Wildlife Wednesday at Treehaven: Beavers

Discover wildlife that calls Wisconsin's Northwoods home through Wildlife Wednesdays at Treehaven! Join us monthly for this FREE all-ages program series, and explore the natural history of each month's focus animal through interactive activities, guided walks, and/or specimen observation. From fur to feathers, woods to water, predator to prey, and more, experience the diversity of the animal world right outside our windows—and learn how you can help protect it! Beavers are known as "ecosystem engineers", because these intelligent rodents are capable of altering the environment around them through construction to suit their habitat needs. Beavers have even changed the landscape at Treehaven in dramatic ways that are still apparent today! The wetland habitats created by beaver dams are hotspots for biodiversity that provide many crucial ecosystem services, but likewise, the changes they bring to an ecosystem can cause conflicts with human infrastructure, recreation, and land management. Through a seated indoor presentation with visuals and specimens, discover the traits that make beavers so unique and discuss the complicated relationships humans have held with this crafty critter throughout history. Wisconsin's Beaver Management Plan is due for an update as we head into 2026, a task that considers the stance of conservationists, trappers, anglers, land managers, and many other stakeholders. You'll have the chance to explore the values held by each group, and even learn about future opportunities for the public to share input on beaver conservation and management! Meet at the main entrance (double doors with Treehaven sign). Doors will open at 4:50 PM, talk begins at 5:00 PM. This is a seated indoor presentation that will take place in the upper auditorium, Room 200. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.