Beavers are Back, With a Little Help from Their Friends!

After decades of near-absence in much of Rocky Mountain National Park, beaver (Castor canadensis) are reclaiming their key role in the ecology of the park’s streams. What has led to this re-colonization, and what human actions may have helped?

In this course, we'll discuss the return of beavers to RMNP, as well as beaver ecology and the interrelationships with elk, moose, birds, and fish. We will also discuss what we might expect in the future as gray wolves are restored to Colorado. Participants should plan to spend the day outdoors and will encounter marshy areas and shallow water while visiting beaver ponds. Be prepared to “wade wet” or bring boots for the time in the field.

Who: Adults and teens ages 16 and up. This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day, primarily on level terrain.

When: Tuesday, September 10, from 8:00am - 4:00pm

Where: Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO and travel together into Rocky Mountain National Park

What to bring:

• RMC’s Field Institute 10 Essentials,
• Bag lunch,
• We'll be visiting beaver habitat! Wear pants and footwear that you don't mind getting wet.
• A change of clothes and shoes for afterwards.

About your Instructor: Wildlife biologist Gary Miller is the former statewide ecologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife), who also served as a research scientist and research leader with that agency. He has also worked for the National Park Service at Shenandoah, Isle Royale, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. He was the principal field biologist implementing RMNP’s Elk and Vegetation Management Plan in its early years.

Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a Conservancy member? Learn more and sign up here: Conservancy Membership

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at education@RMConservancy.org or by phone at 970-586-3262.