The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Hardware Wildlife Education Center is hosting a free, family-friendly exhibit throughout March focused on the American beaver — the largest rodent in North America and a species known for its remarkable ability to reshape landscapes.

The exhibit opens Friday, March 6, and will be available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Visitors will learn how beavers build dams, create wetlands and dramatically improve habitat for other wildlife species. Along with informational displays, guests will have the opportunity to see real-world examples of beaver activity just outside the education center.

Curtis Creek, which flows just west of the center, has been significantly altered by local beavers.

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

From the center’s vantage point, visitors can observe how the dams slow the flow of water, create ponds and expand wetland areas that support birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. The exhibit helps connect those visible changes to the broader ecological importance of beavers across Utah.

The March exhibit is designed to be especially engaging for families and children. Interactive activities include games and crafts that allow young visitors to “transform” into beavers using props, create their own beaver masks and participate in an interactive beaver story read at the top of each hour.

The Hardware Wildlife Education Center is located within the Hardware Wildlife Management Area, about 15 miles east of Hyrum on state Route 101 in scenic Blacksmith Fork Canyon. The center operates seasonally and is widely known for its winter elk-viewing opportunities, when hundreds of elk gather in the area.

While visiting the beaver exhibit, guests may also spot wild turkeys gathering in the meadows below the center. The nearby Blacksmith Fork River also offers excellent fishing opportunities, making the trip an ideal outing for families looking to combine education and outdoor recreation.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources encourages visitors to take advantage of the limited-time exhibit and learn more about how beavers contribute to healthy ecosystems across the state.

For additional information about the exhibit or for directions to the Hardware Wildlife Education Center, call 435-753-6206.