As part of the South Eifel Nature Park Academy, a guided beaver excursion will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Irsental. The start is at 10:00 AM, and the end is around 12:30 PM.
There are parking options at the campsite by the reservoir in Irsental; this is also the meeting point.

A short introduction with visual materials (including a specimen) will open the excursion and explain the key terms. Afterwards, we will head into the field: Together with beaver expert Markus Thies, we will discover typical signs of beavers – for example, the beaver lodge, feeding traces, and indications of where water has been dammed or a stream has been altered. We will also discuss the role of the beaver in the nature park, its presence in Rhineland-Palatinate and Germany, as well as how Canadian and Elbe beavers differ. The focus will be on examining from multiple perspectives: Only when water dynamics, the lifestyle of the beaver as an "ecosystem engineer," and human needs are considered together does a more complete picture emerge – as a foundation for understanding and promoting the balance between humans and the environment in the nature park.

Contents:

• The beaver in Irsental: lifestyle and habitat
• Beavers in Rhineland-Palatinate and Germany
• Canadian beavers and European beavers: classification and differences
• Construction style, beaver lodge, dam water, and their ecological impact
• Reading traces: feeding traces, dams, activity areas

Schedule:

• Introduction of the beaver (with specimen as a visual object)
• Excursion in the field around the reservoir: observing and interpreting beaver lodges and clear beaver traces

Note: Sightings of a beaver are rare – the focus is on traces and habitat structures.

Meeting point: Meeting point/Parking in front of the campsite at Irsentalpark / reservoir in Irsental, MAPS location

Registration required

Registration period: February 23, 2026, to March 20, 2026 (Shortened registration and payment period due to the Easter holidays, please settle invoices by March 27.)

Important notes:

• Please bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
• The excursion takes place in the field; the circular path around the reservoir is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
• The event may be canceled at short notice in case of bad weather. 

Speaker: Markus Thies, beaver expert, NABU South Eifel

Responsible / Contact: BNE - Specialist Bo Raber - raber@naturpark-suedeifel.de

(Original text: Nature Park Association South Eifel)