Photo 1: Beaver dams are inherently leaky constructions, but still hold back significant amounts of water. This slows the flow of the stream water as it moves from the headwaters downstream, increasing groundwater–surface water connection and providing a consistent water source to nearby vegetation. In climates where seasonal precipitation comes in the winter, slowing down spring streamflow is key for keeping riparian zones wet and green during the hot, dry summers and autumns when wildfires ignite. Photograph is of a typical beaver dam in Colorado, USA. Photo credit: Emily Fairfax.

Photo 2: Beaver dams vary in height and length. They can be anywhere from a few meters to hundreds of meters long, and up to 3 m high (although the average height is closer to 1 m). When streams are incised, whether from anthropogenic or natural causes, beaver dams can help reconnect them to their floodplains. This allows water to more easily spread throughout the riparian corridor, improving vegetation access to water. Photograph is of a 2.5 m high, 10 m long beaver dam in Colorado. Photo credit: Emily Fairfax.

Photo 3: Beavers coppice trees to build their dams. This helps keep the riparian zone adequately thinned of large trees, supporting landscape transition from a narrow stream corridor into a broader wetland area. Photograph is of a tree that has been recently chewed down by a beaver in Colorado. Photo credit: Emily Fairfax.

Photo 4: Beavers are able to thrive even during very hot, dry summers. The beaver wetland photographed here increased in greenness from May to August, despite receiving very little rainfall and frequent air temperatures over 100°F. Meanwhile, the nearby non-beaver-impacted landscape dried out and became more flammable. Photograph taken on 2 August 2020 in Atascadero, California, USA. Photo credit: Emily Fairfax.