By Lily Gordon, Program Coordinator

A crowd of guests was at the edge of their seats as Jane Newhouse walked over to unlock the crate. Among the crowd was a veiled bride-to-be with her bachelorette party and a woman wearing a birthday crown, both choosing to spend their special days at Nature Linc. But what could be so special about this particular event?

Out of the crate poked a furry brown snout, sniffing curiously around at its fan club. This was the snout of a beaver, but not just any beaver: Nibi the beaver is quite famous. Rescued by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue as a tiny baby found outside a lodge, Nibi became deeply habituated to humans to the point where she refused to be around other beavers. Her cuteness and her “diva” personality went viral, to the point where fans made a petition against Mass Wildlife when they tried to insist that Nibi be released. Newhouse Wildlife caretakers knew that Nibi was not going to be able to survive on her own in the wild. Then, believe it or not, Gov. Maura Healey got involved, using her authority to grant Nibi the right to stay with her human caretakers. Jane Newhouse, the president of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, now takes Nibi around to different events to raise awareness about the importance of beavers and wildlife rehabilitation in general.

Nature Linc was lucky to host one of these events. Nibi’s unlikely story had captured the imagination of the crowd in attendance, and they exclaimed with delight as they watched Nibi feast on a platter of avocado, lettuce, and grapes. Jane Newhouse answered questions about Nibi and what it is like to take care of her. Each person then got to take a professional photo with Nibi as a memento of meeting this celebrity beaver.

This beaver meet and greet is one of many exciting community events that Nature Linc is hosting in the next several months. On December 6th, artistically curious folks can come to FNL for a beginner-friendly linocut print-making workshop. Participants will get to carve their own nature design stamp and print a set of cards to take home! Later in the month, on December 20th, you can celebrate the Winter Solstice with a mindful walk led by Brandon Tolentino-Serrano, who will also teach you to make beautiful lanterns out of recycled materials. In the first few months of 2026, we’ll be hosting a fairy house building workshop, a full moon walk, and a Trivia Night at Aeronaut Brewing Company!

Nibi the Beaver and Upcoming Events!

By Lily Gordon, Program Coordinator