Restoring Biodiversity: The History and Role of Beavers in CVNP

Beavers are often called "nature's engineers," but what does that really mean?

These fascinating creatures create and maintain ecologically rich wetland habitats, and those wetlands then help mitigate natural hazards like floods and remove pollution from the water - including here in Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

Come learn with Dr. Emily Fairfax about the history of our beavers, their current status, and what their future might hold. And to open the program, CVNP Biologists Ryan Trimbath and Mariamar Gutierrez-Ramirez will share updates about their work with wildlife in our park.

About Cuyahoga Valley Lyceum Series
This season the Cuyahoga Valley Lyceum Series is bringing experts on history as well as current trends to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to share in-depth and engaging stories and discoveries commemorating the park's 50th anniversary.

WHAT TO EXPECT

6:30 PM: Doors Open

7:00 PM: Presentation

8:00 PM: Event Ends

TICKETS
Two ways to participate, in person or via a live stream.

Conservancy Members: $10 | General Admission: $15

Students/Teachers: Free (limited tickets available)

Live Stream Participation: Free

About Dr. Emily Fairfax

Dr. Fairfax is an Assistant Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Society at the University of Minnesota.

Why Science?

Dr. Fairfax has been passionate about science since she was 3 years old. According to her mom, Dr. Fairfax told her that she wanted to walk on the rings of Saturn, but to not worry because she'd bring her car-seat to be safe. Although she now realizes that walking on the rings of Saturn is not particularly feasible, her passion for scientific discovery and exploration has not abated. Ultimately, her interests fell less with what is happening on other planets, and more with understanding the physical processes that govern our own – Earth.

Her current research focuses on the ecohydrology of riparian areas, particularly those that have been impacted by beaver damming. Dr. Fairfax uses a combination of remote sensing, modeling, and field work to understand how beaver damming changes these landscapes and on what timescales those changes operate. She also has an interest in science education research, particularly curriculum development.

When not doing research or teaching, she enjoys hiking, running, yoga, camping, and playing board games and video games.

Host or Publisher The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park