Each month, we select a published research paper relating to beavers to read, critically evaluate, and discuss. Beavers are fascinating animals with so many mechanisms of influencing the world. Closely examining primary literature will give us a deeper understanding of how their influences on other species and environmental processes are studied and established. Scientific writing can be impenetrable, but discussing it together is a great way to enhance understanding and grow curiosity for the details that others notice. Summer is a busy time for Beaver Works in-stream restoration projects! How does increasing habitat for beavers impact fish populations? This month, we’ll discuss a watershed-scale experiment to test how increasing beaver dam and colony persistence in a highly degraded incised stream affects the freshwater production of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the John Day watershed. Join us to discuss: Bouwes, N., Weber, N., Jordan, C. E., Saunders, W. C., Tattam, I. A., Volk, C., … & Pollock, M. M. (2016). Ecosystem experiment reveals benefits of natural and simulated beaver dams to a threatened population of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Scientific reports, 6(1), 28581. RSVP to reserve your spot! Contact Maureen ([email protected]) with questions on this or future meetings.