A Deep Dive with Beavers: How Human History & Local Community Structure Alters the Effects of Beaver Activity on Riparian Ecosystems

A series of ecology-related activities and assignments that implements ESA's 4DEE framework (Ecology Practices, Human-Environment Interactions, Core Ecology Concepts, and Cross-Cutting Themes) to teach students how human perception of and human interaction with the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) have led to major ecosystem-wide implications. Some of these effects are positive (using behavior behavior to restore wetland landscapes) and others are negative (beaver invasions lowering biodiversity). Students will learn natural history, natural resource management techniques, and social perspectives related to this controversial species.