The Central Colorado Conservancy (CCC) will hold a special lecture on beaver biology and ecology at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, at the Salida Steam Plant Theater. Ben Goldfarb. a graduate of Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Masters program is bringing his knowledge of beaver ecology to the Arkansas Valley. EcoMetrics Inc, of Buena Vista, is co-sponsoring the event.
The presentation highlights the beaver’s importance to regional landscapes is part of the CCC’s 2019 lecture series. Goldfarb’s book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, takes an in-depth look on why our modern-day conceptions of a healthy landscape are off-base.
According to Goldfarb, beavers offer critical services to the development and maintenance of our landscape. These services include habitat restoration, pollution filtration and water storage. He points to the North American fur-trade and its significant effects on the beaver population.
As millions of beavers were trapped and killed for the value of their pelts, the environmental benefits of beaver activity began to subside. As a result, streams disappeared, wetlands dried up and species dependent on these habitats no longer had them. Especially among ranchers, farmers and those living in rural areas, balancing the activities of wildlife and those of humans have always been a point of contention.
Goldfarb’s book is available for purchase at The Book Haven of Salida, and he will sign copies after his lecture.
Tickets are $5 for CCC members and $10 for non-members. All students will be admitted free of charge. Any questions can be directed to the CCC by calling 719-539-7700.