To celebrate beavers and their contribution to the ecology of Oregon, The Wetlands Conservancy, and community partners are hosting the Beaver Tales Art Exhibit and events throughout the state. The American beaver, Oregon’s state animal, helps provide cool, clean water while creating and sustaining wetland habitats that benefit many other species of fish and wildlife. They play a central role in shaping our future as we prepare for transformations that a warming and changing climate may bring.

Once common across North America, beaver were nearly trapped to extinction to satisfy the demands of the fur trade. Still sometimes considered pests, these industrious rodents can chew down a large tree in minutes with their sharp, continuously growing teeth. Many a beaver has met its demise for chomping a beloved plant or plugging a culvert to create a pond.

Beavers and humans can live in harmony if people take the time to learn more about beaver ecology and behavior and implement techniques to minimize property damage. Beaver can play an important role in creating and restoring wetland systems – and they work for free.

This exhibit is on display for the months of November and December at The Beaverton Building (12725 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton 97005) on the first floor. There is a reception to celebrate the exhibit on Monday, November 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. For more information about the project and benefits of beavers, go to www.wetlandsconservancy.org.