HYRUM — Beavers are North America’s largest rodent and incredible builders that can create wetland habitats that benefit countless other wildlife species. During March, the Hardware Wildlife Education Center is giving the public an opportunity to can learn more about this unique species at a free exhibit.
The exhibit is informing the public about beavers with a few family-friendly activities available at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Hardware Wildlife Education Center, beginning Friday, March 6. The public is invited to visit the beaver exhibit every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After touring the education center, people can also see firsthand how beavers have altered Curtis Creek, which flows just west of the center.
Beavers have built multiple dams along that portion of the creek, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hardware Wildlife Education Center Director Marni Lee said.
“The dams have altered the way the creek flows through the area and have created great wetland habitat that benefits all kinds of wildlife species,” she said. “Our staff can point all of this out from our elevated spot above the creek to help you see real-world examples of the benefits of beavers.”
During March, they will offer fun games and crafts at the education center, including:
- Transforming into a beaver using a variety of props.
- Making a beaver mask.
- Enjoying an interactive beaver story, which is read on the hour.
The education center is located at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area in Blacksmith Fork Canyon, 15 miles east of Hyrum on state Route 101. The education center is typically open seasonally and is best known for the unique sleigh rides for viewing in the winter.
Visitors to the exhibit will may see wild turkeys flocking to the meadows just below the center, and there’s great fishing in the Blacksmith Fork River that flows down the canyon.
For more information about the exhibit or for directions to the education center, call 435-753-6206.