Swaner Preserve Beaver Dam Analogs

Take in views of East Canyon Creek and an ongoing stream restoration project on the Swaner Preserve: installation of beaver dam analogs (BDAs).

These human-made beaver dams mimic the ecological benefits of beaver by cooling and maintaining streamflow through dry summer months, creating habitat for dozens of species like the native Bonneville cutthroat trout, helping the watershed adapt to a changing climate, and sequestering carbon. Learn more about this research on the Swaner Preserve website here. Along with BDAs, Swaner staff and volunteers plant hundreds of willows and other woody vegetation along the banks of East Canyon Creek each year to improve shading and habitat along the riparian area.

This Chronolog is located approximately 0.4 miles from the Spring Creek Trailhead along a singletrack packed dirt and rock trail open to hikers and mountain bikers. Immediately behind the Chronolog is a bench and switchback. Trail maps for the surrounding area can be found here.