Imagine what your favorite local river or stream might have looked like 200 years ago. There were no railroads, no cars whizzing by; the river may have sprawled across a wide area, with branching channels weaving in every direction. Cottonwoods and willows likely expanded as far as the eye could see.
In fact, when Lewis and Clark encountered the East Gallatin in 1806, they were so overwhelmed by the vast maze of channels, wetlands, and vegetation they had to abandon their canoes entirely. Among the many wildlife species that inhabited this vibrant landscape, one stands out for playing a crucial role in shaping the environment: the beaver.