Beaver dams build neighborhoods: ‘Playing with a full deck’
Beaver ponds directly affect so many living things that they have been compared to “Coral Reefs” with regards to biodiversity. Without the complex range of animals, plants and microorganisms, the air we breathe and the food we eat could not exist. Yet research has shown that children are often more aware of exotic species like penguins and pandas than the many forms of life that occupy their own school yard. Helping children become more aware of biodiversity all around them has been shown to deepen their sense of place and belonging, increasing resilience and well-being. (Montgomery et al 2022)[i] Despite this little of our educational curriculum focuses on biodiversity. This project offered as a learning experience at the 16th Martinez Beaver Festival offers a fun, free family activity that can allow children to learn about the different forms of life that exist in the riparian zone and how they are affected when beavers build and maintain ponds. Knowing how beavers affect creek life helps everyone better understand the way healthy ecosystems function.
“Playing with a full Deck” uses a concept familiar to children (trading cards) and applies it to the unfamiliar concepts of ecosystem and biodiversity. Children will collect biodiversity trading cards showing life forms thriving at a beaver pond by learning how different species live in the wetland habitat made and maintained by beavers. Participants will be the first 100 children attending the 16th annual Beaver Festival in Martinez, CA on June 28th, 2025. Last year this event had an attendance of 1500, with over 50 participating environmental groups and 100 children finishing the activity.
[i] Montgomery, L. N., Gange, A. C., Watling, D., & Harvey, D. J. (2022). Children’s perception of biodiversity in their school grounds and its influence on their wellbeing and resilience. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 24(2), 187–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2022.2100801
