Let it Beaver! Martinez celebrates its 15th beaver festival June 29
MARTINEZ, CA (June 16, 2024) — What started off as a controversy ended up becoming a teaching moment for how an entire state can cooperate with beavers.
Now valued for their benefit to water storage, wildlife, and fire prevention, beavers will celebrate their 15th festival in the city that was first to learn about them. On June 29, over 50 nature groups will gather in historic Susana Park to celebrate urban wildlife.
The event, which runs from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, features live music, a giant mobile fish tank, and wildlife display. A talented chalk artist from Napa will create a beaver mural in the plaza and the Sonoma MusEcology project will perform original pieces. Take a photo with the Martinez Beaver mascot and let your child solve a wildlife puzzle while browsing the gift-laden silent auction.
It’s a dam good time you won’t want to miss.
Why does Martinez celebrate beavers?
Way back in October 2007, some beavers built a dam on Alhambra Creek. This reportedly posed a flooding hazard to downtown Martinez. The solution at first seemed simple and the animals were slated for extermination. However, a flood of public sympathy led the City Council to form a “beaver subcommittee” looking at the possibility of allowing the beavers to stay.
This committee brought in a beaver expert from Vermont. He reviewed the situation and installed a flow device so that the pond’s water level could not become excessive. Debate on the impact of the animal’s activity continued. Soon, beaver supporters formed a non-profit organization called Worth A Dam. This group advocated for co-existence between the city and beavers.
Worth A Dam helped with habitat replacement and community education. They also created the beaver festival in 2008 to foster continued support for the animals. They even offered financial assistance and education to other cities figuring out how to co-exist with beavers.
For more information, visit www.martinezbeavers.org