The Martinez beavers are a family of North American beavers living in Alhambra Creek in downtown Martinez, California. Best known as the longtime home of famed 19th/20th-century naturalist John Muir, Martinez has become a national example of urban stream restoration utilizing beavers as ecosystem engineers. In late 2006, a male and female beaver arrived in Alhambra Creek, proceeding to produce 4 kits over the course of the summer. After a decision by the City of Martinez to exterminate the beavers, local conservationists formed an organization called Worth a Dam and as a result of their activism, the decision was overturned. Subsequently, wildlife populations have increased in diversity along the Alhambra Creek watershed, most likely due to the dams maintained by the beavers. Alhambra Creek In late 2006, Alhambra Creek, which runs through the city of Martinez, was adopted by two beavers. The beavers built a dam 30 feet wide and at one time 6 feet high, and chewed through half the willows and other creekside landscaping the city planted as part of its 9.7 million 1999 flood-improvement project (after a flood in 1997). In November 2007, the city declared that the risk of flooding from the dam necessitated removal of the beavers. Since the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) does not allow relocation, extermination was the only solution. Residents voiced objections, prompting a beaver vigil and rally, as well as local media interest. Within three days of the announcement of the decision to exterminate the beavers, downtown Martinez was invaded by news cameras and curious spectators. Because of the public outcry, the city obtained an exception from DFG, who pledged to pay for their successful relocation. This 11th-hour decision relieved much of the tension, but residents continued to press the city to allow the beavers to stay. In a heavily-attended city council meeting, the city was alternately praised for gaining the DFG exception and chided for not researching effective flood control measures. Concerns of downtown shopkeepers were raised, but strategies for flow management were mentioned by most. Offers of help came from the Sierra Club, the Humane Society, the Superintendent of schools and many private residents. After this meeting, Mayor Robert Schroder formed a subcommittee dedicated to the beavers. The city hired Skip Lisle of Beaver Deceivers in Vermont to install a flow device. Resolution included installing a pipe through the beaver dam so that the pond's water