Beaver-Human Coexistence: Dam Worth It! Register

Date and Time:
Thu, May 7, 2026; 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Southeast Michigan Group

Location: 28400 Schoolcraft, Livonia, MI 48150, USA

Map | Directions

Beavers are ecosystem engineers that alter the physical structure of riparian ecosystems and create new wetland habitats. Humans and other species benefit from the many ecosystem services beavers and their wetlands provide, including increases in biodiversity, water quality, carbon sequestration, and fire and drought resistance. Historically extirpated from Lower Michigan, beavers are now returning and bringing their many ecological benefits with them. However, beaver alteration of the landscape can cause conflict with human infrastructure and land use. The project you will learn about in this presentation seeks to address these conflicts by providing science-based coexistence strategies. We utilized the Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool to predict where beavers are likely to colonize, performed a policy analysis to assess current beaver regulations, and engaged with land managers and property owners to understand current challenges and provide recommendations for coexistence strategies.

Presenters
This research was completed by Masters students from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), who partnered with the Huron River Watershed Council and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum to support beaver coexistence planning in the Fleming Creek watershed. They have already shared their findings at recent professional gatherings, including The Stewardship Network Conference and the Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference. You will have the chance to hear directly from them today as they present their work.

Evening's Agenda
Doors open at 6:30 pm for a meet and greet with members, supporters, and the local Sierra Club Executive Committee. At 7:00 pm, we will begin introductions and the presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session at 8:00 pm. For those participating remotely, the
presentation will start promptly at 7:00 pm.

The BELFOR Office in Livonia has generously agreed to host our event! Their address is 28400 Schoolcraft, Livonia, MI 48150, USA. The conference room is at the front entrance to the building closest to Schoolcraft Road; Sierra Club representatives will be there to greet you. The Zoom link will be emailed to participants.

About SEMG Monthly Meetings & Presentations
The Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group (SEMG) features free presentations as part of SEMG's monthly, first-Thursday 7pm meetings. These meetings may be on Zoom, in person, hybrid or online only and begin with 10 minutes of announcements after which the speaker is introduced. The presentations last one to two hours including Q&A and socializing with Sierra Club members. The general public and Siera Club supporter are invited. 

Local Initiative Donations 
Hosting educational programs, organizing tabling events, supporting local activism, offering scholarships, and launching new initiatives like pollinator plantings all take financial resources and they are not free. While we do receive a small portion of Sierra Club membership dues to support our local volunteer work, the reality is that our efforts across Metro Detroit depend heavily on donations from people like you. If you value these programs and the impact they are making in our community, we encourage you to support this work. If you are able, please make an online donation here: https://givebutter.com/knqOLe