SEMI-AQUATIC RODENTS PEACEFULLY COEXIST WITH MARY LAKE RESIDENTS
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
September 1st, 2008
Mary Lake Beaver Den
Late last century, Mary Lake, in a popular West Redding neighborhood, saw rodents take up residence in the 17-acre pond. Beavers, as they are commonly called, immediately went to work building their den (left). This involved a lot of gnawing through oaks, cottonwoods and willows that line the perimeter of the man-made lake. Initially, City of Redding parks department employees considered exterminating the varmints in an effort to protect the remaining trees. This idea was met with a thumbs down by Mary Lake residents, instead asking the city to explore ways to allow the new residents to peacefully coexist in this lovely park. (Visit Mary Lake Virtual tour:) http://vt.realbiz360.com/MLS-62708.html
The city heeded the citizens request and developed a management strategy to accommodate the beaver family. Trees needing protection from the sharp teeth of the beavers
Beaver gnaw marks show on native oak
were encased in mesh making them unpalatable to the gnawing critters. For safety’s sake, an effort was made to clean out the dead and dying trees already girdled by the busy beavers. City crews periodically remove the beaver dam that is built across the concrete spillway at the east end of the earthen Mary Lake dam.
A covey of quail strolling along the trail...
My family has enjoyed watching the beavers frolic playfully after the sun goes down. One future casualty of the beavers activities is a stout live oak tree trunk (above) on the lake’s west side that they have been chewing away. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, this tree will fall away from the lake and may be of little use in the beaver’s future construction projects.
A peaceful path awaits....
My wife and I also spotted a river otter last spring feasting on a large bass (at least a foot long, REALLY!) while we were walking near the spillway one afternoon. Turtles, waterfowl and frogs also call the lake home.
The lake is popular with anglers, kayakers, bird watchers and walkers. It also is a great starting point for mountain bikers accessing the maze of trails that make up the Westside Trail system in the hills above Mary Lake.
Contact me if I can help you find a home in Mary Lake subdivision. I have lived and sold homes here for more than 25 years.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
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