Urban development often disrupts natural habitats, but thoughtful design can help wildlife thrive even in cities. Muskrats, semi-aquatic rodents vital to wetland ecosystems, can benefit from strategically designed outdoor seating in urban areas. Here’s how:

1. Incorporate Water Features: Muskrats need access to water. Benches or seating near ponds, canals, or artificial wetlands provide resting spots for humans while creating safe corridors for muskrats to move and forage.

2. Use Natural Materials: Wooden or stone seating blends into the environment and can double as shelter. Hollow spaces beneath benches can mimic burrows, offering refuge.

3. Plant Native Vegetation: Surround seating with native plants like cattails and bulrushes, which muskrats eat and use for building dens. This also enhances the area’s aesthetic appeal.

4. Minimize Disturbance: Place seating away from high-traffic zones to reduce noise and human interference, allowing muskrats to feel secure.

5. Educational Signage: Inform the public about muskrats’ ecological role, fostering coexistence and reducing harmful interactions.

By integrating these elements, cities can create outdoor spaces that support both people and wildlife, turning urban areas into hubs for biodiversity.