Once They Were Hats: A Brief History of a Radical Rodent

Once They Were Hats: A Brief History of a Radical Rodent

There’s a lot of history behind our present-day dealings with beavers. The conflicts we’re working to manage today are in many ways a legacy of the colonial fur trade. And the beaver benefits that we’re still learning about are rooted in millennia of beaver presence on this continent. This brief history of beavers will begin with their debut 37 million years ago, fast forward through the rise and fall of the dozens of early species, and then zero in on what’s happened to North American beavers since Europeans showed up 500 years ago. As our relationship with beavers continues to evolve, a historical perspective can help inform the future.

Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and a biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. She is the author of seven (soon to be eight) books, including two about beavers.

Once They Were Hats: In Search of the Mighty Beaver examines our 15,000-year relationship with this keystone species and the beaver’s even longer relationship with North American landscapes and ecosystems. Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers is written for middle school readers and filled with facts, photos and personal stories about conservationists and scientists of all ages who are working to build a better future for beavers. Visit www.backhouse.ca to learn more about Frances and her writing. November 7th 9:30 am via Zoom Contact cvns@ naturecowichan.net for link.

Rob Butler, scientist, author, and artist will speak about his latest book with Audrey Benedict and Geoff Hammerson. Pacific Flyway: Waterbird Migration from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. November 15th at 7:30pm via Zoom cvns@naturecowichan. net

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