Maryland Beaver Symposium 2026

Purpose

On November 4th, the first Beaver Symposium was held by the Maryland Beaver Working Group. The symposium was a one-day gathering for conservationists, land and infrastructure managers, policymakers, restoration practitioners and anyone interested in beaver ecology in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Presentations were made about the historical presence, absence and impact of beavers, their influence on Coastal Plain streams, and their vital importance as a keystone species for biodiversity. Participants learned how these incredible ecosystem engineers contribute to stream and nontidal wetland restoration, and explored practical strategies for human-beaver coexistence.

2026 Beaver Symposium Agenda

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

The Nonprofit Center, 41 Community Place, Crownsville MD

In-person and virtual option provided

Nita Settina, Center for Ecosystem Recovery
Scott McGill, Beaver Institute
Joshua Tabora, Furbearer Biologist, Wildlife & Heritage Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Dr. Matthew J. Cashman, Physical Scientist, United States Geological Survey
Earth System Processes Division
Dr. Sandra Clinton, University of North Carolina, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences
Erik Michelsen, Deputy Director, Bureau of Watershed Protection & Restoration & Senior Environmental Policy Officer
Mike Callahan, Founder, Beaver Solutions and the Beaver Institute
Erik Michelsen, Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection & Restoration (BWPR)
Sally Albright, BWPR, Living with Beavers, Outreach & Education
Ryan Rich, BWPR, New County Beaver Management and Procedures Manual
Tom Horton, author, journalist, environmentalist