Get Wild: Beavers and beaver dam analogs to the rescue

Get Wild: Beavers and beaver dam analogs to the rescue

One fine morning in early June, I set out with colleagues to conduct breeding-bird surveys along a high-elevation mountain stream to assess riparian ecosystem health. Bird communities are an excellent indicator of ecosystem health. At this time of year, songbirds are easy to detect — they’re bursting with song, a joyful exclamation of the beauty and bounty of the breeding season. Male songbirds sing to attract mates and defend their territory. W…