Seeing the forest for the trees…

 

Parks allowed nature to take its Course

 A few weeks ago, an eager beaver began gnawing at a tree along the side of the Derby Pond in Whatcom Falls Park. The parks department removed a bench in the tree’s way, and posted a notice that they were going to let the beaver finish its work — something our family appreciated so much.

 Over the following weeks, many trips were made to watch the progress, always amazed at the dif-ference and wondering when the tree might fall. Trips to the library and Internet searches were made to learn more about beavers — the “Beaver Tree” was the buzz of the park and neighborhood kids.

 This past Wednesday, shouts of glee were heard on the trail as three of our kids discovered the tree was down. Sadly, the finishing touch was made by a chain saw, but we were excited nonethe-less! The gentlemen handling the tree told us it would be moved to a place where the beaver could harvest the branches, and we could continue to witness the final stages of the process.

 We are so thankful to the parks department for allowing us this invaluable experience. The tree was in a place where they could have easily chopped it down as soon as the beaver had started the “damage.” Instead, they left it, giving our community the opportunity to watch the wonders of our natural world in our own backyard.

When I read an idyllic beaver letter like this I am always transfixed with a mixture of admiration and envy. Here’s a city that knows how and why to live with beavers. It doesn’t require 200 people at a meeting, or massive media shaming, or a popular website or Heidi flinging herself at the stubborn officials like a salmon beating against the rocks for six friggin’ years. There are no lawyers or CEQA violations. No committee meetings or civil disobedience.

It just happens because it’s the right thing to do.

Instinct demanded  I check to see where this utopian paradise is and of course I needn’t have bothered: Washington State.

And while we’re on the subject of humane pragmatism, isn’t this the most glorious beaver painting you’ve seen this decade? Its talented and whimsical artist, Cori Lee Marvin is in Port Hope Canada and  has generously agreed to donate a watercolor to the silent auction. I am so excited to see the work up close. It reminds me of the end of the Grey Owl movie! Thanks very much Cori!