High Desert Museum

Dam It! Beavers and Us

This virtual experience forms part of Dam It! Beavers & Us, an exhibition by the High Desert Museum open through October 3, 2021. The North American beaver, Castor canadensis, transforms the landscape and creates habitat for other native species. Many ecologists call it an ecosystem engineer. This animal also plays an important role in human history and cultures. Dam It! Beavers & Us explores the interrelationship of people, beavers and the landscape.

Learn More About the Exhibition


Created with support from The National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.

Special Thanks to
Jefferson Jacobs,
Riparian Restoration Coordinator,
Oregon Natural Desert Association

Natural Audio Credits
Sandhill Crane", Bruce Lagerquist
"Aspen tree in strong wind", juskiddink
"Stream, Water, C", InspectorJ
"Brewer's Sparrow", Bruce Lagerquist
"Elk 7", Hyperionn

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A Stream Without Beavers

This is a stream without beavers. Notice how its shape forms a single deep, incised channel. The water moves rapidly and surrounding vegetation is sparse.

Click and drag to explore the scene.