About this episode
This episode explores the ecological impact of beavers, featuring stories of their role in environmental restoration and fire prevention.
In an episode first aired back in 2025 on our sister show, Terrestrials, we take you on a musical journey all about beavers. Few mammals have a bigger positive impact on the planet than the beaver. With its bright orange buck teeth, the creature is an expert engineer that brings life wherever it waddles and even fights fires. Our story begins in the Bronx river, once known as the “open sewer” of New York City. After some humans decide to clean it up, we meet one of the river’s residents - José the beaver. We learn about the US government parachuting beavers out of planes into the mountains. And finally head to California where we discover how one beaver family saved acres of land from burning.
Topics covered
- beavers
- environment
- engineering
- wildlife
- fire prevention
- urban restoration
Keywords
- beavers
- Bronx river
- California
- environmental impact
- wildlife engineering
- fire prevention
- urban cleanup
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Bronx river, California, New York City
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