For years, I’ve journeyed to Beaver Marsh in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, camera in hand, hoping to capture the elusive beaver. Though I have frequently failed in my mission, I have never failed in the experience. Beaver Marsh has become my sanctuary, a place to escape the daily grind and reconnect with nature.
It’s more than just a natural haven; it’s a place where I feel a deeper connection to humanity. The raised boardwalk, a section of the Towpath Trail, cuts through the heart of the marsh. Despite the constant flow of joggers, cyclists, birders, and photographers, the wildlife seems at ease. There’s a shared sense of appreciation for nature, a quiet understanding that binds everyone, including the wildlife together.
The changing seasons paint a vibrant picture. In spring, the marsh comes alive with turtles basking on sun-warmed logs. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Beaver Marsh in particular, hold a special place in my heart.
But back to the beavers. My quest to photograph them has been a lesson in patience. In 2024, it seemed my persistence finally paid off. My first encounter was fleeting, a mere wake as the beaver disappeared. The next time, it surfaced just ten feet away, offering only a glimpse of its back side before vanishing beneath the water.
Then, in September 2024, came the moment I’d been waiting for. The beaver swam directly toward me, as if acknowledging my presence, offering a series of stunning shots. As it moved through the vegetation, duckweed clung to its whiskers, and the ripples created by its movement magnified its snout, creating a truly captivating image. It then dived near its usual spot with a playful flick of its tail and final farewell, leaving me wanting more.
Recently, on a frigid February morning in 2025, a friend and I visited Beaver Marsh. Expecting to see only ice and snow, we were delighted to find the beaver munching on a branch along the shore. We enjoyed twenty minutes of peaceful solitude before it gracefully entered the water, swimming towards us before again diving beneath the ice, this time leaving me feeling both fulfilled and rejuvenated.
Beaver Marsh always has some magic up its boardwalk. If you have the capacity, you can support Cuyahoga Valley National Park through its Conservancy which strives to preserve and support the park with a variety of programs. You can can find upcoming events or contribute to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park at https//www.conservancyforcvnp.org/ or simply click on the “Home” link below:
