Family Friendly Beaver Works Restoration Day with Think Wild

About This Event

Join us for a fun, hands-on day in the woods as we help restore beaver habitat in the beautiful Ochoco National Forest! This special family-friendly volunteer day is part of our larger restoration project, but Sunday is designed especially for kids, caregivers, and anyone who wants to participate at a lighter pace. **Difficulty level:** Easy to Moderate Great for families with children who enjoy being outdoors and getting a little muddy. We'll spend the morning learning about beavers and why they are so important for healthy streams and wildlife habitat. Then we'll work together to help build a Beaver Dam Analog (BDA), a hand-built structure made of sticks and natural materials that mimics a real beaver dam. Tasks may include: - LARPing as a beaver - Gathering willow branches and packing them into the stream - Digging up and transporting balls of mud to the stream - Exploring the stream and looking for wildlife signs We'll move at a comfortable pace, take breaks as needed, and make sure everyone has a safe and positive experience. What to Bring - Clothes that can get wet and muddy - Muck boots or waders - Water, snacks, and lunch - Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) - A sense of adventure If you would like to borrow waders, please let us know in advance and include sizes so we can plan accordingly. Please note: There are no bathrooms at the work site. We will review Leave No Trace principles at the start of the day. About the Project Our partnership with the United States Forest Service supports watershed-scale restoration in the Jackson Creek area. Beaver dam analogs help slow water, reconnect floodplains, and create habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. These structures are temporary, built by people from natural materials, and over time, they can encourage real beavers to return and continue the work themselves. Volunteers play a critical role in making this restoration possible. We're looking for about 10–15 participants for this family day. Invite friends and make it a memorable outdoor experience! **If you have not attended a Beaver Works Orientation and Field Training, we suggest you sign up HERE**

⚠ Registration required