What Canadian animal was most popular during the late 1600’s and early 1700’s? The beaver! The English, the French, the Hudson’s Bay Company, Sir William Alexander and many others once honoured the beaver. Even the Canadian government was a fan. The beaver attained official status as an emblem of Canada when an "act toprovide for the recognition of the beaver (castor canadensis) as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada" received royal assent on March 24, 1975.

Fast forward to 2010: the beaver that was once honoured by many is now hated by many. Some perceive the beaver as an environmental menace because of the tree damage and flooding it can cause. However, others are trying to renew respect for the beaver and bring awareness to its importance in our environment. Lavarius is one of these advocates.

He is bringing awareness to the beaver through his art work. He became interested in the beaver when he noticed previous beaver damage, but no beavers at one of his favourite Etobicoke parks. In fact, there had been no beavers in the park for several years. He was curious as to what was causing the beavers to move in. This curiosity fuelled his ongoing interest in beavers.

He respects beavers because they have built the arteries of mother earth, that is to say, its waterways. He is saddened due to urban development and its destruction of mother earth’s arteries. The hate people have towards beavers concerns him. He realizes beavers cause damage to trees, but he has found a solution to the problem. He envisions a Feed Your Local Beaver program established everywhere where there are beavers.

The Feed Your Local Beaver program entails the public or city providing wood to the beaver. For example, when the city or members of the public cut down trees, the wood could be provided to beavers. This would stop the beaver from damaging trees in its surrounding environment. He has been in talks with the Toronto and Region Conservation to find out how he can bring his vision to life.

Along with his respect for the beaver and innovative visions, he has many of his own theories of how the beaver helps our lakes and waters. For example, he believes the beaver controls and helps contribute to the ph levels in our waters. He explains his theory using examples of how the pond is like a brewing tea, how the beaver dams keep the brew, and how the

beaver is like an alchemist, but you would have to sit down with him to fully understand his theory. He has so many thoughts, explanations, concepts, and stories to share when discussing the beaver, that you need to meet him and just have a talk with him.

About the Forces of Nature Art Show

Come out to the Public Butter on February 26, National Beaver Day and talk to Lavarius about the beaver. You can also see his art work and how he brings awareness to the beaver through his art work. The Public Butter’s website is, www.thepublicbutter.com. Be a proud Canadian and support your beaver!