parks
What can humans learn from beavers when it comes to drought-proofing the landscape?
By Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@postindependent.com at Aspen Times
· June 20, 2026
· 1 min read
Amid a field of “zombie willows” in the Kawuneeche Valley within Rocky Mountain National Park, researchers and water providers are taking lessons from nature’s ecosystem engineers to build drought resilience and restore wetlands.
“This valley was once a really significant wetland in Colorado ...
Key takeaway “This valley was once a really significant wetland in Colorado ...
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's own experiences with drought and wetland restoration can inform the efforts underway in the Kawuneeche Valley. The Roaring Fork Valley's ecosystem, similar to the Kawuneeche Valley, relies on healthy wetlands to maintain water quality and drought resilience. Beaver populations play a crucial role in shaping these ecosystems, and their decline can have significant consequences. In Pitkin County, conservation efforts have focused on protecting and restoring wetlands along the Roaring Fork River, recognizing the importance of these areas as natural buffers against drought and flooding. The collaborative approach taken by the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative, involving multiple stakeholders and organizations, may serve as a model for similar restoration efforts in the Aspen area, where coordinated action among local governments, conservation groups, and water providers will be essential to building drought resilience and protecting the region's natural resources.
About this story
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Category: parks ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Amid a field of “zombie willows” in the Kawuneeche Valley within Rocky Mountain National Park, researchers and water providers are taking lessons from nature’s ecosystem engineers to build drought resilience and restore wetlands.
“This valley was once a really significant wetland in Colorado ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@postindependent.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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