Beaver fever Martinez festival honors legacy of river rodents that put downtown on map

Martinez commemorates its beaver heritage at the Beaver Festival XVI, which takes place on Saturday in Susana Park. The event celebrates the beavers that made headlines nearly two decades ago for their dam and lodge on Alhambra Creek. Heidi Perryman, founder of Worth a Dam, highlights the community's connection to these animals, emphasizing their role in raising awareness. The beaver family produced 27 kits during their stay, but their mysterious departure raises questions, with drought potentially impacting their habitat. Perryman reports occasional sightings of their descendants near the old creek home.

Activities at the festival include a beaver trading card swap meet and educational nature exhibits, focusing on the ecological importance of beaver ponds. The festival aims to foster community engagement and appreciation for local wildlife. Martinez's celebration reflects the town's unique relationship with its beaver population.