Learn about beavers at Hardware Wildlife Education Center exhibit during March

Hyrum — Beavers spend a significant amount of time and effort building a nice home, and in the process, they create river habitats that benefit countless other wildlife species. Talk about a great neighbor!

This month, you can learn all about the largest rodent in North America and enjoy a few family-friendly activities by visiting the free exhibit at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' Hardware Wildlife Education Center. Starting March 7, the beaver exhibit will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 30. You can tour the exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each of those days.

In addition to learning about these fascinating animals while touring the education center, you can also stand outside and see how beavers have altered Curtis Creek, which flows just west of the center.

"Beavers have built multiple dams along that portion of the creek," Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hardware Wildlife Education Center Director Marni Lee said. "The dams have altered the way the creek flows through the area and have created great riparian habitat that benefits all kinds of wildlife. Our staff can point all of this out to you from our elevated spot above the creek to help you see real-world examples of the benefits of beavers."

During March, fun games and crafts will also be available at the education center, including:

• Transforming into a beaver using a variety of props.
• Making a beaver mask.
• Hearing a beaver story, which is read on the hour.

The education center is located at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area in beautiful Blacksmith Fork Canyon, 15 miles east of Hyrum on state Route 101. The education center is typically open seasonally, and is best known for the unique elk viewing opportunities it offers in the winter.

Visitors to the exhibit will likely also see wild turkeys flocking to the meadows just below the center, and you can also fish in the Blacksmith Fork River that flows down the canyon.

For more information about the exhibit or for directions to the education center, call the education center at 435-753-6206.