Let’s experience the Maryland landscape through the eyes of its most influential engineer, the American beaver. We’ll begin our deep dive into beaver life and their ecological brilliance with a mini workshop at a local home. We’ll start with the history of beavers in the Mid-Atlantic and move on to explore their unique physiology and unrivaled ability to restore biodiversity and water quality. We’ll learn why these creatures are the keystone of our environment and how we can coexist with them to create a more resilient future.
As the afternoon sun sets, we will carpool to a nearby active beaver pond. This is where the classroom meets the wild. We will quietly enter the beaver’s realm, observing their dams, lodges, and canals firsthand. If we are still and patient, we may catch a glimpse of the colony members as they emerge at dusk to begin their nightly work.
To increase our chances of spotting animals and minimize our disturbance, we must arrive prepared and respectful of their heightened senses. Please note these two requirements for attendance.
- Bring knee-high mud boots to ensure you can comfortably navigate the pond’s edge and soggy terrain.
- Arrive scent-neutral. Beavers possess an extraordinary sense of smell—it is their primary way of sensing the world around them. Please refrain from using hair products, perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented lotions on the day of the workshop. By arriving scent-neutral, we become invisible guests in their home.
Our trip leader, Scott McGill, is a professional ecologist with over three decades of experience in nature-based restoration. Scott is the founder of Ecotone, an award-winning ecological firm, and serves on the board of the Beaver Institute. His passion for beaver-mediated restoration is matched only by his deep knowledge of the local landscape.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- All children must meet age requirements and be registered as a guest of their adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, if needed.
- Bring binoculars for birding along the way, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Member: $20
Guest names must be listed on your family membership to qualify for this discount. Extra adults with individual memberships should register independently. - Non Member: $25