Radiolab for Kids The Builders: How Beavers Mend Our Planet
Sep 18, 2025
Ana González, the producer who brilliantly narrates the tale of Jose the beaver, dives into the incredible impact beavers have on our planet. Discover how Jose and his kin transformed the Bronx River from a polluted waterway into a thriving ecosystem. Hear laughable tales of the U.S. government parachuting beavers into mountains and learn how these furry engineers create wetlands that help fight wildfires. This engaging discussion uncovers the life-saving and environment-mending talents of beavers, making them unsung heroes of nature!
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Beavers Reshape Ecosystems Rapidly
- Beavers transform streams into ponds by building dams, changing water dynamics and habitat structure.
- Those ponds create conditions that support richer plant and animal communities quickly within months.
Jose: A Beaver Returns To The Bronx
- The Bronx River was once an 'open sewer' that locals and volunteers cleaned starting around 1970.
- After restoration efforts, a beaver named Jose returned, signaling the river's recovery and inspiring local pride.
Dams Clean Water And Boost Biodiversity
- Beaver dams filter pollutants and trap agricultural chemicals in sediments, improving downstream water quality.
- They also cool local air, enrich soils, and create habitat that attracts fish, birds, and other wildlife.
