Walk & Talk: Beavers and BDAs

Beavers and Beaver Dam Analogs at JB Farm Preserve

Join us for a hike along Crow Valley Creek on Orcas Island to explore the vital role beavers play in the San Juan Islands. Alongside Stewardship Manager Meghan Howard and our partners from Salish Wildlife Rescue, we’ll delve into the science of stream restoration and the "busy" ecosystem engineers helping us heal this landscape.

About the restoration work at JB Farm

Restoration is a long game. Years of agricultural use left this stretch of Crow Valley Creek exposed and lacking complexity, but the healing process is now in motion. Through a multi-phase partnership with the San Juan Islands Conservation District, we have planted hundreds of native trees and installed "beaver dam analogs" (BDAs) to help the water slow down and rediscover its natural, complex shape. We are building toward a future where this waterway is shaded by a thriving forest—a transformation that begins with the roots we plant today.

Tour Details

📆 When: Thursday, June 18

⏰ Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

🎟️ Cost: Free (Registration required)

🥾 What to Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, and a water bottle.

📍Meeting Location: JB Farm Preserve, 124 Sunnyside Lane, Orcas Island.

⚠️ Important to Note:

Registration is limited to 20 people. All participants must sign an SJPT liability waiver (available in English or Español) as part of the registration process.

Trail Difficulty: This walk involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking with moderate slopes and pitted, uneven terrain. There are wide open spaces without shade along the walking route. 

Questions? Please reach out to Charlotte Chevalier, Communications and Outreach Manager, via email at charlotte@sjpt.org.