There are so many reasons why we love beavers and a few reasons why they can be some very annoying neighbors. In this presentation, Megan Garvey and Shea Fuller from The Wetlands Conservancy will discuss all of the reasons why they try so hard to build truces with the flat-tailed families that call wetlands their home. They often wonder how we could battle climate change without our beaver friends! This talk will cover some of the benefits people enjoy by having beavers manage our landscapes, as well as the coexistence solutions used to keep our human-based infrastructure safe. Megan and Shea will also discuss how The Wetlands Conservancy is using community science to expand their knowledge of beaver populations and better inform the stewardship of their lands.

Megan Garvey is the Stewardship Director for The Wetlands Conservancy (TWC), a statewide land trust of Oregon. She has worked in Oregon as a natural resource technician, an outdoor educator, and a land manager. Megan has been with TWC for over 10 years, managing their preserves as well as their community science and education programs.

Shea Fuller is the Community Engagement Manager for TWC and has worked to bring people into wetlands for about 7 years. She leads tours, cleanups, field trips, and wildlife surveys throughout urban wetlands in the Portland Metro area.