Some of the wildlife of Roxborough and Manayunk

The beaver was virtually wiped out in the early 19th century by trappers sending furs back to Europe. Starting in the last couple of years they have returned to the lower Schuylkill, to a certain amount of frustration of folks who have not had to deal with them in the past.  

Research shows their environmental value and we are now trying to figure out how we can all co-exist together. They enhance our wetland areas particularly making those areas more attractive for a wide range of other plant material and wildlife.

In an area that was environmentally devastated, by industry, on a river that by the 1940s, was considered one of the most ecologically damaged rivers, by coal mining up river, we see a rebirth.  

In our urban area, we now see deer, fox, muskrat, fish and a wealth of birds. Most recently the beaver have returned, and we have to now think about how we will now co-exist.