The Beaver: The most powerful animal in the world

Michael Runtz, January 29 in Ivanhoe 
First in the 2015 Winter Speaker Series hosted by the Hastings Stewardship Council. 

The Beaver: the most powerful animal in the world – takes the first plunge in the 2015 Winter Speaker Series hosted by the Hastings Stewardship Council and sponsored by the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust. Join acclaimed naturalist, Michael Runtz, on January 29 in Ivanhoe for an entertaining and visually stunning presentation.

Beavers are known as either annoying pests or ecosystem heroes. Behind this dual reputation lies an animal that deserves more than just the status of “Canada’s National Animal.”  Beavers are relentless hydraulic engineers that benefit many animals, plants and humans. Michael Runtz will present insights and images of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitats, based largely on his soon-to-be-released book, Dam Builders: the natural history of beavers and their ponds.

Michael Runtz is one of Canada’s most highly respected naturalists, nature photographers, and natural history authors. As a professional naturalist in provincial and national parks, he is also a frequent guest on natural history television and radio programs.

Every year, over 2,000 people sign up for Michael’s Natural History course, televised from Carleton University. But nowhere does he feel more at home than in the natural world itself – howling with the elusive wolf, digging out salamanders from under rotting logs, or luring rutting moose with his skillful calls. In The Beaver: the most powerful animal in the world, Michael’s photographs disclose a world seldom seen: the intimate habitat of the beaver.

The Beaver: the most powerful animal in the world is on Thursday, January 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Huntingdon Veterans Community Hall on 11379 Highway 62 in Ivanhoe, Ontario, just north of the Ivanhoe cheese factory. An entrance fee of $5.00 will help cover costs; children are free. Refreshments will be provided.

The Hastings Stewardship Council promotes a healthy and sustainable environment that contributes to the viability of agricultural and natural resources in Hastings County. For more information, please contact Matt Caruana at 613-391-9034 or [email protected]. 

[Download press release here.]

Photo credit​s: Michael Runtz