Those busy beavers are at it again! Beavers are known to alter the land and water around them. These changes have a cascading effect on all parts of our natural world.
For example, beaver dams slow down water within a creek. The water behind the beaver dam is then forced to spread out. This creates wetlands, side channels, and ponds. In addition, the slower water helps limit bank erosion and allows sediment to drop to the bottom of the creek, improving water quality. Beaver ponds help store water and replenish groundwater, which can help mitigate the effects of drought. As beaver ponds mature, they help store carbon (great for climate change!) and filter pollutants from the water (great for water quality!).
Beavers also help create habitat for fish and wildlife. Salmon and trout find shelter and grow in beaver-created side channels. Waterfowl nest near beaver ponds and use the ponds to rear their young. River otter, elk, and deer use the abundance of new plants that surround beaver-dammed waters for food and shelter.
These are just a few of the reasons that the Deschutes Land continues to use beaver-inspired techniques to help restore waterways at our Preserves. Willow Springs Preserve in Sisters is a great example. This summer, the second phase of restoration will kick off and will include building more beaver dam-like structures. These will help create pools, provide a variety of habitat for fish and wildlife, and help connect Whychus Creek to the surrounding meadow.
At other Preserves, we’ve used larger, more intensive restoration techniques in addition to building beaver dam-like structures. This is happening at Ochoco Preserve in Prineville, where we re-meandered McKay Creek in 2021 and will restore Ochoco Creek and the Crooked River in 2024. Regardless of the location, however, our long-term goal is for the beavers to move in and take over! This past fall, we were so excited to see fresh beaver activity at Ochoco Preserve, and we look forward to seeing how these beavers alter the land and water!
Catch a glimpse of the beaver activity and impacts we've seen at Land Trust Preserves in recent years with our video!
Together, the Land Trust and our busy beaver neighbors are caring for our lands into the future.
Learn more:
- Next Phase of Willow Springs Preserve Restoration Begins
- Multi-Phase Willow Springs Preserve Restoration
- The Restoration of Trout Creek and Antelope Creek