Learning From Beavers

How often do you take the time to really notice the beauty of nature and the various creatures we share the earth with? So many people rush through their days and spend a good chunk of time looking at their devices. This can lead to a lack of connection to – and appreciation of – our natural environment. Personally, I think that even just a few minutes of watching a beaver work or watching pelicans soar and perform their “sky ballet” feeds the soul way more than anything you’ll see on tv or social media.

We may feel that we humans are the superior creatures, but if you take the time to watch nature, you will be amazed at their work ethic, instinct, strength and resilience.  We can learn a lot from nature if we take the time to observe and appreciate.

All creatures seem to have their roles in the balance of nature.  Some animals are seen by humans as good, some are seen as not so good, but they all have roles to play and they benefit the environment or other animals in some way.

During an evening visit to a local park recently, I was reminded once again of how much I adore beavers.  I’ve seen them many, many times, but it never gets old. I could watch them for hours. Not only are they super cute, but they don’t seem bothered by anything, they just quietly and efficiently go about their business. In the picture above, one beaver is chewing on a log while the one behind it is dining on a fresh sprig it obtained from the river bank. Interestingly, the second beaver brought its dinner some distance to where the first beaver was eating, seemingly so they could dine separately, but together.

It’s amazing that these little creatures can take down trees with their teeth, transport massive logs to water and then weave them so intricately into immensely strong structures that can slow the flow of a river and create a calm beaver pond. Sadly, this beaver activity is often – unfairly – seen as a nuisance and beaver populations are sometimes “controlled”.

In actuality, the dams that they build and the ponds that result are an important part of the ecosystem. The beaver pond allows beavers to access unfrozen water in the winter of course, but it does so much more than that. Beaver ponds help to establish and maintain wetlands, which are essential for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. Beaver ponds also help control water flow and provide natural filtration for the water as impurities can settle to the bottom of the pond and not flow into the main waterway. Creation of beaver ponds increases the diversity of plants and animals in the area and helps to protect the area from wildfires by creating a natural fire wall. Yes, they take down a few trees, but it pales in comparison to the vasts forests that are downed due to urban sprawl or wildfires and just might be an essential part of the balance of nature. An anonymous quote I saw recently sums it up well: “Where the beaver builds, the land flourishes.”

What can we learn from beavers? Read through these anonymous quotes for some inspiration, and the next time you’re fortunate enough to come across a beaver, take some time to watch, appreciate and and enjoy.

• “The beaver works while others rest, knowing that diligence today brings peace tomorrow.”
• “Beavers never complain about the size of the tree; they just start chewing.”
• “Beavers know that progress is not measured by speed but by the strength of what is built.”
• “The river’s flow doesn’t frighten the beaver; it inspires it to build.”
• “When the water rises, the beaver rises with it, finding a way to thrive.”
• “To work like a beaver is to understand that creation is a series of small, deliberate actions.”
• “The beaver does not need recognition for its work; the dam it builds stands as its silent testimony.”
• “In a world of haste, the beaver reminds us that true strength lies in measured, patient effort.”
• “The beaver teaches us that one can build beauty from chaos, order from disorder.”
• “When the beaver builds, it does so with purpose, knowing that every task contributes to the whole.”
• “A beaver knows that a single stick is weak, but together they form a fortress.”