Beaver-created wetlands enhance human habitat by storing and slowly releasing floodwater. These wetlands improve water quality by removing or transforming excess nutrients, trapping silt, binding and removing toxic chemicals, and removing sediment. And finally, flooded areas can also recharge and maintain groundwater levels, and provide flow to streams even during droughts. Join conservationist Cindy Dunn at Wachusett Meadow on Wednesday, October 14, from 10 – noon, for this unique walking Ecological Landscape Alliance tour of the 85 acre beaver pond to learn about the important ecological role that beaver play. Wachusett Meadow is one of the spectacular wildlife sanctuaries within Mass Audubon. This property consists of 1,200 acres accessed by 12 miles of trails. The sanctuary protects a diverse landscape of shrubland fields and meadows, forests, Wachusett Meadow’s Wildlife Pond, and beaver wetlands. Register online (ELA members $22, non-members $32) at http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/beaver-building-habitat-improving-eco-systems/Â Image from www.hikeneewengland.com.
