Every now and then there is a friendly beaver story in the news accompanied by an amazing photo or two, and if its not from Martinez or Napa, or Vancouver or Port Moody, it’s from Spring Farm Cares in New York.

Spring Farm Nature Sanctuary home of preserved and restored native wildlife

Spring Farm CARES has a reputation for rescuing and caring for injured and sick farm animals and household pets, and serves as a place for them to stay for the remainder of their lives. But a “hidden gem” is the conservation work and care given to the natural wetlands and wild animals that make the 260-acre property off Route 12 their home at the Spring Farm CARES Nature Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is staffed by Naturalist Matthew Perry, who is Spring Farm CARES’ Conservation director and nature sanctuary manager. He is recognized throughout the region as an authority on wild birds, their habitat and behavior. Among his specialties are neo-tropical songbirds and Peregrine Falcons.

Perry said there is care taken in the decision of what trees and shrubs are planted on the property to help create a self-sustaining and thriving ecosystem. Certain trees, flowers, seeds and nuts provide food and sustenance for the wildlife habituating the area, such as the beavers, mink, muskrats, frogs, geese and bird varieties. Tamarack and Pussy Willow, for example, are loved by beavers, in addition to the sweet potatoes Perry feeds them. Those furry “friends” of his actually do the natural work in providing the rich, watery habitat for other mammals, fish, turtles, frogs, birds and ducks.

“They work for us, so we need to work for them,” Perry said about building and restoring the wetlands. “And if you’re going to do a wetland project on the cheap, beavers are good to have on your side.”

Yes, they are. Mighty good indeed. It’s nice when folks appreciate their neighbors. Here in Martinez for instance, we counted ourselves pretty lucky that we were able to live with beavers for a decade. And of course the creek felt lucky because it got more fish, birds and otter when the beavers made things comfortable for them.

Speaking of making things nice and comfortable, we’re off today for our friends at Wildbirds Unlimited in Pleasant Hill for their always entertaining Mother’s Day Event and wildlife day. If you’re in the market for some birdseed or a special gift, come by and say hi because they always have plenty of exhibits and the best sales today.