Sunset Beaver Watch

The beavers of Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary are hard at work harvesting trees, expanding their dams and lodges, and raising their young. Join Mass Audubon on an evening hike to the areas of the sanctuary with the most beaver activity. Although our goal will be to see beaver families in the wild, we might catch glimpses of other animals going about their early-spring activities. Even if we don't see any beavers, you'll learn how to make sense of beaver activity on the landscape, and how beaver activity has continued to shape Pleasant Valley since they were reintroduced to Massachusetts in the 1930's.

This program ends at dusk, so bring a flashlight if you'd like extra illumination on the way back. We will cover up to two miles on largely unsurfaced trails which can be uneven, muddy, or wet. Beaver activity could lead us into areas that may be seasonally flooded or require stepping over fallen tree trunks. The trail surface contains exposed rocks and tree roots. Terrain consists of gently rolling hills with the occasional small drop and one short hill climb near the end of the program.