Being the Beaver : Beaver Inspired Methods to Slow, Spread, and Store Water for Climate Resilience in the Okanagan and BC
Beavers are nature’s ecosystem engineers, creating wetlands that store water, support biodiversity, and build resilience to drought, flooding, and wildfire. However, historic declines in beaver populations have disrupted these natural processes, contributing to widespread wetland loss and reduced watershed resilience. Learn how the BC Wildlife Federation is using low-tech process-based restoration to mimic beaver activity, restore natural hydrological processes, and create conditions for beavers to return and maintain self-sustaining wetlands across the Okanagan and British Columbia.
Leanne McDonald holds a B.Sc. in Natural Resource Management and Wildlife Biology and is a Registered Professional Biologist and Professional Agrologist with over nine years of experience in the environmental sector in the Okanagan. Since 2023, she has worked as a Restoration Biologist with the BC Wildlife Federation, implementing low-tech process-based restoration projects across British Columbia through the 10,000 Wetlands Initiative.
The Brown Bag Lecture Series is held every Tuesday at lunchtime (noon to 1 pm) from September to April. Each week a guest lecturer speaks about a subject in their area of expertise. Topics include local history, travel, culture, and natural history.
Admission is by suggested donation of $2 per adult and $1 for children.