Beavers aren't just cute rodents–they are powerful forces of nature. These crafty critters have the power to reshape landscapes in ways that build new ecosystems, filter bad water, and create climate resilience. Sometimes beavers do their beavering in places we don't want them to–which results in flooded farmland, destroyed trees, and plugged-up culverts.

Beaver festivals bring communities together to enjoy the outdoors, learn about the promises and challenges of living alongside beavers, and talk about our relationship with the natural world.

Beavers, just like humans, build homes and dams to change ecosystems around them. Sometimes, beavers shape the landscape in ways humans don't like–such as taking down trees, flooding farmland, or chewing on platform decks.

Trappers in Northfield get calls from folks looking to get rid of deal with "nuisance beavers" (beavers causing problems for humans). Even Carleton College has resorted to trapping in the past. Moving beavers is illegal in Minnesota, and for many people, trapping is a way to spend time outside. The killing of beavers in our backyard is the perfect opportunity for the community to come together to appreciate the services beavers provide when alive (wildfire protection, climate change mitigation, etc.) and when killed (sustainable fur, meat, and castor harvesting). 

With rebounding beaver populations and falling fur prices, human-beaver conflicts are only going to increase in the coming years. Northfield Beaver Fest hopes to serve as a vehicle to engage the local community in important conversations about how to live alongside another animal wishing to shape the landscape. 

Beaver scientist Dr. Emily Fairfax + members of her lab will be joining us! Check out this cool video about thier work + how beavers are our partners in fighting climate change!