Our upcoming festival did fairly well with media attention this yea so far. Patch, Daily Republic, Diablo Gazette and now the Pioneer! Not exactly sure why Concord gets two papers and Martinez can’t even keep one but I guess that’s for another day.
Let it Beaver! Martinez celebrates its 15th beaver festival June 29
MARTINEZ, CA (June 16, 2024) — What started off as a controversy ended up becoming a teaching moment for how an entire state can cooperate with beavers.
Now valued for their benefit to water storage, wildlife, and fire prevention, beavers will celebrate their 15th festival in the city that was first to learn about them. On June 29, over 50 nature groups will gather in historic Susana Park to celebrate urban wildlife.
Amy’s picture and Amelias cover was pretty irresistable and folks couldn’t resist. I thought it was especially nice of the Pioneer to take a crack at the history on their own.
Why does Martinez celebrate beavers?
Way back in October 2007, some beavers built a dam on Alhambra Creek. This reportedly posed a flooding hazard to downtown Martinez. The solution at first seemed simple and the animals were slated for extermination. However, a flood of public sympathy led the City Council to form a “beaver subcommittee” looking at the possibility of allowing the beavers to stay.
This committee brought in a beaver expert from Vermont. He reviewed the situation and installed a flow device so that the pond’s water level could not become excessive. Debate on the impact of the animal’s activity continued. Soon, beaver supporters formed a non-profit organization called Worth A Dam. This group advocated for co-existence between the city and beavers.
Worth A Dam helped with habitat replacement and community education. They also created the beaver festival in 2008 to foster continued support for the animals. They even offered financial assistance and education to other cities figuring out how to co-exist with beavers.
Isn’t that nice? A real reporter who looks into things. Good work, Pioneer.
