping spread the word and noticed she hadn’t attended the Summit and I wanted to let her know it was available online.
Turns out Christina was AT THAT TALK! And thought it was wonderful and it really stayed with her. And she was thrilled to know about the recordings of the conference and wants to persuade more people about the good things beavers do. In fact she specifically asked what she can help do to get CDFW onto our side?
Her comments on my article were retweeted 92 times. At least. And must have touched a few hearts. It’s wonderful to think that that column is getting shared in more places and making an influence. And its wonderful to think that a talk made connections for people and stayed with them.
If I didn’t know better I’d think it’s almost like one crazy woman who loves beavers and talks about them over and over again CAN make a difference in this rotten mixed-up trap-happy world.
